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Venue: Barn Elms
Kick Off: 2.30pm
Man of the Match: Russell Stinson
Score 8-1
John
Leslie (8)
Jim
McPherson (9)
Kevin Ford
(8.75)
Rob Ruth (9) Leon Ashford (8.75)
Leigh
Everett (9.25)
Adam Pomaro (8.75) Al
Harper(9)
Russell Stinson (9.75)
Grant Ross
(9)
Bryn Thomas (9)
Subs:
Mark Grice (8.75) for Leon
Dave Drysdale (8.75) for Bryn
Elliot for Leigh (9)
Attendees:
Rosie Bernie; John Stevenson; David Lawlor, Luke
Pomaro and the Thomas family
Overview:
This match was clouded by two events. The first and
most serious was the injury and departure of brave Bryn Thomas. Our
continued best wishes are extended to him and his family. Secondly the
refereeing debacle was and is simply unacceptable.
Their team was a genuine combination of the two
previous EIRE teams, this meant there was a mixture of youth and
experience, but very little spirit. We were clearly up for this game,
with the welcome return of a number of players. Early on Leigh Everett
showed his intent by running past their left back at will. The pressure
told when Adam took yet another corner crossing as Leigh rose to header
home. 1-0 to Hibs. Next up was a similar effort from Grant Ross, whose
pace was causing the ageing EIRE defence all sorts of problems. EIRE
were effectively finished after this 2nd, in my 7 years with
the team I have never played an EIRE team with so little fight about
them – Astonishing.
What followed was not so much astonishing as a one
of piece of genius when Al Harper received the ball in the left midfield
position and lobbed the goalie from 45 yards. This was superb and is the
early leader for goal of the season. This was then followed by another
Grant Goal to make it 4-0 at half time. In the first half Bryn was
involved in couple of hard physical challenges and retired seemingly
winded from the pitch, I even rubbed his back and told him he promised
me a Hatrick. Bryn was in distress and fortunately his parents and
girlfriend were there to order an ambulance to have him taken to
Hospital where early attention averted his Death. Shocking!!
Second Half
One of Leigh Everett’s friends had rocked up and
was drafted in as Referee, the stick he was getting from the EIRE
manager meant that I had to go on as sub ref to settle things down.
I will have more to say on this later, what this did do was
release Elliot to play for us with Leigh coming off
The pitch had cut up so badly at this point it was
amazing that we could still play our slick football. But Russell scored
another 35-yard lob this time, Dave Drysdale should’ve scored a barrow
load but had to content himself with one. Billy Elliot again in a
well-worked move slipped a simple ball passed their gallant keeper. This
was then followed by Elliot again causing havoc resulting in an OG.
Summary:
The defence was glorious, with John having little
to do; their goal is of no interest to me. The back four were superb,
with Kev Ford getting the filthiest man of the match award, like a pig
in s***e, he loved it. Leon and Gricey swapped smoothly and added to our
all round strength. Rob and Jim were immense, both complimenting each
other and also taking the pressure of each other. I believe we now have
the best defence in the league.
In midfield Leigh Everett’s fitness is a positive
boon and should make Adam Pomaro stand up and take notice. Russell’s
running, passing and movement were not just good they were at times
sublime. Al Harper’s strike and increasing fitness give us added
dimensions in this area. Up Front Bryn was superb until his injury and
Grant along with David created so many chances it could’ve been double
figures had they put them away.
Well done boys, great result, especially when Bryn
is on the mend.
Kevin
El Presidente
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