LATE LATE DRAMA SEES DORKING STEAL THE POINTS

We all know football can be a cruel game, but in the words of Friedrich Nietzsche, Wandsworth Borough 1st XI will be hoping ‘whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger’. It was a windy day, the grass was green – nothing too unusual to report to at the home ground of our opponents, Dorkinians. To get things off to a pleasant start, the gaffer Des O’Hare, was presented with a coat for his ongoing enthusiasm and success which he’s brought to this bunch of players and the club as a whole. Unfortunately, much like the coat, his team came up a little short on the day.

As it happens, there were 4 players still getting dressed when Dean Taylor was called over for the coin toss but this didn’t stop things getting off to a good start for WBFC. 1-0 in the first 10 mins after a neat bit of passing gave Sam Driver one of the easiest finishes he’ll see all season. At this point, things looked bright for the afternoon ahead however that changed quickly. WBFC’s 3-5-2 formation was being challenged by Dorkinians as their attack broke with speed and numbers. After sustaining a certain amount of pressure involving a couple of clearances off the line from Gibb and Da Silva, the dam eventually burst when perhaps WBFC least expected it. A counter-attack from a corner hit Boro on the break and the lead was squandered. To make things worse, this was then followed by another goal from a long ball which I’d perhaps put down to frustration at conceding the first. Either way, WBFC were soon heading in at HT to face a rather displeased figure in his fresh looking coat.

As with all half time team talks, it’s a quick couple of jaffa cakes down the hatch and the 2nd half is on you before you know it. It was definitely a case of ‘still all to play for’ and right from the off you could sense the belief and optimism in this young WBFC side. The pressure had turned to the Dorkinians defensive line as the second half started. Much of the football was being played in the opponents’ half and whilst the Dorkinians keeper may not have been as busy as we’d like, things were looking promising. One momentary blip came after a back pass to Neil Baker in goal, led to an unwanted touch which enticed the no.9 in and quickly after that the ref was pointing to the spot after Neil attempted to recover the situation. Fortunately, the resulting penalty was one of the worst ever seen as the ball was blazed high and into the fir trees beyond the car park, a good distance behind the goal.

With 20 minutes to go Borough took hold of the game and started to dominate. The penalty aside, the hosts had 1 shot of any danger in the 2nd half, and a free header from a corner that flashed wide. Otherwise, it was all Borough.

Da Silva threatened down the flanks, Driver had two shots in quick succession saved, Taylor broke into the box and had a shot well saved also. Charlie Rose had a little more time than he thought when he shot narrowly wide. Chances and half chances came and went, with the sizeable home crowd growing in anxiety.

The clock ticked over to 90 minutes and you could tell Dorks thought the job was done: not yet. When messing about to make a substitution and waste time, Dorks failed to concentrate for the free kick which led to the break in play and said substitution. They were basically already in the changing rooms (well mentally). A quick free-kick was moved to the edge of the home box and Borough outnumbered the Dorks defence. To delay Borough one defender clearly handled the ball for a direct free kick. Pym weighed his options, picked a spot and ensured he hit the target (as discussed pre-match!). A beautiful finish low to the keeper’s right: 2-2 with only added time to go.

Borough celebrated what would have been a well earned and (at the very least) a deserved point. Indeed at the re-start Borough pressed forward to maximise the last minute or so of play. Then, like the hosts, Borough switched off right at the death. An innocuous throw from the Dorks right back slot found its way down the touchline. The wide right attacker threw a hopeful ball into the Borough box, and as Baker came to claim it, Charlie Rose, sensing imminent danger, flung his head at the ball only to make contact and see the ball fly into the net.

3-2 and game, literally, over.

A tough ending and on balance Borough 1sts deserved the absolute minimum of a draw, especially after a strong start and very strong 2nd half. However, we were reminded of the price of switching off before the guy in the middle decides the game is totally done. Let's never do that again.