overshadowed by some dodgy officiating, the trend of which was to continuethroughout the match. Within five minutes the Assassins were ahead via a well taken Sam Lloyd goal from close range, with Jason Rabbetts at right back leaving space to exploit having been conveniently distracted by the late arrival of Clare Lloyd, the second referee’s assistant.
The Dads were soon on level terms though, through a neatly worked goal from midfield and some powerful finishing by Jean-Paul Jhugroo from just inside the 18-yard area. The wrong-footed James Rabbetts sustained an injury in his attempt to save the goal, and gave way to Ali Masson who helped keep the Assassins on level terms with some excellent keeping throughout a strong ten minute period by the Dads.
The Assassins' most lethal weapon was the counter-attack – taking advantage of some slow tracking back by an adventurous Dads side who were short on pace, short on breath, and a few who had clearly taken on too many fluids the night before. It was such a counter that saw a through ball finished with clinical precision by the Assassins' on-loan striker Daniel Mahony.
Several minutes of bizarre refereeing decisions, including a sending off for Jason Rabbetts for “helping”, and three off-sides given against the Dads for "running too fast with the ball", culminated in a genuine appeal for a penalty following a clear hand ball by Jane Hoggarth, which the referee (Fiona “Don’t Mess With Me” Rabbetts) completely missed, and only awarded once she gave into player pressure from the Assassins. James Rabbetts stepped up confidently, and slotted the ball accurately beyond the flailing Keith Masson to make it 3-1 to the Assassins.
Half-time was a welcome break for the Dads who were panting like old nags at a donkey derby. Some tactical changes made at half-time brought some hope that pace in the wide areas would bring the Dads back into the game. This soon had an effect with Lewis Evans making a chinking run down the left and finishing neatly to take the score to 3-2.
The Assassins were in fighting mood though and before long it was 4-2. Luc Jhugroo made an impressive run down the left flank before cutting in to lay-off to Ashley Marshall just inside the box who lashed it with power into the back of net leaving Keith Masson no chance.
The Dads dug deep, never willing to accept defeat. A lack of concentration at the back from the Assassins let in Simon Lloyd who controlled the ball confidently and stroked it past the Assasins keeper to put the Dads back in the game. This was shortly followed by a weaving run by Nick Torpey who squared the ball from the left. With three Dads running at goal and a stranded Assasins defence it only need a touch to take the score level at 4-4, which Jason Rabbetts did from a yard out.
The Dads tails were up but choruses of “who are you, who are you” were soon silenced. The Dads had pushed upfield looking for the winner, but with heavy legs and lungs like sultanas, they lost possession. The Assasins quickly broke and counter attacked at speed. Some neat interplay from the boys and a collision between the Dads defence saw the ball break free to Daniel Mahony. There was only one conclusion – a deadly finish from a tight angle and the Dads were done for. The dodgy referee blew for time and the Dads were pleased to sink to their knees and receive oxygen. Maybe next year! |
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