Gossip Corner

November 2007

Football Fun.

It would be fair to say that Leech and Co’s football team have enjoyed mixed fortunes in their football games over the last year. Actually, mixed is over-generous: bad would fit the bill more accurately. A 4-2 defeat against Norwich Union for an experimental line-up was then followed by a 7-0 thrashing from Donns LLP. The Leech Boys then somehow threw away a 3-0 lead in the re-match against Norwich Union to record a 3-3 draw [NB K. Rafiq wishes the record to show that he scored a 35 yard ‘wondergoal’ (his words) in that game.]

Leech & Co’s 1 st (and only) XI faced up against Sage Ltd in their latest challenge, on 22 October 2007, which took place on Astroturf under the floodlights in Prestwich. On a bitterly cold evening, only 2 fans showed up; your poor cold injured writer, and a lovely big dog.

There was some confusion as the players waited anxiously for the arrival of John Bush. News trickled through that he had sadly suffered a petrol station mishap, and would be forced spend the evening with the RAC. Shaken, Leech’s Boys turned their attention on the matter in hand. There was a steely resolve to right past wrongs, worrying in it’s intensity.

Particular changing room highlights were James Pinder’s constant harping about his choice of footwear for the evening, K Rafiq’s choice of home-made shorts, and Andrew McVerry’s ‘rude-boy’ warm-up attire. Christian Potter put on his game-face, and went round snarling and barking at everyone, even old ladies.

As the players and locals milled around, waiting for the under-7’s game to finish, it transpired that something had gone awry. Both teams had brought a squad for the 11 a-side game, but Sage’s representative had somehow managed to book only a third of a pitch! Confusion once again took over, before it was agreed that the match should proceed as an 8-a-side game instead.

Neil Golbourn was called into action almost instantly, making a few outstanding stops in the opening exchanges. Leech & Co’s men got into the swing of things, stringing together some delightful moves. K. Rafiq was at the heart of all the action, running his pretty little socks off. One memorable move was almost finished off by Stephen Whiteside, but his shot unfortunately cannoned off the upright. Leech & Co’s men were playing all the football, but struggled to apply the finishes that their flowing moves deserved. Sage were deadly in front of goal, and finished the 1 st half 4 goals to the good. Kudos to their man-mountain of a striker who displayed admirable footwork, and their excellent goal-keeper.

Your esteemed writer then moved his attention from smoking and moaning, to making substitutions. Basil Brown’s emphatic finishing seemed to galvanise the team. Dan Hammond decided it was time for his magic feet to do some talking, and scored one glorious back-heel.

The game ebbed and flowed during a pulsating second-half, with positions forgotten as Leech’s clawed their way back into the game, sort of like angry wolves. Andrews McVerry and Wild were the very embodiment of stubbornness with some hefty tackles. The whole squad had a part to play, with James Pinder popping up at left back! Shock upon shock. The game somehow ended up level after about 90 minutes or so.

Everyone was tiring rapidly so it was decided that the game would end in time-honoured fashion: NEXT GOAL WINS! The tension was palpable, as both teams feared the knock-out blow. Then, the moment came. Time quite literally stood still as Basil Brown steadied his tired old legs and thrashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. SUCCESS! Finally.

It did look like he had used his hand to control the ball in the build-up to his shot, but no-one really cared, as it was very cold indeed.

Thanks go to Sage for a great game, played in the right spirit, and I’m sure they would love a re-match.

For the first time this year, Leech & Co XI could sleep easy.

Sadly there were no photos, but ladies, there will be treat next month, as your lovely writer will take a camera to Leech’s next game. This is supposedly against Fentons, though Andrew McVerry is failing quite spectacularly to organise said game.

LINE-UP: N. Golbourn, A McVerry, C Potter, B Brown, A Smailes, A Wild, K Rafiq, J Pinder, D Hammond, C Cassidy, S Whiteside, T Phillips

Cheerleader tryouts will be held over the next few weeks. I will keep you posted.