Haberdashers - 3 Old Carthusians III's - 6
After opening their campaign with an impressive 3-2 home win over a Repton side who had dispatched Cholms 7-1 on the opening day, the OCFC 3rd XI faced their first away day of the new campaign. This time there were no home comforts: No carpet-like pitches, no 'Fifty50', no hair-dryers. One thing didn't change, however... the result. The defending Champions won - they usually do. This time it was by 6 goals to 3.
That said, the 3's didn't have everything their own way. French is no longer around to lead his much lauded warm up; There was no Cobden-Ramsey to supply the long throw that has become synonymous with the 3's in recent seasons; Fenton, last seasons leading scorer, has moved on to pastures new.
To compound matters, the 3's were forced to begin the game without near ever-present central-midfield combination of Moss (the younger), and Parton. Rumours continue to circulate that Moss has taken to crashing weddings in the mistaken belief that he may be able to secure himself an emotionally vulnerable bridesmaid on a long term deal. While it has been confirmed that Parton's absence at kick-off can be attributed to the midfielder choosing to treat his Mrs to a Saturday afternoon pedicure, rather than warm up with his team mates.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the circumstances, after 15 minutes the OC side fell behind to a Haberdashers free-kick. Impressively, there was no sign of panic... Over-turning a 1-0 deficit is routine after the regular heroics of seasons past. And, sure enough, a 20 minute blitz saw the 3s cruise into a 3-1 lead, with goals from new recruit Mike Manches, fans favourite Mark Jackson, and returning skipper, Rich Rudden. When at their best, the 3s are impossible to live with.
Moments before half-time, Jackson was brought down in the penalty area, and the referee duely pointed to the spot. Manches picked up the ball: calm and confident.
Then, for some inexplicable reason, a shout was audible across the pitch. 'Don't let him take it... He always misses'. Rudden spun around, flabbergasted. Manches shrugged in contempt. Due to the tight hush hush policy employed by the club, from where the shout came, we will never know, and can only speculate. A club spokesman declined to comment on the issue, hinting that the matter would be dealt with internally. (Sorry Mike!).
Regardless, the net bulged. The 3's led 4-1, and the first half turn-around was complete.
After some insightful opinion from Rudden, but without the heavily googled words of the absent Ben Moss, the OCs re-appeared for the second half - the message was clear: 'Don't let up... Let's send out a message to the rest of the Arthurian League'. And let up they did not... Within a minute of the restart, it was five. Manches completing his hat-trick with nonchalant ease. Chants of 'Who needs Alex Fenton? Who needs Alex Fenton? Na na na-na' were heard roaring around the Andy Evans Arena - The Carthusiastics (the nickname afforded to the OC faithful) were in seventh heaven.
But then came the wobble.
In stark contrast to Nick Wilkinson's journey to the game the previous week - described so eloquently by Sir John Major Greenwood in his revered column - the 3's took their foot off the gas. 5-1 quickly became 5-3. John Jenkins lost his shit. While it is perhaps understandable for the intensity to drop off with the game seemingly secured so far from time, 3's fans will be hoping their side soon learn to play for the full 90 minutes after similar lapses the previous week.
As is their way though, the 3's had the last laugh. Mark Jackson towering to head home a thunderous sixth. In the coming weeks, the OC Club's loss is sure to be the military's gain. Everyone involved with the club will be keen to give the departing striker a fitting send off, and secure a comprehensive win at home to Chigwell next weekend. Right now, you wouldn't bet against them...
Deo Dante Dedi.
By James Carnegie-Brown
After opening their campaign with an impressive 3-2 home win over a Repton side who had dispatched Cholms 7-1 on the opening day, the OCFC 3rd XI faced their first away day of the new campaign. This time there were no home comforts: No carpet-like pitches, no 'Fifty50', no hair-dryers. One thing didn't change, however... the result. The defending Champions won - they usually do. This time it was by 6 goals to 3.
That said, the 3's didn't have everything their own way. French is no longer around to lead his much lauded warm up; There was no Cobden-Ramsey to supply the long throw that has become synonymous with the 3's in recent seasons; Fenton, last seasons leading scorer, has moved on to pastures new.
To compound matters, the 3's were forced to begin the game without near ever-present central-midfield combination of Moss (the younger), and Parton. Rumours continue to circulate that Moss has taken to crashing weddings in the mistaken belief that he may be able to secure himself an emotionally vulnerable bridesmaid on a long term deal. While it has been confirmed that Parton's absence at kick-off can be attributed to the midfielder choosing to treat his Mrs to a Saturday afternoon pedicure, rather than warm up with his team mates.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the circumstances, after 15 minutes the OC side fell behind to a Haberdashers free-kick. Impressively, there was no sign of panic... Over-turning a 1-0 deficit is routine after the regular heroics of seasons past. And, sure enough, a 20 minute blitz saw the 3s cruise into a 3-1 lead, with goals from new recruit Mike Manches, fans favourite Mark Jackson, and returning skipper, Rich Rudden. When at their best, the 3s are impossible to live with.
Moments before half-time, Jackson was brought down in the penalty area, and the referee duely pointed to the spot. Manches picked up the ball: calm and confident.
Then, for some inexplicable reason, a shout was audible across the pitch. 'Don't let him take it... He always misses'. Rudden spun around, flabbergasted. Manches shrugged in contempt. Due to the tight hush hush policy employed by the club, from where the shout came, we will never know, and can only speculate. A club spokesman declined to comment on the issue, hinting that the matter would be dealt with internally. (Sorry Mike!).
Regardless, the net bulged. The 3's led 4-1, and the first half turn-around was complete.
After some insightful opinion from Rudden, but without the heavily googled words of the absent Ben Moss, the OCs re-appeared for the second half - the message was clear: 'Don't let up... Let's send out a message to the rest of the Arthurian League'. And let up they did not... Within a minute of the restart, it was five. Manches completing his hat-trick with nonchalant ease. Chants of 'Who needs Alex Fenton? Who needs Alex Fenton? Na na na-na' were heard roaring around the Andy Evans Arena - The Carthusiastics (the nickname afforded to the OC faithful) were in seventh heaven.
But then came the wobble.
In stark contrast to Nick Wilkinson's journey to the game the previous week - described so eloquently by Sir John Major Greenwood in his revered column - the 3's took their foot off the gas. 5-1 quickly became 5-3. John Jenkins lost his shit. While it is perhaps understandable for the intensity to drop off with the game seemingly secured so far from time, 3's fans will be hoping their side soon learn to play for the full 90 minutes after similar lapses the previous week.
As is their way though, the 3's had the last laugh. Mark Jackson towering to head home a thunderous sixth. In the coming weeks, the OC Club's loss is sure to be the military's gain. Everyone involved with the club will be keen to give the departing striker a fitting send off, and secure a comprehensive win at home to Chigwell next weekend. Right now, you wouldn't bet against them...
Deo Dante Dedi.
By James Carnegie-Brown
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