31st March 2017 - Maine Road 1 v 0 West Didsbury & Chorlton (match abandoned) - The working week was done, I had been a busy bee this week pollinating many tasks and bringing to seed many loose ends. Several CD reviews had been finalised too, the wildlife records brought up-to-date and the forthcoming diary was crammed and more or less organised. The game tonight was a mouth-watering prospect and after seeing both units in action earlier in the week it was a difficult one to call. One team bring to the pitch a relentless industry and a good team unity whilst the other brings good organisation and a certain solidity that, if concentration is maintained, is very hard to break down. I took up my position, had a read of my latest book on the go (tis good for the head tha' knows) and prepared for 90 minutes of entertainment. And so, to the meat of the matter, tonight's game, here are my Fungalised thoughts.
The shrill whistle cut the night air, the onlookers were activated into interest, the 22 bods on the green set about their labour. It was a quiet start with most of the play taking place in the home birds half as the guests prodded and poked but found little joy. Maine Road did get an early break, won a free-kick that was whipped in that failed to find a tootsie but did send out ominous signals. The tepid start was eventually inflamed when a robust collision flared a few tempers and a bra swinging bout ensued, no nipples were twisted though and only 1 booking followed. The game needed this coming together though, a spark was lacking and equilibrium was dictating the flow. Despite this minor kerfuffle the game struggled to achieve momentum and even a penalty shout resulted in a booking for the diver (what a Tinker) which kind of reflected the desperation to get a sniff of goal.
The first moment of drama came when a Maine Road error at the back allowed WDC's No 10 (Matty Kay) to try an outrageous and somewhat speculative lob that seemed to have no chance of raising a roar of glory but by heck it did come mighty close. Seconds later the visitors should have snatched the lead when a golden opportunity shone bright but alas dazzled the striker who let the chance go begging. Road were piqued by this it seemed and were soon back at the high work rate they do so well and won another free kick that bore no fruit but gave significant hope. The next shots came West Didsbury's way when their No 11 (Nicolaos Evangelinos) fired wide after the ball bobbled and then turned on a 10 bob bit, released, but only found the awaiting keepers chest. The game now, like that Frankensteinian monster, became alive, and it was straight up the other end we went when a stunning break found a striker who had only the netter to beat but somehow dragged the shot wide. Road though came again and Matthew Morgan worked and weaved inward from the touchline before unleashing a shot that had pace but lacked accuracy and dipped a little too late to find the net - good effort nonetheless. An insane booking for Road's No 11 saw a free kick given against his team which turned into a counter attack which saw Road's No 10 given another prize opportunity but again the shot was wide of the target. Oh man, chances come, chances go, will this be a goalless affair?
Road now pushed with persistance and a ball was chucked into the box, the goalkeeper was impeded by a defender and only half punched, the ball dropped at the feet of Matthew Morgan who saw an empty net and slapped in with sanguinity - good finish sir! A spark to a tinder box and as half time came everything was set up for a good finish.
Half time, a piddle, a Twix and a titter at the attack of the two-foot terrors from West Didsbury and Chorlton who took to the pitch and had a good kick about that injected some fine atmosphere.
To the second half and both teams displayed high energy with Maine Road having another swift sortie forward only to be nabbed offside at the last breath, Road's No 6 hobbled off and hindered flow and the game started to deflate quicker than one of Arthur Mullards Blow Up Dolls (so I believe) and although both teams huffed and puffed (yes, like the aforementioned Mullard whilst locked away with his doll) the referee's perpetual peeping was keeping this a frustrating affair (another Mullard reference could be used here but I leave it to your own imagination). A throw in took an age and when nothing came of it one could sense an overall bewilderment with proceedings. As Road eventually found space to break another tackle ensued, it seemed innocuous but when the player stayed down things looked mighty serious. Time ticked, no ball was kicked and news was had that an ambulance was needed. The player was attended to, apparently his arm was buggered and as the night drew on it seemed the match may be called to a halt. Some fans waited, some fans left, I chatted with a fine gent about the possible outcome and then made my way outside to finally hear the whistle that signaled the end. That was that and everyone left on something of a downer. I'll still pick a Man of the Match tonight and opt for Maine Road's No 11 (Jamie Roe) who tackled like a tyrant, ran like a robber on steroids and provided a quality service like Jeeves to Bertie Wooster - a very eye-catching stint.
FINAL THOUGHT - Only one thought can come at the end of this match and that is to wish the injured player Rick Williams all the best and the sooner he his back dashing about the pitch the better. Injuries are part and parcel of football and perhaps everyone involved should be more than grateful to stay fit and healthy and be part of such a glorious game. We sometimes take things for granted and in truth we shouldn't - football is a great escape from the lunacy of life and is a game to keep the noggin enthused - it is there for all to enjoy and there for all to support each other. So chin up Mr Williams, you will be back soon enough and when you kick that first ball, make that first tackle, grab that first goal make sure you bloody well appreciate it and revel in the moment!
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