VAN DUTCH RONALDO IN DIVE CHEAT STORM
Avid readers of Vet games reports will be disappointed to know that regular reporter "The Norm" of the Old Bailey QC is in court this week and therefore unable to write the usual ten page epic which only Norm really understands.  So its down to me - don't expect too much.

With skipper and all round good bloke Jim Finn on his birthday (is he really 61?!!) treat up to London to see the lights and visit Hamleys toy store, it was left to Club Chairman Van Dutch to take up the role of skipper / manager for the day.  After Arsenal's defeat at Fulham in midweek Van Dutch was taking some pre match stick and with the arrival of the Moggridge clan (all Fulham fans) it carried on until well into the second half.  There were more Fulham fans in the dressing room in New Malden than there were at Blackburn on Saturday!

A lovely day for football and a perfect pitch.  Cars welcomed back big Sam as well as the above mentioned Moggridge brothers.  We started well playing some neat passing football with new sweeper Peter Street starting things moving from the back.  But as usual with our form at the moment we could not convert any of our chances and fell behind to smart finish from the Economicals centre forward.  We did not panic and carried on moving the ball around and were soon rewarded but in controversial circumstances.  Good play on the left allowed chairman Van Dutch a run into the penalty area and as the defender and Van Dutch came into contact Van Dutch managed to launch himself up into the air squealing like a pig.  Maybe the ref was unsighted but incredibly he pointed to the spot; even we were surprised, although Van Dutch claimed the Dutch never dive and certainly never squeal like pigs!

Middle Moggridge (Chris) kept his calm to blast home the penalty to draw us level.  Chances were made at both ends and Cars cleared off the line from a corner before we broke away and goal machine Pete Culham put us 2-1 up from a tight angle after rounding the keeper.

At half time Van Dutch Ronaldo decided to have a rest and we brought on young Moggridge (James) at centre half and Sam moved into midfield.  The second half became increasingly open with chances created at both ends with Aldo making several good saves but our class finally showed and further goals from Pete Culham, big Moggridge (Steve) and young Moggridge (James) gave us a five goal haul for the second week running.

A good performance all round against good opposition and splendid facilities made it an enjoyable day all round.  Thanks to the Moggridge clan for helping out although they are all unavailable next week due to their mum's birthday celebrations!!

In the local pub all talk centred around Van Dutch Ronaldo's dive and Norm thought it might be good idea to hire a solicitor to stop the slander and a butcher to stop the squealing.

Roll on next week.

Shedbloke