Say what you will about walking football and the meaning of life Eddie Floyd certainly knew a thing or two. His 1967 song co-written with legendary Stax recording artists Messrs's Cropper & Jackson could well be an anthem for our very existence So Wednesday night's Scouse-free Sutton session brought an end to another momentous week for SHWFC Monday's Over 60s Cup triumph locked away as things to savour for leaner times ahead We had the edifying sight of El Presidente and WFA Ref' Steve Pitt sharing a handshake and some jokes We learned some interesting insights on the true definition of the 'Tackle from behind' and made good friendships with our opponents 1874 Northwich
Wednesday evening's meagre attendance was exacerbated by a high number of injuries plus the distraction of European football as the Champions League nears the final 64 stages But we were able to welcome 2 new members with the debut of Chris Gourdjie and his Son Harrison 'Harry' a remarkable young man became the Club's first partially sighted player and that he's Glaswegian too added an unexpected international tone to the evening Full marks to all the players who coaxed and encouraged his efforts throughout the evening
The teams were put through their paces by Gaz and then assembled in a distinctly retro style
Dark Blue - Colin, Chopper, Chris Citeh Geoff, Joe the Ghost and Nigel
Orange - Gaz, Grav, Tony, Lee, Cockney Rebel and Harrison
Referee sporting a natty line in headwear (of course) Lord Rainford - good thinking on a warm and sunny evening
After a tentative opening the first meaningful effort on goal was a chance wasted by Joe the Ghost. His performance presented pundits with his full range of attributes at times mesmerising and other times baffling but always unpredictable He played to prove a point to the selectors and at times it was all too apparent Chris found the net on debut but was judged to be in the area by some margin The vocal support team mates all around the park was encouraging in the past it has been a failing that we don't talk enough during games Still it took 20 minutes until the deadlock was finally broken , with the Cockney Rebel retrieving a wild corner to set up Grav who picked his spot in the far corner 1-0 to Orange After that extended fallow period we hadn't long to wait for two mores goals with Lee doubling the lead (a goal of his own devices picking up in mid park and driving forward to score) before Colin set up the Ghost for his opener 2-1 to Orange and at last some goals to reward the effort to date lord Rainford blew a shrill blast on his Acme Thunderer to signal Half Time
Blues started the second stanza with a flourish Citeh Geoff picking up a loose clearance to fire home Orange were clearly stung by this and produced the best passage of play with some fine passing from Grav spotting the stealthy movement of Gaz who was able to sweetly turn and deflect the ball into the far corner of the Blue net 3-2 One questions how can a man 6 feet 3inches dressed in a figure hugging Orange bib steel into the space but I'm giving away the plot
Soon after Gaz proved he could be effective from distance too with a shot across the face of goal that nestled beyond the keeper's grasp 4-2 to Orange As the sunset beyond the far End and the temperature dipped significantly the Ghost pounced to evade and elude all defenders and claim his brace of goals 4-3 to Orange
Harrison had a decent chance to mark his debut with a goal but couldn't keep his shot down
Then Lee produced a decisive pass to set up the Cockney Rebel who claimed his 2nd goal of a memorable week 5-3 Ten minutes to play and a proper end to end period of play ended with Citeh Geoff celebrating his elevation to our Over 65s squad with his second goal of the night Swooping on a poor clearance he fired home off both posts his shot finally screwing off the second post to finish in 'the onion bag' 5-4 to Orange soon to be brought level by the Ghost who claimed the match ball with another close range effort
5-5 and all to play for and time fast running out Fittingly the winning goal followed a good save by Gaz who fed Grav who in turn found the Cockney Rebel who spotted Lee in acres of space Lee made no mistake to claim the winning goal and his brace 6-5 to Orange as in the words of Bill McLaren the whistle sounded 'for no side' and the end of an enjoyable session
The Boot Room was beset by anxious LFC supporters praying to the God of VAR but between all that there was some further talk about a possible summer excursion to Llandudno FC to play their Walking Football team The potential for a mid-week mini bus visit to play on their excellent 4G pitch in early afternoon followed by refreshments in the Club House and return journey in the early evening was discussed Anyone who might be interested please let a Committee member know
International Walking Football whatever next?
A reminder to all that as Ruskin will be closed on Monday for Easter the next session will be on Wednesday once more at Sutton
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