Poole Town 2 v 0 Winchester

Tonight was going to be a very different night – a sober one.

After all I didn’t need alcohol, it was the Prince versus the Pauper – top v bottom. Winchester reinforced this idea by turning out in sky blue T-Shirts with no names on them – thank goodness Primark was still open when they arrived.

 

How were we to know that this in fact was a cunning plan as no player could be properly booked (no numbers) and they were able to sneak extra players on to the field as they all looked the same…

Even the warm ups were different as Poole went through a thorough series of drills whereas Winchester turned up late and in the style of St Trinians, moped about until they were able to go back to the warmth of the changing rooms. If victory was defined by volume of the trainer, surely this game was in the bag

Poole started brightly when the ball found its way to the right to the open Kelly in the 2^nd minute and an audacious chip just went over the bar.

Play though was scrappy and both teams traded penalty shouts as the ball struck Walker clearly in the chest (not hand ball) and Charles fell over at the other end (Tom Daley-esque)

Devlin was now taking control of the midfield with his tenacious tackling and unfeasibly long hang time in the air for headers and had 2 efforts miss narrowly from long range.

On 30 minutes Walker transformed himself into a tank and whilst running up for a free kick pushed over a Winchester player then ran over him. He was on the edge now as it was so unnecessary and still a long way to go – yellow card

I almost missed the incident as I was passing around the “friends of Kelly” petition that I’d typed up.  Him having no friends on the team was the only reason I could think of why no-one would pass to him, despite him clearly having the run of the park on the right. Yes, I understand that Preston has pace on the left– but he didn’t have space.

Just because Burbidge wasn’t playing, doesn’t mean that the ball shouldn’t go right.

On 44 minutes , after a first half of almost constant Poole pressure with no goals, the ball finally made it to Kelly

“Yes” I thought, until he trod on the ball – maybe his team mates knew more than I did – but no, he doubled back, beat the defender and charged at the goal. His shot, from the right was powerful and accurate and the keeper did well to parry it away – straight to Byerley. He steadied himself and shot as if to break the net and I’m sure it did – if your goal was in Wimborne

0-0 at half time: sod this sobriety lark – it was cold and I needed a beer

The half time team talk was obviously worth its weight in gold as Preston had a shot saved on the line in the first 2 minutes but Winchester were still in it as their 6 (running joke)  ran through on 49 minutes and Hutchings made a great save to his right.

Although Poole were still the dominant side they still constantly ignored the easy ball to the wing and one such aimless ball was floated up to Charles on 58 minutes. A half hearted challenge with a defender, though, ricocheted in his favour and he ran though to slot home superbly: 1-0

Just 3 minutes later another long ball sent Preston running forward. It looked hopeless but his speed took him past the defender and he smashed the ball to the keeper’s left 2-0 – a great finish

This was game over now for Winchester as they resorted to kicking out to keep the score down. The only real fear Poole fans felt was when Taff attempted an overhead bicycle kick clearance in defence. I say fear, but it was more excitement for me, as I had him down for an age appropriate hip injury – but he defied all odds and carried on playing

There was still time for Byerley  to strike the bar, with Kelly missing from close range from the resulting cross and for a free lick to strike the post but in fairness 2-0 was probably a true reflection of the play

Summary – Good enough to win – but not good enough to be in the next league. Plus, Poole should kiss and make up with Kelly and give him the ball more

MOM – Man of the Match – Devlin –superb in the middle (closely followed by Jacob Cane)

MOM – Moaner of the Match – Byerley – I especially enjoyed how his voice breaks like a 14 year old girl who has just spilled her nail varnish with every “injustice” encountered