Odd how we fill our days when there’s obviously going to be no Walking Football With just a midweek indoor 5 a side under our collective belt, by Saturday the mounting evidence suggested little prospect of Monday’s planned Ruskin Ramble ever happening We did have a lively discussion on Council pitch preparation (or lack of it) We then had the very convincing photographic evidence of roving reporter Lord Rainford that finally dispelled any lingering doubts So Monday morning’s session was written off Would we fare any better with Wednesday?
The answer was a resounding Yes So Sutton SoccerDome became the centre of attention despite being shrouded in misty fog in late afternoon
Twenty Six players answered the call to pay up and look pleasant Ten as usual donning their smoking jackets and carpet slippers for the indoor portion of the night’s action, whilst the rump of the group trekked out through the mirky mist to battle the January elements
The Innards were;
Orange - Les H, Les Meldrew, Chris 4G, Steve Honeyman and Triallist
Blue - Gonzalo, Grav, Joe the Ghost, Phil the Power and Enoch
In a bright attacking feast we had Gonzalo scoring hat tricks for both sides, having switched sides with Les Meldrew when the score line was 7-0 There’d been an earlier switch at 4-0 (that magic number) with Phil the Power and our esteemed Triallist switching to attempt to stem the flow of goals Blue overcome their opponents and the enforced changes to win 9-3 The other Blue goals came courtesy of Phil the Power, Grav 2, Enoch and Joe the Ghost Phil had little to show for his efforts with 3 near misses during his spell with Orange Keeping a close eye on the proceedings and the score line was Ref Jeff Betty who was full of praise for the quality on display
Patchy fog greeted the combatants on the AstroTurf wastes at times severely limiting visibility without ever threatening safety Among the players we welcomed a visiting guest from Cumbria with Greg Waters of Millom Ironworks Walkers fitting perfectly into a lively Yellow team
The full line ups were;
Yellow - Cockney Rebel, Neil Sims returning after extensive hair work and injury, Chris 10P, Tom Stretch, Midweek Michelle, Graham Kidd, Greg and Steve Smith
Blue - Ian Hilton, Eamon, Steve Carine, Eileen, Andy Man, Haggis and Little John
Referee duties were performed by El Presidente with Geoff Prout taking up camp following and occasional ball boy duties “Slow it right down” was the opening advise to ensure that walking played it’s important, nay vital part in the night’s game With just 80 seconds gone Chris 10P steered a pass from a free kick into the bottom corner, after a mistaken headed clearance Yellow taking a 1-0 lead they’d hold all session Greg pounced soon after to make it 2-0
We had a keeper backpass clarification during play where the keeper swiftly cleared his lines without sanction No attempt to waste time no need for further action
Yellow were efficient in their passing and movement off the ball Blue rather more laboured but we enjoyed a long period of end to end play With both teams looking comfortable despite their prolonged period of holidays and postponements
Yellow moved towards the ball to keep possession, short passing and great support play critical to their success Steve Smith celebrated with Yellow’s third after 18 minutes Blue outmanoeuvred by Yellow with numbers of options available about the pitch As half time approached and Yellow claimed a fourth goal through Tom Stretch, El Presidente contemplated any necessary switches that might rebalance the contest
On paper a tricky decision as the sides were fairly matched Blue were understandably slightly less motivated with the 4-0 deficit
Steve Smith and Ian Hilton switched sides with a view to inject more energy to the Blue team Within a minute Yellow surged further ahead as Graham Kidd pounced to score 5-0 to Yellow and all the best laid plans crushed
Steve Smith justified his move with a sharp hat trick for Blue, who might briefly have entertained hopes of achieving the great comeback, were it not for Yellow goals from Tom Stretch, Greg Waters 2 more goals and Chris 10P
Haggis hit a sublime strike to boost the Blue, after a period of 8 corners in succession as Yellow felt the pressure
The final result was a comprehensive win for Yellow 9-4 Blue had played their part in an excellent game, but couldn’t quite match their opponents intensity
The post session media obligations were conducted without the absent Lord Rainford but with Disco Deggs deputising The Huyton Hitman has spent a frustrated period on the sidelines through injury and work commitments, but was back with news of a potential comeback Referees everywhere watch out!
Ruskin’s Slipper Salon could be awash in cake on Monday So many January birthdays to celebrate (or not) The prospect for play is good We hope this could be the start of something special in this very special year
Finally* - Ce Ce Peniston
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