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Although officially a home fixture for Carshalton, to save the game from being called off, our opponents had kindly agreed to play at their nice ground.  Despite the recent snow and frost the pitch was in an immaculate condition.  Following the recent 0-0 draw (first 0-0 for the Vets in at least 10 years of fixtures according to Statto Ray Challis) with them in a tightly contested match, everyone was looking forward to the return fixture (especially after the copious alcohol and food over the festive season).

Carshalton had an absolutely blinding start and caught Economicals cold with two goals in the first five minutes.  After some excellent passing football, George, with a fine cross from the left, found Gavin lurking at the far post for a simple headed goal in the first minute.  We kept the pressure on and Gavin attempted to chip the goalkeeper from the edge of the box but hit the bar instead.  The rebound was nodded in by the poaching Dutchman, despite the concern that heading balls normally only messes up his hair.

Carshalton soon reverted to their more ‘normal’ level and Economicals got successfully back in the match.  They worked hard and things might have been different had they scored with Carshalton only 2-0 up.  Our defence was superb all match and dealt well with everything that was thrown at them (quote from Ray: “something magical is happening here”) and Martin in goal scooped up anything that did get through (which wasn’t very often).  Our third goal by Bobby Horn effectively settled the match in the second half.  Depending on your viewpoint, it was a powerful drive that scorched the hands of the goalkeeper (according to Bobby) or a bundled effort that trickled over the line at snail’s pace (according to the rest of us) but hey Bob, they all count mate!  There was time for another well worked team goal which was finished off expertly by Gavin going round the goalkeeper for his second and the team’s fourth.  While we were often under pressure this win was a true team effort achieved through hard work by everyone and passing football.  Comments in the pub afterwards proved that Economicals were impressed with our guile!

 Tony van Emst