After a year’s absence, and having no fixtures on Matchday 1, Strollers 70s made a belated return to competitive football at Gainsborough. Conceding 5 goals on the day, all as a result of self-inflicted mistakes, and scoring a solitary goal, Strollers suffered two defeats and drew one of their three matches.
Match 1 was against last year’s Champions, Grimsby Corinthians, who both Laughton and Murrant had turned out for last year on a couple of matchdays. Corinthians were much more used to playing together and their organisation and movement meant they had the better of the game. Oppenheimer in goal made several good saves but two costly mistakes by outfield players, one in each half, through not tracking a player, and losing possession, were the ultimate difference.
Strollers 0 Corinthians 2
Match 2 was against Lincoln Invictus and saw Brine make his 70s debut, playing in an uncustomary forward position. This match turned out to be our worst performance of the day, going down 2-0 by half time. Lack of control and an organisation that didn’t work well led to both goals. At half time changes were made and Strollers probably shaded it. However, we could not claw back the deficit.
Strollers 0 Invictus 2
Match 3 was against our oldest rivals from Boston; in this game we finally got the team organisation that worked for us and we turned in the best performance of the day. With Groves up front, and Smith and Wood narrower in midfield, we played some good football. Unfortunately, early in the second half, we fell behind to a penalty conceded for four running offences: penalty scored, 1-0 down. Strollers, continued to have the upper hand and hit the woodwork twice. Our first goal of the season came when Wood slotted home just inside the left upright. Strollers continued to press although most of our shots were straight at the keeper. At the end we were a disappointed with a draw but pleased we had finally put in a performance. Strollers 1 Boston 1 (Wood)
Squad:
Peter Oppenheimer :
Steve Brine :
Tony Laughton :
Col Murrant :
Frank Smith :
David Groves :
Bob Wood.
Comments