LONG LIVE THE KING

Last Saturday saw the 5s face local rivals Thorntonians that last time round led to an embarrassing 6-0 loss (they’d obviously loaded their side) and we weren’t great either. This time round we were faced with two former Wandsworth Borough players in the form of Dan Sheehan and Will French, but this time we were determined to keep up our good form.

First half the Boro absolutely dominated, the ball barely entered our half but at the same time would just not go in the back of the net. Some goal line clearances, bad misses and very good saves ensured the first half remained deadlocked.

The first half was unfortunately overshadowed by a double leg break as a result of a fair 50/50 challenge that was just very unlucky. Old Thorntonians played the game in a great spirit throughout (apart from Dan Sheehan). Harry King was swept off in an ambulance midway through the second half. He has been brilliant for us and will be a big miss. Old Thorntonians were brilliant and made sure Harry was never left alone whilst waiting for the ambulance.

The first 15 mins of the second half brought the game to life. A free kick conceded by Gannon led to Old Thorntonians taking the lead against the run of play. A long ball from the halfway line was stared at and sadly pounced on by the opposition captain who had proved a nuisance all game. Dan Sheehan typically reacted with little class, “thats sweet Frenchie, ain’t it” wasn’t met with much enthusiasm.

The premature celebrations were short-lived. We were 2-1 up within 10 minutes. First Sam drove the ball in and then a corner from Cooper led to carnage. Sam’s header pounded off the crossbar to land on Joe’s head whose header went upwards (from two yards out) but fortunately went in off the crossbar this time.

We pressed for the 3rd goal and thought we had it when a rebound led to Luke Hurst having an open goal from 6 yards out... it went 6 yards over the bar. Sheehan (probably realising he’d celebrated too early) randomly squared up to Captain Cooper in frustration. Angel Coops (who remains not in the book this season didn’t react).

Our lack of composure in front of goal meant we had to fight to remain in the lead, that the boys did. A counter-attack was quickly stopped by Cooper but the challenge meant he had to limp off injured and leave the nervy last 10 mins to Gannon and Seamus in midfield.

The last sequence of play should have seen Thorntonians equalise but for a great block from Joe Thomas and a save from Chizzle. Their striker had posed a threat all game but was thwarted when it mattered most.

A great game played with a good competitive spirit throughout. Harry King will return next season. Long live the King!!