Everybody Hurts*
- Peter Fitzpatrick
- Jul 20
- 4 min read
The inevitable conclusion of Engerland’s pursuit of World domination ended in spectacular fashion on Wednesday A combination of Argentinian jakery, dubious refereeing decisions and tactical ineptitude saw the Three Lions stumble out at the semi final stage Close but no cigar
The game was a dramatic story, of light and shade, cynical fouls littering the first period when Argentina reverted to their traditional style to halt anyone carrying the ball past an opponent
Disappointing but true to form English hopes rose with the opening goal but were soon dented with risky defensive substitutions, handing momentum to Argentina The game ended with some unsavoury scenes with players holding a makeshift banner reminding SHWFC members that the game had meant our midweek meander would be Thursday Night at the Sutton SoccerDome
Next time people, next time!
Monday morning’s start of the week session was a joyous affair Four games featuring 46 players plus the coterie of referees and spectators
This was a good omen for the Club’s planned AGM which was scheduled for 12:30
The focus being firmly on the meeting it might not come as a surprise that we have no information to offer on the morning’s session other than team selections
Old Gold - Donal, Mika, Cornelius, PaulF, Mike Bates & Dave Robbo
Purple - John Hill, Chris K, Steve Jones, Snakehips, Phil Moss & Girvo
Blue - Wickie, Cockney Rebel, Citeh Geoff & Citeh Mike (nepotism continuing) Les Meldrew & Sheila
Red - Chris Gilmore, Brian, Eileen, Phil the Power & Ricky
Orange - Speedo Mick, Lord Rainford, Andy Man, GRAV & Tomo
White - Kerry, Jim Murphy, Simon, Enoch & Mike Thomo
Black- Little John, McSpeed, Barry Wizz, Kirsty, John Hayes & Ashy
Green - Big Tony, Les H, Lefty Bridge, Chris 4G, Mark NR & Haggis ( most spaced out team photo since social distancing was halted)
The AGM was well attended, impeccably conducted by members and most of all in a productive manner The minutes will be circulated in a timely fashion Jill Tomo was recognised for her amazing performances for England and at all our sessions Les Hewitt was awarded Clubman of the Year (though oddly he missed the ceremonial portion of the AGM
Wednesday night continued the trend of England Men’s Football So it was just 24 hours later that our midweek session was being reported on by our local Landed Gentry in his unique style
“ 16 brave souls took to a sweltering Sutton Leisure Centre on a Thursday evening to walk and play away our footballing frustrations.
Yes, that's right. Thursday. Once again, thanks to the flexibility and helpfulness of St Helens Council in moving our Wednesday session to Thursday, SHWFC members could have the (dubious) pleasure of neither sacrificing their Walking Football fix nor the now painful modern equivalent of National Service which is watching England play football on the telly.
Overseen by Ref Jeff Betty (attired in a rather fetching Light Blue ensemble) the teams were:-
Red - Les H, Deggsy, Chris 10P, Jason, Benno, Subbuteo Dave, Neil Stretch & Paul Cott
Yellow - PJ, Les Meldrew, GRAV, Lord Rainford, Doug, Andy Man, Phil the Power & Paul Winstanley (excellent debut!)
And what was served up was a cracker, almost rivalling the 2026 World Cup 3rd place playoff ,sorry, Bronze Medal game for thrills ‘n’ spills.
Reds took an early lead when Chris 10P got in behind the Yellow defence to score Deggsy (on great form) added a second with a shot which completely bamboozled Phil the Power during his first time in nets. Chris 10P then put Red 3 ahead before Yellow finally got a toe hold in the game when PJ finished a good passing move to make it 3-1 at half time.
Yellow pushed back further when Doug made it 3-2. And then almost equalised when Benno couldn't stop in time and careered into his own team's goal area. After a tense pause Ref Jeff Betty took out his finger from wherever it had been inserted and pointed solemnly to the penalty spot. But Chris 10P bravely saved Doug's penalty and subsequent follow up from Lord Rainford
Cometh the hour, cometh Huytons finest. Once more Deggsy proved to be Phil the Power’s nemesis during Phil’s second stint in nets with a fine shot into the corner to restore Reds two goal lead. And but for Lord Rainford’sn inspired Diego Simeone school of defending he might have had the hat trick that his performance on the night Deggs probably deserved.
But in the nip and tuck of a very fine game it wasn't done as Les Meldrew claimed his second goal of the week to make it 4-3 with all then to play for in the last 5 minutes. Despite manic defending and attacking neither team could score meaning Red finished narrow - but worthy winners.
As has become the norm recently the game was played in good spirits with plenty of banter and laughter and no handbags anywhere in sight. Well played all and well reffed Jeff. Let's do it again soon
Everybody Hurts* - REM
Comments