Match Report v Medics Wednesday

History FC 5-3 Medics Wednesday

14/10/15

Highlights

·      A Henry Scanlan hat-trick on only his second appearance for the team

·      Last seasons top scorer Joel Standerwick returns to scoring with a brace

·      Will Kelly’s fit-of-passion

·      The Professor returns

Conditions were perfect, a little hint of Sun, a slight breeze and no rain. Also, History FC’s loyal fan, aptly the named ‘The Professor’ was back to watch some quality ISSL Division 2 football. The nightmare of last weeks calamitous #BusGate was soon forgotten as the team arrived in good time before kick-off and were sufficiently prepared to commence battle against the originally-named Medics Wednesday.

A slight change in formation to a 4-2-3-1 worked wonders as lone striker Joel Standerwick was always in the game, with regular service being provided by Henry Scanlan and Tom Russell. The team found themselves 3-0 up after approximately 30 minuntes, with the Scanlan and Standerwick duo combining well against a rather underwhelming opposition defence.

History FC’s relentless desire to play the Barcelona ‘tiki-taka’, possession-based game, led to giving the ball away in some dangerous areas, resulting in Medics Wednesdays’s first goal, a well-placed 25 yard strike. 3-1 at half time certainly flattered the opposition, with History being a constant threat in the attacking half.

Will Kelly exemplified his passion for History FC, with a spectacular outburst at goalkeeper Josh Scott after a bobble-of-the-ball led to a chance for the Medics just before half time. The pair soon healed their divisions and their competitive spirit was great to see. Though, this incident of argy-bargy will inevitably go down in History FC folklore.

Scanlan’s hat-trick was completed with a well-taken finish after 60 minutes, underlining his credentials as a striking option for the team. The Medics were allowed back into the game courtesy of dodgy hand-ball and Keeper Scott was unable to repeat his penalty-saving heroics of last week.

Standerwick completed his brace with another well-taken finish, after a delightful ball from History centre-back and Paul Scholes lookalike, Patrick Harvey. Standerwick’s finish reaffirmed his goal-scoring talents and the future looks bright with History’s SAS (Scanlan and Standerwick).

Isolated incidents of tension occurred during the game, including full-back Nick Jeyarajah’s polite questioning of his opponent as to whether he ‘wants some’. As well as Tom Glover’s ability to wind-up opponents with his quick wit and a cynical hand-ball.

Frustratingly, the opposition scored a consolation goal with the last kick of the game, however History FC’s spirits were high having got a well-deserved first victory of the season.

It is clear that the team will only benefit from more game time together, but the signs so far look very positive with all the new recruits settling in very well. Onwards and upwards to next week.

Dan Bunter, History FC Captain