Sunday 4th February 2024
Grange Park Rangers vs Ewell Vets
6-4 Loss
Team: Phil, JB, Del, James M, Matt R, Ben A, Sean, Manny, Steve S, Matt F, Rich
Subs: Andy, James F, Ben S
Match report author: Rich
As the clouds gathered over the picturesque White Knob Stadium, the pitch glistened with dew and the air was thick with anticipation for what was sure to be an exciting football match. However, as the players took to the field, it was evident that this was not your typical professional game.
The pitch, whilst looking green to the capacity crowd, was more akin to a local farm field, covered in thick mud, making it a challenging surface for even the most skilled players. And to make matters even more unconventional, there was no referee or linesmen in sight. This was clearly a Sunday league football match, filled with a mix of amateur and veteran players looking to showcase their skills and have some fun.
Among the sea of players, one player in particular stood out – Ben Spearings, with his brand new bright orange boots. They didn't even make the pitch though, as complaints of them being too tight meant a quick change of boots before being brought on.
It didn't take long for the first goal to come. Thimble, reminiscent of a young Michael Owen (even if I say so myself), made a lightning fast run from half way towards the box before pulling a left footed shot seemingly wide that somehow crept in the bottom corner, giving Ewell Vets a 1-0 lead.
But the game was far from over. Three quick goals from Grange Park turned the tables, and the injuries began to pile up, upsetting JB's pre-match tactical substitutions. However, just before halftime, Manni scored a sublime chip from outside the box, reminiscent of a certain famous goal by Zinedine Zidane. Half time, 3-2 to the hosts.
Wasteful finishing and poor decision making in the final third preceded two more goals from Grange Park - the experienced Phil the Enforcer seemed to be stuck in the mud, making it difficult for him to make his signature saves. Some hope came from a sliced shot that was nodded in by Matt R, before Grange Park held their ground and added another goal to their tally. The game was all but over. However, with the last kick of the game, Matt R managed to score a second goal for Ewell Vets, providing a small consolation for their valiant efforts.
The team tried to play their intricate football as much as possible but the conditions of the pitch made it very difficult, and there were some very heavy legs with all the additional weight of the mud trying to win possession back. On another day and another pitch, the result would be very different.