Richmond United Olympics v Surrey Classics FC
Hugh Boyd
15th. February 2009

Weather: sunny and warm
Herbert and McGill Dissolve Olympics........
The Classics travelled to Richmond for another 9:00am kick off game, this time at Hugh Boyd, the home of Richmond United Olympics. Playing the first half with the sun at their backs they set about the game in aggressive fashion. They took the ball to the home side and had a few early chances. With Garry Hackel driving the 140km from Hope and with Chuck McGill leaving Whistler at 6:00am the Classics had a full team, a distant cry from the last time they played when they only had 10 men. The return of Bill McAuley and Al Burton boosted the squad which gave them a couple of subs.

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Action was evenly matched with both teams giving as good as they got in an end to end encounter. The Classics took the lead in the 20th. minute after an attack which saw the ball booted back out of the penalty area. It landed to Dean Herbert who was making his outfield debut for the team and he responded by sending a chip-cum-shot which sailed over the 'well off his line' Richmond keeper and into the net to notch his first goal for the Classics.

The Olympics pulled level ten minutes later when a left wing attack resulted in a forward running into the box and comprehensively beating Hackel at the near post. The hosts also hit the post in another attack but play and chances were evenly balanced when the teams left the field for half time with the score at 1-1.

Bill McAuley was causing all sorts of problems with some penetrating runs and he also battled back inside his own half of the field when needed. With McGill the target man, the midfield linked well with the forwards and they created several chances, none of which were successfully converted. Rick Geary had to retire injured midway through the second half and Dave Moore slotted in alongside Danny Jensen at the heart of the defence. The Classics got what was to be the match winning goal midway through the second half after a right side Patty Rohla corner caused confusion in the penalty box. The ball fell at an awkward height for McGill on the far post but he somehow managed to bundle the ball over the line with his chest, albeit his 'lower' chest.

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Fisher Crockett was having a useful game at left back but he eventually had to retire bagged. Moore moved over to fill the left back role and McGill reverted to his old role of centre back. The Classics played a tactical last 15 minutes which left the home side resorting to long range 'bread and butter' shots for Hackel as well as through balls which were too advanced for their forwards to reach. One moment of fear was endured when a left wing centre hit the crossbar and bounced onto the far post but Hackel gathered well. The offside trap was well executed and it left the Olympics frustrated at times but it ran out the time to give the Classics a well deserved victory, one which mirrored the last meeting between the two teams when two Jimmy Butler goals gave them the victory at Topham Park.

Final Score 1-2 (1-1)

Stats:
MWG: C. McGill