Illustrious names on the World football stage such as Brazil, Argentina and Germany can now truly be joined be the boys of NW7. A scratch team whod never played together before, and with some players who hadnt kicked a ball in anger for years, put the Woodside Park All-stars to the sword with a display of clinical finishing and solid defending.
Right the kick off it was clear that the NW7 were up for it and an early goal settled the nerves. NW7 began to try and get their short passing game going led by some lovely interplay on the left between Dan Ws and his mate Jamie. In central midfield Jarrod was playing the Makelele role with Andrew linking well with Ben Lewis as the creative hub of the team. With Simon and Marshall working well on the right, Anthony winning everything in the air at the back and goalkeeper Andy a reassuring presence in tnets things were looking good and 25 minutes later it was 2-0 with a lovely finish Gabby following a flowing move.
Woodside Park were putting up a good show, but NW7 were comfortable until a slip by giant centre-back Gil (Im being generous mate) let in the WPs for a scrappy goal.
Half time couldnt come soon enough for a few of the clapped out NW7ers and Anthony left the pitch as the first of three hamstring injury victims.
As the second half began the NW7 numbers were swelled with the introduction of Steve Moss and Adam Jaffe who bought a combination of composure and nous to the game. With Ben and Gabby causing the Woodside Park defence all sorts of problems, the midfield solid and the defence holding it was surely a matter of time before NW7 made it count.
With the floodlights shining on the stars of NW7 tiredness and injury began to take their toll and Anthony, Simon, Marshall, Gaby and Gil all suffered at one time or another. Thankfully, the fresh legs of Bryan and David brought renewed vigour to NW7 and soon the goals flowed. Midway through the second half some lovely play saw NW7s lead extended before a great break and sublime lofted finish Jarrod and a twisty-turny, tricksy goal Ben (who rounded the keeper and centre-back at least twice) made it 5 (or maybe it was 6. I lost count).
As both teams tired and the communal bath beckoned, NW7s shape became more fluid and a firm cross that left Marshall stranded was followed by a decent finish the WP forward.
Without even a chance to kick-off again the refs whistle had gone and despite the late consolation goal NW7s players celebrated the victory in true Jewish style - shaking hands, sending best wishes to the family and looking for the fishballs.
The Man of the match Award (sponsored by M1 Private Hire Taxis, you know, the one on the corner) goes to Ben Lewis for his all round performance, composure on the ball and the fact that he had their centre back tied up in knots. Ben wins half a bottle of Palwin No4 and a box of last years Rakusens Tea Matzos.
Up the NW7 and heres to the next game.
Bring it on!
Anthony Kayne