Magnets Brave the Weather in Tight Defeat
By Mark Waller
Magnets 0 – 2 Tulse Hill & Dulwich (H) Saturday 2 November (Supervets Trophy)
Squad: Beaney C, Sharpe, Cheng, Majid, Campbell, Curry, Broderick (GK), Kumar, Sabben-Clare, Lane, Waller
Player of the Match: Ian Broderick
After last week’s goal fest against Richmond, the Magnets knew this would be a much tougher test against the side currently sitting atop Division 1. Although this was a Trophy league match (open to teams from both Div 1 & 2), it was keenly contested and close game, played in a good spirit.
Both sides were missing a handful of key players (unfortunately we lost two players at the last minute, one due to a severe bout of food poisoning, the other ostensibly owing to a strained muscle, but possibly more influenced by the prospect of spending the day with his rugby mates). Despite this setback, everyone played a full part in contributing to a good team performance that perhaps merited a better return. In the end it was TH&D’s greater experience and sharper instincts that carried the day. They also had their ‘keeper to thank for making some crucial saves at key points to keep us at bay. Ian, playing in goal for us, also had an excellent game – which won him the vote for MoM – backed up by some good defensive work.
The game was notable for the return of DC who played well given this was his first match since May, and that he had spent the morning at the George & Dragon watching the rugby... the team has missed his calming influence in midfield as well as his clubhouse bandinage.
Huge thanks to Jess and Ray for braving the horrific weather conditions to umpire and for keeping control of some of the more feisty and argumentative old men amongst us. Top marks too for the post-match teas; no unexpectedly spicy specials this week but perhaps they will turn up on another occasion to surprise us all.