Reds more optimistic after second win
PFFC 1 – Deptford 3FC 2 – Strategic Optimists 2
Going into the game, PFFC were on a roll. Early season stutters had turned around after Christmas, with a win in January and a tight tight draw in February, which boded well for today's game.
An early morning cry-off from our 'Cantonaesque' midfielder Alex meant we went into the game with no sub, our youngest PFFC recruit, Alfie (12), preferring to rest himself for the cricket nets later that afternoon. This left stalwarts Michele, Ally, Colin, Billy and myself as the quintet to take on Deptford and those loveable rogues, Strategic Optimists. I was in good mood and feeling positive as I had just celebrated my birthday – although throwing oneself around a public park on a Sunday afternoon isn't necessarily the best way to welcome in your 52nd year!
The first third was cagey – very very cagey – with little attacking edge from either side. The first third ended with the score at PFFC 0 – Strategic Optimists 0 – Deptford 1. Both Optimists and Deptford decided that we were public enemy number 1 and teamed up to attack our onion bag relentlessly in the second third; however, a neat break led to Deptford conceding again, and we managed to squeeze one past the Optimists before they in turn blasted one – 'luckily' as Filippo would say – past me to leave the second third evenly poised at PFFC 1 – Strategic Optimists 1 – Deptford 2.
The final third turned into a real scrap, our depleted squad's energies being sapped and us often resorting to Cornish Al's cry of 'get rid!' in defence. Billy worked tirelessly upfront, forever probing and hunting for gaps in either opposition's defence. A rasping shot was well turned over by the Deptford keeper and a chorus of 'Ooh's resounded from our assembled fans (Colin's wife, Liz, son, Jack, and Alfie). Colin and Ally had a stormer in the midfield, snuffing out the combined forces of Deptford and SO as they began to pry for any cracks in our defence areas. In defence itself, Michele was calmness personified and had his best game in the red shirt, bringing to mind Booby Moore in his heyday, although Michele may prefer to be compared with Maldini.
With the clock drifting into time added on, Philosophy won a free kick facing the Optimists goal. Ally stepped up and, with the precision of a watchmaker adding the final cog, placed the ball into the top of their net ... the whoops of joy could be heard as far afield as Hither Green. Then the full-time whistle blew and PFFC emerged triumphant again. An excellent game, once again played with fine spirit from all concerned.
With three games to go, it's now becoming really tight at the top, with New Cross winning on the opposite pitch and both Strategic and Aethestico feeling they have a shout at winning the inaugural competition. Onwards to April folks ... up the meninred ...
PFFC: Rob the Cat; Michele, Colin, Billy; Alex.