MacMole Triumph this time

A grey overcast day was not going to dampen the Christmas spirit. Both teams were in a festive mood and the wind of change was blowing gently from the West. The much coveted MacMole trophy was looking resplendent in the dugout and with the pleasantries dealt with, the teams separated and let battle commence.
Whilst both teams had limited practice, the standard of the opening exchanges was remarkably good. The Valence front line threatened, but the mix of experience and more experience in the MM back line was up to the task of snuffing out the attacks.
MacMole pushed forward too. Sonic tried forcing it down the right, with little success. Clayton and Rob Bray pulled the strings at the back for MacMole, turning defence into attack, unleashing Andy Turnill and James Padwick to cause the All Stars defence problems. Indeed, it was MacMole who struck first, when a hopeful and lucky duff forward from Sonic, founds its way to Fred who supplied James Padwick. 1 : Nil MacMole.
As the long half continued, so did the MacMole dominance. Victory for the ‘festival’ side in blue had not been tasted for a while, so there was serious desire to maintain the lead. Finding success out wide, Macmole continued to push and created a number of short corners. Again, Padwick capitalised. 2 : Nil.
Half time saw the usual, high performance refreshments of Old Speckled Hen and Carlsberg.
Suitably rehydrated the second half got underway. The Valence team had obviously had the hairdryer treatment in the break and attacked with renewed gusto. Dan Brooks, forcing the ball forward to try and supply the All Star forwards. Louis and Henry Robinson dribbled the ball forward with varying success. (Would it be unfair to suggest that the latter had a touch of the Andy ‘Rhino’ Delvin of 15 years ago)? MacMole continued to break down All Star attacks and launch counter attacks of their own, from one of which they won a short corner. The initial shot was blocked but Fred McV managed a deflection, from a tight angle, under All Star keeper and Captain, Stewart Young, to score MacMole's third goal! 3 : 0 MacMole. The McVarish family then combined to supply the younger McV, Angus, who slotted past Young. 4 : Nil MacMole.
Pulling themselves together, Valence All Stars attacked and forced a short corner. A MacMole stick deflected the ball into the net. 3-1.
With the clock running down and a certain festival spirit in the air, there was a feeling that something magical could happen. Clayton played the aerial out of defence, DT started his ‘run’, Andy Turnill picked up the ball and headed for the baseline, as he glanced up to make the pass, expecting to see Paddy, alas it was DT, front and centre. Not finding himself in that position more often than once every other season it is not entirely surprising that DT made a complete hash of it, and he did. Open goal beckoning and he fluffed his lines. Nose bleed stemmed DT headed back to the defensive line where he shall stay until at least late 2020.
The match played out with Robbie Bray dribbling round all 21 other players on the pitch, before passing to Fred McV, who got immediately tackled.
Both teams retired to the Queen’s Head for a sherry, plate of Chilli and festive banter.

MOM: Andrew McVarish
Combative Award: Rob Bray
Scorers: MacMole - James Padwick (2); Fred McVarish; Angus McVarish
SV – Alex Stamp
Green Cards 0
Yellow Cards 0
Red Cards 0

Former Captain Fantastic Sonic gave the following statement after the game, “I always bang on about being
broke, but don’t panic, I have the Florida trip booked for 2019. As for today I made at least one good pass”.

Teams:
MacMole: Andrew McVarish, Fred McVarish, Charlotte McVarish, Angus McVarish, Emma Coyle, Andrew Lee, Rob Bray, Finlay Wishart, Richard Turnill, Clayton Pohio, James Padwick, Andrew Turnill,

SV All Stars: Stewart Young, Henry Robinson, Louis Robinson, Russell Blanchard, Tom Bartlett, Bob Bartlett, Dan Brooks, Alex Stamp, Chris Sheldon, Andrew Wishart, Darren Thompson, Jack Davies, Ed Twin
Umpires – Ryan Robinson, Rob Harrison

Next Game: TBC December 2019

Match Report by Richard Turnill