The league campaign had come to a disappointing end, finishing in the bottom half of the table. The one glimmer of hope was a potential final against either average side, Kennington Reserves or Platt United, in the Weald of Kent Trophy. Get past Woodstock Park and silverware was very much on the cards. It was always going to be a tough game, playing a county side in their own back yard. Throw in the fact we had these players injured, banned, detained, attending a gay wedding or just couldn’t make it. Ready….Moony, Marcus, Gibbo, Chunk, Stu Batt, Windy, Roffey, myself and Bruce was playing his first game since October!
The match got going at 11.00 and the early signs, it looked like it was going to be a close game. Unfortunately by 11.05 it was 1-0 to Woodstock Park. Absolute, bloody, disaster. Despite this, we kept trying to play good football. As fate would have it, just as we looked to be getting a hold of the game. 2-0. Not before long 3-0 and it was looking really fucking bleak. Thankfully half-time came and we had the chance to re-group.
The next period got underway and judging by the first half, many thought it would be a stroll for the County side. Well. Football’s a funny old game. It was a complete reverse of the previous forty-five minutes. Every tackle, won by Smarden. Every second ball, won by Smarden. Sweat and blood was literally spilt by the Smarden boys in an effort to get into this cup tie. With twenty-five minutes to go, we got the reward, we so richly deserved. Matt Dyke made a burst from midfield and kept his cool to get a crucial goal and send the Smarden dugout mental. For the reminder of the game, Smarden were camped in the opponents half. Chance after chance. Three, one on ones. The woodwork rattled twice and a goal harshly disallowed. It just wouldn’t go in for the boys in red. Smarden huffed and puffed, but finally the full time whistle brought proceedings to an end and so finished 3-1 to Woodstock Park.
Despite the defeat, it was an absolute brilliant, gutsy second-half display by Smarden. I was very proud of every single player out there today. The boys just wouldn’t give in. With young players like Butch, Matt, Log and Lee getting better with every match, the future is looking bright for Smarden. Next season, promotion has got to be the priority. We done well in the cups this season, but a final is long overdue!
As this was the last game, this is my final report of the season. I’ll like to say it’s been fun writing about you slags and I’m already looking forward to doing it all again next season. Have a great summer!!!!!!
GeorgeDykeScoresGoals
Good man Stocks, was going to get round to writing...being stand in captain n all. but thankfully you did it first so i don't have to.
Good performance mon boys, battled well, can be proud of second half. shouldn't really spend all season making up for early-on-in-game mistakes though!! Although third goal was 'my fault'... should have beat him to the header... hmm that reminds me of one of saturdays goals... shit, Shotgun a post on corners I'm no good at marking.
Mighty Morphin
GeorgeDykeScoresGoals wrote:
Good man Stocks, was going to get round to writing... Although third goal was 'my fault'... should have beat him to the header... hmm that reminds me of one of saturdays goals... shit, Shotgun a post on corners I'm no good at marking.
I can still see the 'Dyke Daggers' as i stood on me line with me hands on me knees, i probably shoulda come for it, but i woulda most likely just clobbered George in the back of the head like i usually do
Great report as usual BIG man, i'll miss 'em in the summer.
See you all on the night out.............whenever that is, no 'big' games to worry bowt now.....
GeorgeDykeScoresGoals
yeah i can still picture that look too deano!! We both looked like we were saying to each other "how did you not win that!"
Lots of big nights out please, and a tour to brighton, and Steveo officially appointed as Club Social Sec
steveolarge40
What we all up to on sat 4 the cup final and in the evening? We on it?
GeorgeDykeScoresGoals
flyer or ashford then on it!! steveo...sign up for the brighton tour!
