Burridge's New Signing

Here he is; Burridge's new signing Bryn Schwodler, looking suitably gormless. Actually it looks as though he's followed Jack Nicholson - aka McMurphy - in the queue for a lobotomy with Nurse Ratched. Cuckoo, cuckoo!

Burridge AFC 1-2 Spinnaker

Sunday 30th October

Venue: Burridge Rec.




Burridge surrendered to their first league defeat of the season, in a fixture that often threatens to become heated. This one decided to emigrate to the Costa Brava; Scott Burnet was involved in an incident which saw his opposite number sent off. Anglo Saxon wording was exchanged, along with plenty of vigorous finger pointing, as the majority of the 22 players gravitated to the scene of the crime, like Mexico '86 magnetic marbles to a fridge door. By this time Burridge were losing, but it started out so differently. Rich Allan, finished a glorious passing move by turning an unleashing a perfect half volley into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Spinnaker drew level directly from a corner, whipped in with pace and assistance from the elements. Their winning goal again came from a cross from Spinnaker's right flank, Hopkins' - who may well of been planning to launch the ball upfield - slipped, allowing the ball to leave his grasp giving Spinnaker an opportunity that was impossible to miss.

3-5-3: Dave Hopkins, Mark Sanderson, Ross Bryant, Kev Willsher, Paul Dyke, Scott Burnet, Jay Schwodler, Rich Allan, Bryn Schwodler, Paul Andrews, Kristian Hewitt (Lee Fielder)

Other results:

Afc Spotted Cow 3-1 Waterlooville Social
Gems 0-4 Wickham Dynamos

Visit http://www.mvfl.co.uk/ for details, or http://www.yellowjersey.co.uk/LeagueTable.aspx?LeagueId=168
it's been redesigned a little.
Fixtures:
6/11/ away to Gems FC
13/11/home to Waterlooville Social Clb
20/11/ away to Wickham Dynamos
27/11/ home to Spotted Cow

Burridge AFC 2 - 1 Capital

Saturday 29th October

Venue: Burridge Sports Ground

Burridge, who now seem well aware of the uncomfortable furnishings of the last chance saloon, recorded a victory in a game that ended with a bang. Although this was their second win of the season, it was in fact a game of firsts. Kristian Hewitt remained composed in the claustrophobic surroundings of the penalty area by side footing Burridge into the lead. He was involved in the second goal, when his teasing cross from right to left was met by Lee Wood, who gleefully side footed home for his first goal of the season.

The second half saw the obligatory introduction of nerves, as Burridge began to reacquaint themselves with the novelty of a winning position. This came to the fore when Capital scored, leading to a rather frantic finish. Which saw Hopkins' make a number of vital saves in the Burridge goal, whilst Wood was unluckly not to score again after heading goalwards after an encouraging passing move.

As the last few minutes ticked away stubbornly, Capital began to take chances - throwing men forward. One move ended at the feet of a midfielder who seemed to have the goal at his mercy, but his delay allowed Luke Sanderson to cover the goal line, stopping the ball crossing the line - apparently, (well it wasn't so much a case of a Russian linesman, but I can confirm that the linesman has indeed visited Russia.) unfortunately, it was with his hand. His first red card was almost immediately followed by Dave Hopkins' first penalty save for Burridge; by which time, Burridge had lost themselves in celebration, unaware that the game was not yet over. They needn't have worried, as shortly after the whistle was blown, allowing Burridge to climb off the bottom spot, into the luxurious realm of tenth place.

4-4-2; Dave Hopkins, Luke Sanderson, Ben Wilson (Dean Wall), Paul Dyke, Jay Schwodler, Ross Bryant, Mark Sanderson (Mark Reeves), Rich Allan, Steve Froud, Kristian Hewitt, Lee Wood (Paul Andrews)

Visit link below for the latest tables
http://full-time.thefa.com/

Other scores:
Cadnam 6-1 Burridge Sports
Comrades 1-3 Spartans
Malvern 5-1 Priory
Solent 5-0 Survey

Burridge's Nigerian Link

I'm still not sure if indeed this was a wind up, but even so, it's still rather funny. Here's the email I received on 26th August in response to our player search......


Greetings to you. I am also commending you for a job well done . My name is TAIWO-OGUNLEYE , I am a young healthy young man of 16yrs old who hails from Nigeria. My purpose of sending this mail is to inform you that I have viewed your profile via the internet and I am interested in joining your youth team .I played for a local but unregistered club here in Nigeria. However the unavailability of my club to registered has really dash my chances of proven myself as a good player. SIR, my family are aware of this proposal and they have given me a go-ahead, and infact they are ready to bear all the responsibility toward my progress in the football industries since thay have known me to have an ambition to be a good footballer. I will be very greatful if my proposal to help me join your youth team is favourable considered.
I await a favourable reply from you sooner.

