The Rock Reinvented

Howard Steed

A fairly uneventful first half. The home team had some players who wouldn't have been out of place in Div 5 or above but the South midfield and defence were able to contain them, albeit with a few scary moments. Stand-in one-handed keeper, Alan 'The Rock' Radford, made some spectacular saves. One in particular left the opposition flabbergasted as he deflected a well executed drag-flick over the crossbar with a casually raised hand.

The second half was a completely different matter, however. South were unlucky not to take an early advantage when a 'Shahbaz Special' narrowly missed its target. A well executed pass from inside the Watton half gave them the opportunity they needed, beating the South keeper and Andy Williamson, who was unlucky not to get a stick to the ball as it crossed the line.

South continued to press and were soon rewarded when a blistering Alex P cross from the byline found Shahbaz Ali lurking on the post, where he was able to tuck the ball neatly into the back of the net. One-one, with everything still to play for.

A series of Watton short corners were kept at bay by the South defence and the ever-invincible Rock Radford but eventually South succumbed to one that resulted in a pass across the goal finding an unmarked opposition player on the far post. Two-one to Watton.

Undaunted, South continued to press, forcing the opposition to concede several short corners. Another Shahbaz Ali drag flick was deflected but only as far as injector Simon Jelley, perfectly positioned on the post from where he was able to coolly dispatch a shot giving South the equaliser their efforts merited. Two-two it finished.

There were many notable performances worthy of MoM but all were eclipsed by that man Radford in goal. We just need to find a way of cloning him now so that he can play in every position on the pitch!

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Alan 'Rock' Radford
Player of the Match

Unanimous decision for an outstanding performance in goal…and with a broken thumb.