Classics v Polonia
James Hill
24th. Sep. 2017

Conditions: Sunny and warm

Players on duty: Jason Clegg, Jeff Dickson, Jimmy Butler, Randy Hosler, Dave Moore, Larry Thorlakson, Gordie Macklin, David Breen, Gene Crowley, Daryl Lawrie, Chris Arcari, Lorenzo Arcari, Sherman Foster, Warren Crowley, Pat O'Krane, Willie Dixon.
Coaches on duty: Alan Massender & Gordie Macklin

Classics power home........
There was an early chance for the Classics as a free kick was awarded to the team about 35 yards out. Randy Hosler took a punt but the ball sailed just over the bar. Another chance fell soon afterwards when a well centred cross from Pat O'Krane was met by Warren Crowley at the back post and his goalwards header ricocheted off the keeper's leg for a corner. Ten minutes in there was a succession of shots, resembling a pin-ball machine, which were some how saved by the Polonia defence. It was a pressure moment and Gene Crowley and Willie Dixon were particularly unlucky not to score. The first shot from the visitors came in the 17th. minute after an attacker broke through but Jason Clegg stuck out his left leg to make an important save. Jeff Dickson, assisted by W. Crowley, opened the scoring in the 20th. minute when he found himself in a shooting position on the edge of the box; he placed his shot low and to the right of the keeper and it crept in close to the upright. It was Dickson's first goal for the club.

It was 2-0 half way through the half after W. Crowley was taken down in the box. Hosler stepped up to stroke the ball home, albeit down the centre. Dickson increased the lead to 3-0 soon later after a shot was parried out to him and he stroked it home. Polonia were up against a rampant Classics team now and it became 4-0 when Gordie Macklin chipped in with a goal. It came from O'Krane from midfield who moved the ball to Dickson, which brought a one touch to Macklin who, from 20 yds, in one foul swoop, knocked it into the bottom corner in the 36th. minute. Dixon made it 5-0 with a long range effort before Hosler scored his second, and the team's sixth, from another finely executed long range shot. It was a very decisive 6-0 half-time lead that the Classics took back to their coaches on the sidelines.

Sherman Foster enetered the field for the second half after returning from his summer sabbatical and he was soon involved with the play as the home side continued where they left off with their relentless pressure. The 63rd. minute brought a rare diving header from G. Crowley and it was 7-0. Gene dedicated the goal to his new grandaughter, Selina Rose, so he actually rose to the occasion! Five minutes later the Classics were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position outside the box. Hosler, looking for his hat-trick, struck the ball well but it rebounded off the defensive wall. Hosler was involved again minutes later. He went on a beautiful right wing forage and sent over the perfect cross which Dixon ascended, as if shackled to a hot air balloon, to forcefully power his second of the day. It would have graced any stage.

Another great day for the defence too with another shut-out. It was a well deserved victory against a sporting opposition. The day also brought the home debut for the new beer cooler. The management made the decision that it was time to take it a little easier, so a cooler with wheels was purchased. It also has a large pushing handle which doubles up as a mobility walker for players at the conclusion the game. Many thanks to Gene and Chris for the fantastic after game feast.

Final Score: Classics 8 Polonia 0 (6-0)

Stats
MWG: Dickson
Crap Award: Daryl Lawrie *** (sorry)