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Carshalton 3rd XI

 3 R.Polley, A.Booker, G.Cummings

Bank Of England

 1  

SAL – 5th October 2002

 This was a fantastic win for Graham Polley's 3rd XI, and their first of the season.  Everyone has been surprised by the gulf in standard between the 3rd division (which Cars cruised last year) and the 2nd division.  All three games so far have been as hard as the Nottsborough clashes of last season (by the way we meet Nottsborough in late October).  All three teams have been physically strong and better organised, and it was these qualities which eventually turned this tight match in Cars' favour. 

Four players made their Cars 3rd XI debut, with Nick and Sean helping out from the 6th XI (whose opponents had cried off).  Graham Polley's side was missing several regulars including James and Adam Taylor who disappointingly just didn't show up (no doubt they'll be phoning Graham with some decent apologies - and will hopefully do the same with the rest of the lads the next time they bother to pitch up!).  Cars completed the first half 1-0 up thanks to a left to right low drive from the impressive Ryan Polley.  Unfortunately he was later sent off for two bookables, one for dissent and the other for a foul (the second of which was harsh).  

Ryan's sending off came at 1-1 and at that stage we'd have accepted a draw.  This was not reckoning however on the athleticism and cool finishing of Alex Booker, who, adventuring from a covering centre midfield berth ghosted into the box to control an exquisite pass from Gareth 'The Engine' Banton to slot underneath the keeper.  Before Gary Cummings' late finish to make sure of all 3 points there was time for skipper Matthew Huffer to pick up his first ever Carshalton booking in hauling his man to the ground rugby style. 

Notable performances this week all over the team.  Dick Polley was as solid as ever and Mark continues his fine early season form.  Gary Cummings had his best game of the season and was actually most impressive when asked to lead the line on his own.  Man of the match however goes to Nick Jeffrey (left back from the 6s) who was outstanding, particularly after he'd shaken off the pint of Stella he'd consumed at 2.45pm (thinking he'd not got a game). 

Cup game next week.

Matt Huffer