Rangers provide stiff opposition...
This game was a friendly game, arranged to round off the season. This was the first ever meeting of the teams so Rangers were a completely unknown quantity for the Classics. The Rangers, from the over 55s northern section, travelled over from north of the river as they are based in North Vancouver. The Classics coaching staff had previously approached Steven Gerrard in an attempt to find out their strengths and weaknesses but were told in no uncertain terms, "Och awa' wi' ye, ya wee scunner! I'm no wee clipe so awa' an bile yer heid!" They took it as a NO and went on their way. The first attempt on goal came from the home side when Sherman Foster blasted a shot 'well' over the crossbar in the second minute. Gene Crowley sprung to the defence of Jason Clegg on the quarter hour, when a Rangers attempt was heading for the net. Crowley headed a goal bound header off the line. It could have given the visitors an early lead after Clegg came out to gather the shot, before realising that he wasn't as tall as he thought. Just after this incident Alan Massender got into the 'streaker of the week' role when he removed his shirt in an act of hero worship to his mentor on the team. Randy Hosler took a right-sided corner kick in the 17th minute which Massender headed on. Jerry Szakun made a good dummy which allowed the ball to thread its way through to Pat O'Krane who was on hand to fire home the opening goal of the game - comments from the sidelines suggested that O'Krane only scored because he was that close to the line that the ball couldn't possibly go over the bar! At this stage Rangers were giving as good as they got and a great contest was ensuing. It could have been a different story had they taken one of their many chances but the first blood fell to the Classics. A good centre from the Rangers in the 22nd minute landed on the head of an attacking player but he watched in agony as the ball shot over the crossbar. It was a great well-matched game with attractive football, chances at both ends and some excellent goalkeeping skills on display. The visitors were on that attack again in the 27th minute with a long range shot which Clegg handled well. The slender lead of 1-0 was carried into the second half.
The Classics increased the lead just five minutes into the second half when Mike Deeley let rip with a screamer from outside the box - the ball rocketed in off the left hand post and was hit with such power that it ended up nestled in the right side of the net, without bouncing. It was a glorious goal that would be appreciated at any stadium in the world. Rangers responded quickly with a counter attack which ended when Foster conceded a penalty just inside the box. A Rangers player stepped up to take the glory but blasted his shot well over the bar. It was a costly mistake as a goal for the visitors at that stage could have changed the game. However, just five minutes later the insurance goal arrived and it came from a right wing move, begun by Daryl Lawrie and Lorenzo Arcari. The ball ended at Deeley's feet and he slotted home his second of the game at the near post. It must have felt like a dirk (read dagger) through the heart for the very competent Rangers side. The goal brought Deeley's average for the season to a goal a game, which is no mean feat.
Dave Moore got more involved than he should have when he hacked down one of the opposition who was storming through like a cyclone. The referee, who is on the official FIFA list, immediately issued a yellow card to Moore and cautioned him saying, "You were a bit late with that tackle," to which Moore responed, "Well, I got there as quick as I could!" Moore insisted that the player had dived, but apparently, the sound effects didn't corroborate his theory. In reality, he had noticed that O'Krane was catching up with his total of yellow cards and that just wouldn't do. Jim Eden took a dangerous right sided corner but the ball deceived all the Classics attackers and went across the field for a throw in on the other side. Minutes later, Eden had interplay with one of his teammates, and Gordie Macklin just happened to mention that they had a combined age of almost 143 years! With five minutes remaining, Deeley hit a low shot to the left of the keeper but he made a good dive to push it away for a corner.
The match was a fine ending to a very successful season that only saw one hiccough, and the facts in that game spoke for themselves. Rangers were worthy opponents on the day, and they too have had a successful year in the northern section of the league. We wish them every success for next season. The management thanks all the players for their dedication, both on and off the field. Balls, nets and flags don't just arrive at the ground. Thanks for helping to put them up and take them down. Special thanks to Gordie and Gene for their contributions, along with others when needed, in that area and for lining the field when needed. Thanks to all players for their cooperation with coaching duties and food duties. It worked out pretty well and everyone, without exception, got on with the job without any complaining. The rota system will contine next season, continuing with the same order, so that everything works out fair to all parties.
Stats
MWG: Pat O'Krane
Penalty Conceded: Sherman Foster
Yellow card: Dave Moore (foul)
Crap Award: Dave Moore (it's finally home again)