SAL Division 2 - 11th February 2006

In contrast to previous weeks everyone who was meeting at the club turned up near enough on time, that does include Swanny, so the day was starting in a not so familiar fashion for everyone as it appeared that we were actually organised. The normal p*ss holes in the snow for eyes accompanied Stuart Jeffries and I was doing my level best to disguise the alcohol on my breath and convince everyone that I had in fact stayed in last night.

As the convoy left the the Carshalton club house spirits were high as we are going in to the game with 6 straight league and cup wins under our belts.  Arrival at Alleyns Old Boys was early which gave us an excellent opportunity to get settled in to the somewhat cosy changing rooms and start the warm up. Wiggy went for a number two instead and managed to read a record breaking two newspapers!! Unfortunately being so organised, by the time that it came to kick off most of us were pretty cream crackered.

After four paragraphs I have realised I haven't mentioned anything about the actual game so hear goes: -

Despite the long warm up we started very brightly with some intricate football on the edge of the area leading to a delicious through ball from Sam Knowles to Rob Morley but for some reason Rob forgot he had two feet and tried to poke it through with his right when a good almighty swing with his left would of surely done. However, I will not criticise as I haven't scored this season!!

Cars continued in this vein for the next 20 minutes when what can only be described as a superb free-kick from Dave Till from the right was almost met by Swanny but as it was at his feet and not his head I feel a bit of confusion fell upon the Cars skipper.

Unfortunately we were not able to capitalise on our early pressure and then a swift break from Alleyns saw them fire in to the lead with a low strike past the deputising Backers in goal. This was followed up by what can only be described as a very heavy touch from the near 40 yr old Keith Cave allowing the striker to nip in and get swiftly brought down to earth by Johnny Biggle with a penalty the result.  Up stepped Neil Backers to perform heroics and save the penalty. Had this gone in the end result could have been somewhat different.

Cars continued to hold their own and finished the half one down.  The second half was started equally as brightly but apart from a couple of half chances remained reasonably uneventful with most of the game being played in the midfield in and around Sam, Dave and Rich who were all excellent on the day (of course I am going to say that!!)

Heading to the final ten minutes and yet another pinpoint free kick from Dave Till saw Wiggy slot home with a very neat finish from six yards to bring Cars deservedly level. Cue fantastic and passionate celebrations from the men in green and white.

A long hoof up the field and a defensive mix up later and Rob Morley was through, the whole pitch came to a stand still as it looked like Cars were going to perform an act of pure robbery, but Rob put it over the bar. Would have been great but a draw probably a fairer reflection on the game itself.

This was another great team performance from Cars and would like to thank Luke and Richard for coming along again and playing extremely well- thanks lads.  With any luck, if we can keep this going we will be in with a chance to press for promotion and with a cup semi final coming fingers crossed for a successful season.

Dave Tilley