Old Berkhamstedians - League (A)

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The LOBs fell to a narrow and frustrating 1–0 defeat on a difficult afternoon, in a game where the boys put in a strong shift and probably deserved more for the effort they put in.

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The day began with the usual pre-match confusion, not knowing what pitch we were on after the ref edging us saying we could play on the the big, clean, spacious one Astro. The first half was competitive, with George Hockey getting in behind several times and causing problems down the wing. A couple of early chances fell our way, and we looked the more threatening side.

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However, the biggest obstacle in the opening 45 minutes wasn’t the opposition, it was the overhead wires cutting across the pitch, blocking multiple crosses and through balls that would have created genuine chances. The game stayed tight at the break. Frankie’s halftime talk focused on being more direct, taking more risks, and testing the keeper more often, and the LOBs came out with real intent.

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Then came the moment that had the whole pitch holding its breath. A corner bounced out to Cal on the edge of the box, and he improvised an outstanding Rooney style overhead kick that looped past the keeper. Time seemed to stop as the ball struck the inside of one post, rolled across the line, clipped the opposite post, and somehow stayed out. It would have been a goal-of-the-season contender, but on a day like this, it just wasn’t to be.

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As the match entered its final stages, chances were scarce for both teams. With the score still level, Brad came rushing out to challenge their striker in the corner, realised halfway there that he didn’t have the legs for it, and committed a smart tactical foul by decking there striker to stop the attack, a yellow card, but a necessary one. Sadly, the LOBs couldn’t keep the clean sheet. In the closing moments, the opposition worked a ball into the box, and with a free man, he struck it first time towards the far corner. Brad got a fingertip to it, but not quite enough to turn it wide, and it crept inside the post for 1–0.

 

There was one final push for an equaliser. Frankie sent Brad forward for a last-minute corner, every LOBs shirt packed into the box, but the delivery was overhit and the opposition somehow failed to score on the break with the goal wide open. Moments later, the whistle confirmed a tough defeat.

 

Man of the Match: Brad


Honourable mentions: Will B, Ryan and Tom H for excellent performances.

Mug of the Match: Cal for the overhead kick that somehow didn’t go in.

Honourable mention: Max L, who arrived late after leaving his headlights on overnight and being unable to start his car.

 

A frustrating result in a game where we more than matched the opposition, but plenty of positives in the performance, structure, and effort. Up the LOBs. 🦞

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Brad