Camden FC 2 - 2 Crayside Rangers
14 January 2007 - Report by Kirk Weyman
3 GOALS IN 2ND HALF STOPPAGE TIME???
Starting Lineup: Kev W, Little Dan Ahern, Ashley, Catty (Cpt), Ginge, Paulinho, Kirk Kaan, Chris, Benneth, American Dad. Subs: Leon von Burge, Gambler, Navy Neil, Mike, Matt/Sam.
It’s suits day!! Oh yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is the return of the much loved, much acclaimed, theme days for Camden FC (home games only). After many postponements, the day finally came but unfortunately it was to coincide with the retirement of the much loved Andrew “Dex” “Island in the Sun” “Love Rat” “Macca” McEniry. This was mainly due to back problems which had troubled the lad for some time. His own goals and 50p head will be sorely missed on a Sunday morning but he will continue to make guest appearances as a photographer and will join in with all the theme days, as well as continue the work on the world famous Camden FC website.
He has finally “Done enough for this team”. We salute you. Enjoy your retirement in Cuba.
The lads turned up on this January morning full of life after progressing to the next round of the cup the previous week. Avoiding defeat today would result in a 3 game unbeatenstretch – unheard of in these parts. Standing in the way of this was Crayside Rangers, who narrowly defeated the Camden in the reverse fixture earlier in the season (1-0). They were flying high and a win would see them go 3 points clear at the top of the table. It was going to be a stern test for the lads.
Everyone turned up in their usual dribs and drabs, most members wearing their Sunday Best. Even Chris wore a suit after strongly protesting against it at training on Thursday. The Greek has been informed that Benneth and Kaan were not looking their best after a night out at Up The Creek comedy club in celebration of Kirk’s birthday. They had to pull through the tiredness and soldier on as everyone knew it was going to be a tough game. Jamie let rip an absolute stonker in the changing room, which prompted everyone to depart out onto the pitch.
The boys did a little warm up, mostly consisting of crossing the ball into the box for Ashley to miss the target from 6 yards or less. There were then 2 dilemmas facing the team just before kick off. Matt had failed to produce his signing on photos and so was nearly omitted form the squad (until it was decided he could be Sam for the day), and there was no manager. Mark and Dave was both AWOL so Chris’ dad, Jim, stepped up tothe helm with assistance from Ginge.
The team pretty much picked itself from last week (Paul replacing the absent Laul) so the Caretaker Manager didn’t ruffle any feathers with his first line up. Catty went up for the usual captain stuff whilst the players got ready for kick off. The decision for ends wasn’t too essential on this occasion as there wasn’t any wind and the pitch was horrible and bobbly everywhere with the mud being very thick not helping.
The home side kicked off the match and the ball was passed back to Kirk. He proceeded to get the ball stuck under his feet and played a horrendous pass, a sign to not hang about with the ball in the middle of the pitch. The first 15 minutes were reasonably quiet with a few half chances for both sides as the teams got to grips with the dodgy surface. About 20 minutes into the game a ball was played through the Crayside defence. It seemed to be going to Chris but as he was coming from an offside position he didn’t attempt to play the ball and it slid through to, the onside, Ben. Ben then ran towards goal, rounded the keeper and tucked it away to give the Camden the lead. 1-0.
Crayside were absolutely livid with this decision and they surrounded the ref. Thelinesman had flagged for offside but the ref decided that Chris wasn’t interfering with play. Crayside disputed this as they felt that the ball went through his legs and so he was involved in the move, albeit not touching the ball. A contentious decision, which could easily have gone the other way.
The way side was all fired up from this and attacked the Camden for the next 15/20 minutes. This produced some stout defending from the lads but unfortunately, after a penalty claim was rejected by the ref, a couple of minutes later Crayside were awarded a spot kick as Ashley fouled their striker. Their man stepped up to the plate but found Kev in his way as the keeper made a fine save. Camden thought they had got away with it but the ref decided that Dan Ahern had encroached (even though one of their players seemed to be level with him as they ran in) and it had to be re taken. Unfortunately (for them), they found an inspired keeper in their way as Kev produced an even better save to keep the score at 1-0.
