Hat-trick Hero Calver Wins The Day

Dear everyone, for those of you not present on Sunday, you will be pleased to know the Men's Over 50 team overcame a spirited Harleston side by the convincing margin of 6-3. It was 'Marden-plus'. It was another superb team effort. From the outset we dominated play, moved the ball quickly, confidently; there was movement off the ball, first time touches were clean, support play was excellent.

It was enjoyable to watch, exciting to be a part of. My thanks go to the supporters pitchside who came to cheer for the team and offer little nuggets of advice, just like proper fans (although nobody jumped the fence to land a right hook on the opponents....which seemed to be fashionable elsewhere this weekend!!)

For the technically minded Tony Bass opened the scoring on 13 minutes with a 'poachers' goal when the ball found its way across goal to our man just a couple of yards out, a quick jab and in it went. Jem Allen added a second on 20 minutes with a well directed hit leaving their 'keeper no chance. As we approached half time Harleston broke free and scored to make it 2-1; almost immediately Paul Calver ghosted into their D and stroked the ball into the net to restore the 2 goal advantage.

Half time 3-1.

Harleston are never to be underrated and in the second half put more players into attack, and aiming to disrupt our midfield. So step forward one of our centre backs, a run into their D, taking a speculative shot which unbelievably looped up off a stick (foot?) and was nodded into the goal by a retreating defender. A headed 'own' goal? Have we ever seen anything like that before? So Adey Moulam gets his name on the score sheet again!

We then had a bit of a wobble. A couple of passes went astray. Balls trickled away and out of play. Harleston pushed and pushed and eventually had enough people around to steal a goal.....followed shortly by another...score 4-3 and Harleston felt they could overtake us with still 10 minutes on the clock, but we ensured normal service was resumed, played the sensible game, moved the ball into the open spaces which were now appearing, and importantly kept possession. With Calver now marauding upfield he finished the game off in style by scoring two goals in the last 3 minutes of the match. The relief was palpable; but there was no doubt the better team won....as was acknowledged by the Harleston team.

The semi final date is 31st March. Opponents will be announced by Wednesday....watch this space.

Congratulations 'boys', a job well done.