Talent - The array of talent available for
this game was awesome and that was just among the spectators. The touchline
was littered with the sporting greats of yesteryear: Toon, Hodges, Redhouse,
a couple of Debunsen's (what is the collective noun for De Bunsen's?),
Oldridge and Brewer. All heavy weights of their day. The whiff of anticipation
and strong lager was hanging in the air like a Peachey fart in a crowded
Old Parks dressing room.
Character - Having read some of Albert's
match reports I followed the usual course of events and turned up after
the kick-off. Sadly, even this ploy did not enable the obese one to get
on during the game. In fact it must be reported that Raoul de B got on
the pitch for longer than Albert as we were treated to a De Bunsen special
of ball at feet, beer in one hand and fag in the other. Who says that
the fun has gone out of the game and that there are no "characters" left
these days?
Coming Late - Anyway on to the match; 1-1
when I arrived an early Bank goal cancelled out almost immediately. The
Bank looked the better side and threatened the Old W's goal frequently
with only the overprotective ref preventing the lead from being increased
before the break. It just seemed that the final ball was not quite there
but all the signs were good. The only real threat came from the Old W's
bulky centre forward but fortunately he lacked the telling pass. The midfield
were comfortable with Gerry Red having a fair tussle with an OAP who kept
telling him war stories went the ball went out of play.
Changing Ends - One all at half time and
all to play for as the rain started. In order to motivate his side Albert
used the old Alan Ball trick of getting his medals out and giving the
"this is what you can win" speech. Sadly, with only a runners up schoolboy
medal (with someone else's name scratched off) this failed to do the trick.
Next up was the John Beck treatment. Old W's trooped off into the warm
changing room while Albert kept the team on the cold wet pitch and let
Peachey talk at them. When Joe had finished and trotted off Albert was
heard to say, "right if any of you do anything that he said, you're subbed.
We'll play with nine men if necessary". As a tactical plan it was a masterstroke!
Damp patch - There was only one team in the
game in the second half and as the rain increased the Old W's faded. The
midfield took total control and big bad Grant was rarely troubled. It
was from one of Grant's monster kicks and hesitation in the oppo defence
resulted in the second Bank goal. Old W's tried to force themselves into
the game after this but once the initial pressure had subsided the Bank
pushed forward once more and made the game safe a fine third goal.
Afters - A well-played game with no bookings
was a credit to SAL football. Both sides got on with the game and there
was no moaning or "afters". Albert proved the master tactician and the
Old W's coach was bemoaning his luck at having been out thought by a man
"larger than my back four". Winners Well done to the Two's and here's
to a few more Cup Final victories before the season's out.
Eammon Sylvester