Old Merchant Taylors - League (H)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

On a gloriously warm spring day the LOBs took on the OMTs knowing nothing less than a victory would almost certainly see them relegated to Division 3. Having had a squad of 15 on Thursday it was slightly demoralising to only turn up with 11, with one on the road and another having to leave half way through the 2nd half!​​​​

Unperturbed and with a gentle breeze over our left shoulder we took to the task in hand. It was soon obvious that we had a 'he who shouts loudest' ref, this was to work to our advantage as some of the opposition couldn't help themselves and frequently found themselves being spoken to by the match official, I'll never understand why footballers at any level think this is a good strategy.

Anyway, the LOBs played the better football and although there were no clear cut chances at either end we went in at half-time goalless with everything to play for. The wind, it should be said, had completely changed direction midway through the first half, and would be behind us for the all important second.

 The matchday 12 was bouyed by four youngsters, George, an almost regular these days with Alex, Magnus and Charlie, who heaven's above is a goalkeeper!

The 2nd half was pretty samey samey but with the wind behind us we virtually camped in their half and a few chances finally materialised, we were on the ascendancy. With four or five minutes to go a speculative 'up and under' into their box was allowed to bounce, and when Luke got between the ball and their keeper there was only ever going to be one outcome when he got 'pulled' down by the keeper. It was a soft penalty to concede but you can't help thinking their constant backchat was a factor.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man, Frankie stepped up and blasted it into the back of the net, thank you and good afternoon.

A great effort by all involved, and a hugely valuable three points which will mean absolutely nothing if we can't back it up against the Old Cholmeleians on the 12th, so all hands to the pump against please chaps, and no late refusals #UTLOBs