Friars Go Down Fighting
Blackfriars’ keeper Robert Verrill was kept busy but was solid between the sticks and was well supported by the Irish backline. By adopting a 1-2-3-1 formation the midfield became a battle ground, as the friars tried to stop the Oscott playmakers Pius Amoako and Henry Whisenant penetrating their half and utilising the speedy wingers Linh Ta Hanh Nguyen and Long Hoang Nguyen. After ten minutes of end to end action Oscott got their break and slipped one home.
The Friars came straight back at the home team with Crowe making numerous infiltrating runs into the opposition territory to play in the Altrincham kid, David Goodill, but bad luck and pressure from the home defence meant they failed to produce a goal. Pearson held the ball up well on the right wing and set up Welsh Wizard Bobby Gay with a fine ball that just missed the inside of the post.
Tactical changes at half time did not bring the away team’s deserved goal but Oscott’s wing was tempered by Daniel ‘muscles’ Jeffries and the midfield was bolstered by the inclusion of no-nonsense centre-half David Barrins, who showed some nice passing and dribbling as well as a steel-like challenge. An Oscott counter-attack from a corner, in the dying seconds, resulted in their second goal just before the final whistle.
Although the play was intense, the game was an example of great sportsmanship and after the boots had been taken off, both teams met up in the college bar for beer and banter. The Blackfriars’ students would like to thank the Seminarians for organising such an enjoyable day and we hope that there will be more to come. They should remember however that given the chance, the Dogs will bite back.
