Match One: 3-2 win vs Blue & White Army
Our opponants had played a group game earlier, meaning they were more adjusted to the pace of playing in an enclosed pitch, and this was underlined when they took an early lead. However, we soon struck back with a brace from Carl and a goal from Mark, and looked good value for our lead. A late freekick by the Blue & Whites made the scoreline more respectable, but we were never again in danger of dropping the points.
Match Two: 5-0 win vs A & A Removals
After the disappointment of conceding 2 goals in our opening game, we were determined to be a more solid unit, and Carl played a deeper role with Sandeep playing further forward. This move paid dividends as we swept aside our opponants with some breathtaking play. Joseph bagged a penalty after Kenny missed an earlier one, and Mark and Sandeep also found the net, but Carl once again excelled by scoring 2 goals even from his defensive position!
Match Three: 1-2 defeat vs Ladzio
The group favourites Ladzio (playing bizarrely in replica kits of several teams but not Lazio) won this close-fought game with two early goals before Sandeep replaced Kenny and Joseph pulled a goal back. Both Sandeep and Mark missed clearcut chances to level the game, and we left the field disappointed in the knowledge that we had to win our final group game to be sure of qualification to the semi-finals.
Match Four: 6-0 win vs Imaginary Madrid
The referee explained at the outset that both teams could still qualify, with Supreme needing just a draw, but Madrid needing all 3 points. Our nerves were quickly settled by two goals from Carl, taking his tournament tally to an impressive 6, before the rest of the team got in on the act. With Mark sitting it out until the final minute, Sandeep and Kenny played up front and bagged 3 goals between them, Sandeep's second being the result of an impressive double dragback and trademark "rainbow" shot. Although this match contained Kenny's only goal of the tournament, it was the culmination of a steady growth in his confidence and stature in the side. Joseph chipped in with a goal from defence too, meaning qualification was secure.
Match Five:0-1 defeat in the semi finals
Our opponants had already achieved notoriety with an ugly mass brawl in an earlier game, but the referee was still incredibly sympathetic to their cause, giving suspiciously biased decisions in favour of the eventual winners of the tournament. The abysmal organisation was underlined by the fact that, while our opponants were well rested, we had to move straight from our game vs Imaginary Madrid to this one, without a break. The only surprise in this farce was that we only lost by a single goal as our dreams were shattered by a bunch of thugs and an overweight ref.
Copyright © 2000 S. C. Productions