The home side then managed a few counter attacks. Paul was sent racing clear but under no pressure whatsoever he dragged the ball horribly wide from the edge of the box with just the keeper, and 1 defender standing on the goal line, to beat. This prompted Catt toremark “Have some composure you mug!” Excellent encouragement from the captain. Chris then found himself with a good chance but, unluckily, his shot hit the bar and Searley couldn’t quite get to the rebound. Half time, 1-0 Camden.
During the break it was decided that, with the Camden under a little bit of pressure, 2 pacey forwards were required for long clearances. Therefore, Searley was taken off and replaced by Matt, who would go right midfield with Chris pushed up to his more familiar role of striker. It was a big decision by the stand in boss but Searle Searle seemed to be ok with it. Some more width was required but it wasn’t the worst first half ever seen and chances were created.
The second half was a massive backs to the wall performance. Crayside surged forward and produced wave after wave of attacks. For the most part the defence stood firm. Some good last minute tackles by Ashley and Catt and Kev being as solid as ever behind them in goal. Kaan and Kirk fought hard in the middle but they seemed to be over run as the away side kept finding space in the middle. Dan Ahern took an eternity for every one of his 50 goal kicks and was moaned about constantly by their players. The Camden had 1 or 2 counter attacks but they all just fizzled out to allow Crayside to attack again.Time was getting on in the game and it was beginning to seem as if the Camden were going to hold on for a scrappy win. Kev made more good saves (taking a stud to his thigh in the process, which prompted no reaction from the subs to bring on the first aid kit and water for him, good teamwork!) and Crayside continued to miss when it seemed easier to score. Ginge was taken out on the left and Paul was nearly squished by a 2 footed lunge, though apparently it was ok as the player won the ball. Next time Paul should let the player go through him to get the free kick, though it would probably result in a few months of work and an inability to walk.
The knackered Benneth was replaced by Mike, who provided a good outlet, and Paul came of for the ever willing Gambler. Stoppage time approached and, due to Dan’s apparent time wasting and the injury to Kev, the ref awarded 6 minutes of stoppages. The Camden was dead on their feet and about a minute into the 6 Crayside’s pressure finally told. A cross from the right wing bypassed everyone and found the unmarked centre forward at the far post for an easy headed finish from about 2 yards. 1-1.
Their team was ecstatic but they wanted a victory they felt they deserved. The home side was deflated but had more defending to do as Crayside searched for the winner. About 2 minutes later their left winger found himself in space going into the box and smashed the ball home at the near post past the despairing dive of Kev. The Camden couldn’t believe what they were seeing. As the Crayside players ran around the corner flag jubilant at getting the ‘winner’ the lads couldn’t work out how they had battled so hard for 90 minutes only to lose 2 goals in stoppage time. 2-1 Crayside.
The heads were down. It seemed like it was going to be yet another single goal defeat. The boys dug in and launched one last attack. Little Kev was fouled on the edge of the box, close enough for an attempt at goal. And what would surely be the Camden’s last chance. Matt tried to take the ball off regular free kick taker Kaan but he was having none of it. Bluto placed the ball. The wall was counted back the 10 yards. He struck it well but it hit the wall. Chance gone! But no, the ref pulled it back for the player running too close before the ball was kicked. A second chance. Kaan placed it again. He looked up, ran a few steps and curled it into the top left hand corner. It couldn’t have been placed better. The keeper had no chance and Crayside couldn’t believe what they were seeing now. Victory was snatched away with practically the last kick of the game. 2-2.
Although the boys were happy at grabbing a last gasp equalizer, you can’t help but think it was 2 points dropped after leading for so long. Morale is still high, however, after going another game without defeat. Until next week. Man of the Match was awarded to Kev for some outstanding saves.