Match Review: Casuals FC vs 1TM Latini FC

• DF David Phelps
• DF Frazer Young
• MD Will Patz
• ST Kazuki Sato-Brennan
• ST Andy Woodbridge
• -- Tom Lees
• -- Patrick McMullen
• -- Harry Blakey
• -- Lee Burgess
• -- Daniel Bennett
• -- Dan Munns

• MD Rich Simmonds
• ST Michael Blankson
• -- Tom Bennett
• -- Colin McAlpine

Casuals Match Report

First game back after the festive period and the Casuals crew dripped in from all over the globe and we just about managed to bring out a squad. This squad though consisted of Rich who still had the sh*ts from Goa, Tom Lees who had been almost killed by a spider (5 years ago), Andy had food poisoning lost 2kgs and then put 10kg back on even quicker, Pat had abused his ski poles so much he couldn’t walk backwards, Mikey came back a little heavier after feasting on Bratwurst and Leberkase for a couple of weeks and Will came back 5kg lighter making him now -10kg. We also welcomed back the Bennett brothers! One has 132 caps for Singapore the other has a little yellow car…both have decent size noses. We were ready! Latini were always going to be a tough task especially being the first game back – they like to keep the ball and dominate possession so we knew some running would be needed but we were still confident and we definitely owed them one after the first game. Game started reasonably well for us and surprisingly looked the fresher and fitter of the two. The midfield were on top and we were happy for Latini to play the nice football in their own half and when they got bored and hoofed it long the backline cleaned up well. Still wary of the lad up top who was a willing a runner but looked very isolated with his forward colleague more concerned with squealing for every tackle rather than look to attack and support. A half chance for Latini when we overplayed in the midfield however it was smartly saved by Harry who as usual was full of enthusiasm and excitement. First goal then came after a glorious ball in to the box by Andy, floated deliciously in to the ‘danger zone’ GK and CB miscommunicated for the CB to flick in for an own goal – not a lot he could do with such quality on the ball. It was a good competitive game up to this point but then the ref lost control, it was like Mike Dean managing a spurs vs Villa game. Andy got himself booked and rightly so but there were far worse challenges and one by JT was very cynical but the ref didn’t fancy doing much about it. Thanks Mike. HT 1-0 Chat at half time was to keep the ball a little better and for the midfield to try and push a little higher up the pitch to negate any loss of possession in dangerous areas. Andy got sent off for a second yellow within 10mins – something of which the ref was dying to do all game, ref said persistent fouling but 3 fouls isn’t what most would call persistent but Mike is Mike. As Andy walked off the #16 who wasn’t very pleasant all game, provided his thoughts on the red card assuming that Latini would now dominate with the man advantage. Whoops. The red card only galvanised us and we found a lot more space as Latini pressed a little more. Subs were made to freshen the side up and they worked a treat! TBennett came on after retiring 2 years ago to show that he’s still more than capable! He provided a much needed outlet and was a willing runner down the flanks and held the ball up superbly. Second goal came from a slide through ball by Tom to Lee who had the simple job of lifting it over the onrushing GK, 2-0 and 1 man down. Stop it. We looked good and under control and any half chances Latini had were snuffed out very quickly. Tom and now Mikey were not letting up on the backline and it wasn’t long until Casuals Legend Tom got on the scores, bursting past a couple of flat footed defenders and then firing across the GK to make it 3-1, with 1 man down! Latini got one back at the death when Mikey was gave up chasing back and the striker with the 90s style highlights slotted away nicely to Harrys left to make it 3-0. Tidy finish. A late handbag session when the Latini striker and Mikey collided, from the bench it looked a heavy but fair challenge and not really a yellow although Mikeys reaction probably wasn’t warranted and both ended up with a yellow. Mikey was keen to show off his 1mm scar after the game – best of luck with the recovery. A good win especially with 10men and Mike Dean in the middle. Young Kaz will now be out for a few months after a late challenge causing him to fall awkwardly dislocating his shoulder and tearing his ligaments. Speedy recovery mate!

• Pete O'Brien GK
• Andrew Mollitt DF
• Jamie Townsend MD
• Luke Townsend ST
• John O'Neill --
• Jonathan Talbot --
• Darren Wareing --
• Mark Raven --
• Lewis Wood --
• Graham Bignell --
• Mathieu Harding --

• Jonathan Baker DF
• Lee Bradshaw DF
• Ben Morley --
• Tom Beattie --
• Ruben Haagensen --

Holiday Hangover

Holidays over. Latini back in action hoping to continue their good form prior to the Xmas break. Unsurprisingly the demand for medium shorts and shirts from the kit bag was down considerably from early December. 1st half had a real 1st game back about it. The only thing heavier than the Latini players seemed to be their touches, a lot of unforced errors resulted in a poor spectacle 1st half. Only real thing of note was the casuals goal, which was a comical own goal off Dazza’s newly shaven bonce (Dazza redeemed himself later with a spectacular touch not many Cosmo players would be capable of, well done Daz.) HT 1-0. 2nd half got off to the worst possible start as Casuals Andy W was sent walking for consistent fouling. Not an awful challenge but I guess he had been given a final warning earlier by the ref. In fairness the 1 man deficit didn’t seem to matter too much in the grand scheme of things. Latini did take control of the game in terms of possession but failed to unlock a stubborn Casuals defence. Casuals took a 2-0 lead through a simple route one goal then put the result beyond doubt when their fresh legged substitute scored a nice goal cutting in for the right. Beattie netted a consolation goal with a controlled finish after some good work by Duplo but it was too little too late. FT 3-1. Fair play to Casuals they scored at good times and punished Latini errors to take the 3 points. Latini will look to dust off the cobwebs and go again next week against the GAS. MOM Latini – Duplo MOM Casuals – Daniel Bennett Kit : - Lewis ‘Wildebeest’ Wood