This was one of the more extraordinary games we’ve been involved in and, despite the somewhat flattering scoreline for our strong opposition, a great improvement in performance for the Vets compared with last week. Malden are a very good, competitive, strong and organised side as evidenced by their synchronised warm-up routine and attending backroom staff with accompanying refreshments and, no doubt, magic sponge. Compare that with the more relaxed approach of Carshalton which included ribbing Del about Man U’s demise in Europe and reviewing the likely alcohol content in our veins and various other sociable conversations before the match.

The first good sign was the winning of the toss by the Dutchman who promptly requested a ‘change of ends’ to give Carshalton the benefit of a low sun straight in the eyes of the opposition.  Braced for the expected pressure from Malden, the Carshalton backs stiffened and within the first minute we were 1-0 up following an error in the Malden defence and Pete nipped in to lob the ball into a deserted goal. With our defence strengthened by the return of Ian Newman, who also brought his son Robert who, like his Dad, had an excellent game at the back, and Norm, we were much better organised. We focused on the marking and worked our socks off throughout the team. Despite continuing pressure exerted by Malden, we had the temerity to go 2-0 up because of another mix up in their defence which left Pete with a one-on-one which he finished expertly.

Malden finally hit back with a good header at the far post but we extended our lead again as Luke (a lively youngster, and son of the Malden skipper, playing up front for us) took advantage of yet another mix up in the Malden defence to run through and put us 3-1 up. This unexpected Carshalton lead was the cause of much debate amongst the opposition. Unfortunately, Malden managed to score a second just before halftime. Before that, Trevor had received a talking to by the ref after, uncharacteristically, losing his rag with anyone within a 20 yard range of him as his one successful run along the line was stopped in its tracks as the ball was judged to have gone out. Not according to Trev, suffices to say! Not a good day for Trev as he also lost his bottle of orange!

At halftime, Del left us for the lure of female company and the high life in central London. Compare that with the company of Wayne and Norm in our defence, and who can blame him. We were kindly offered another player from Malden as we had no subs unfortunately. Malden started the second half very strongly and although Wayne kept them at bay with some great saves, they scored twice to go 4-3 up late in the second half. We then missed a great chance at the far post for an equaliser following an excellent deep cross by Sam. All you need then in a game like this is for our goalie Wayne to be crocked by one of his own defenders (who shall remain nameless but even he would not be able to defend his case in court….). Malden’s superior fitness began to tell in the last 5-10 minutes and with Wayne disabled they scored a further two that normally would have been avoided. So, despite the scoreline, a much better performance by Carshalton and thanks to Malden for lending us some players, providing the referee and generally being a good bunch.

 Tony van Emst