The Flying Scotsman - by Hoppy

Wallington 0 – Red Lions 4

Another trip around the M25 this week to face Wallington, who had we established beaten Sutton Valence 7 – 0 the week before, The Lions losing 4 – 1 to SV a couple of weeks beforehand. Umm.

With The Lions able to actually find the pitch from the car park this week, we were able to start on time with 11 at the start - and JB & Albie fashionably late, as is the custom.

Conrad and Doddsy are proving great new additions to the squad and we might decide to keep them.

Indeed with their welcome influence, we played a game we all know we can actually play, dominating 80% of the game.

Conrad controversially introduced a new concept of a “half-time” talk and explained that if we didn’t pass to the opposition we had a better chance. This involved standing in a circle and nodding. Roy did not stand in the circle but affirmed he was listening at least three times, when asked if he was listening.

The result was a lot of running and the Wallington defence under huge attacks. My legs ache so much that I can barely think straight but believe the goal scorers were Colin with a brace, Connie and Charlie (not sure on the last one).

A Doddsy power drive and deflection off Col’s stick saw a most spectacular save from the Wallington keeper, who later admitted he hadn’t even seen the ball. The Wallington defence also were extremely strong, snatching several open goals off Lions sticks.

At the other end, The Lions defence were kept busy admirably holding fort. John Lodge, however, in goal surpassed himself in plugging the holes, like that Dutch boy with his finger in the leaking dyke and saving the day. Indeed Lodgey must be a strong contender for our Young Player of the Year Award, beavering away and damming several accurate and determined attempts by the Wallington attack, keeping the score-line watertight.

It was reported by one spectator, Mrs JB, that Albie sometimes finds the constant on pitch advice, with simultaneous shouts to him of “attack”, “pass it”, “come back”, “stop!” etc. somewhat confusing.

Even more confusing was when something akin to the Flying Scotsman thundered past myself and Robin as subs on the side, along with Mrs JB and Geoff, who should have been playing but forgot his kit. Anyway, unable to see who it was until the dust settled, we finally realised it was JB himself trying to break the land speed record from left back to right wing end to end. Mrs JB was very impressed, as were we all!

Those who went back to a very hospitable bar were surprised to see Geoff replaced by Julian who thought it was too cold to watch us but fancied a beer anyway. Walders will be pleased to hear that the teas were very good and a step up from the sausages at the Premier Inn last week.

A great game by The Lions – Cliff, who passed away on the pitch on this fixture two years ago would have been very pleased.

Until next week.

Hoppy