Thank you
yours faithfully
TAIWO-OGUNLEYE

This was quickly followed by this......


I went through the website and i am impress at what i saw which i see as a great and a feature club, so i will like to send three of my player to your club for a trial and after them if satisfy we can then settle other terms. And their age categorically 16/17 year old male from Nigeria, in which they have play in several amateur league competition. So therefore i will be extremely greatful if my offer is being granted favourable consideration.

thanks
your faithful
bolaji
club secretary


I felt it was only right to reply......

Hello Bolaji,

Thank you for replying.
I think there has been some confusion.
My team Burridge is only a local amateur team in Southampton, we are not professional, we are not even semi professional. We play in an organised league but just for fun.

Are you actually emailing me from Nigeria? If so, I'm astonished that my boring little advert has reached you. By the sounds of it, your players would be far to good for us! Sorry to disappoint you.

However, if your players are based in Southampton, then you're more than welcome to train with us. If not, then perhaps you could liase with Easyjet and propose regular flights between Lagos and Southampton.

All the very best,

From Mark E Sanderson.

Aquaseal 2 - 4 Burridge AFC

Sunday 24th October
Venue: Wicor Rec
Competition: Dave Blunt Cup

Burridge, whom on Sundays, are nothing if not difficult to beat actually won rather than drew when it looked as if they were to lose. Although they had chances to score, most of the first half was spent defending; as Kev Wilsher was left to combat an opponent of equal aerial ability, whilst Mark Sanderson was left a little exposed to his opposite's pace. It was this speed that saw Burridge a goal down, but a rare attack saw the ball fall to Scott Burnet, who volleyed firmly into the roof of the net from seven yards.

In the second period, craft was not so much abandoned but not allowed to develop due to an increasing frequency of pedantic referring decisions. Even so, Aquaseal again took the lead; the ball threaded to their centre forward, who ran free of the defence before striking high past Hopkins. Their joy however, was shortlived, because within the next few moments Burridge would have scored twice. The comeback began when Rich Allan darted down the left flank and sent a driven cross that was nothing less than a written invitation to score - Bryn Schwodler duly obliged via his head to make it two each. Before Aquaseal had time to become used to the score, the ball had been sent from right to left, and Greg Baker arriving at the back post smashed home a half volley - his first goal on Sundays. Burridge then managed to find every clumsy Aquaseal leg on which necessary to fall over. One such awarded free kick, saw Bryant - who'd been moved to the flank - roll inside from the right to Rich Allan who took the ball into his stride before sending his shot high into the goalkeeper's right hand corner, sealing victory.

3-5-2: Dave Hopkins, Ross Bryant, Kev Willsher, Mark Sanderson, Paul Dyke, Jay Schwodler (Paul Andrews), Greg Baker, Scott Burnet, Rich Allan, Kristian Hewitt, Bryn Schwodler

Other Cup scores

AFC Spotted Cow 1-1 Meonstoke
Aquaseal Res 1-0 Burridge AFC Res
East Meon 3-2 Shelford Rovers
Froxfield 1-4 Lynx Sports
Gems FC 2-3 Miller
Lotus XI 2-5 Titchfield FC
Masters 4-10 Spinnaker
Priory Inn 0-2 Clanfield FC
Ranvilles Rangers 2-1 Southwick Lions
Soberton Utd 2-4 Titchfield Res
West Meon and Warnford Res 1-3 Asda Athletic
West System Utd 0-1 AFC Paxton
Wickham Dynamos 3-1 Tempest Utd
Wickham Utd 4-2 North Boarhunt

PS Next Sunday (30/10/05) Burridge have a home league fixture against Spinnaker.

Academicals 4 - 0 Burridge AFC

Saturday 22nd October

Venue: Wide lane

Despite a full strength squad, Burridge succombed to another defeat which leaves staring down the barel of a gun in last position. Unable to deal with Academicals and their raw pace they found themselves two goals down at half time without offering any genuine threat to their opponents.

The second half saw Ben Wilson having to leave the field with a dead leg, and although Burridge didn't allow themselves to wallow in self pity - 2 more goals were conceded. Survey reserves 5-1 disposal of Comrades only added salt to Burridge's wound.

4-4-2: Dave Hopkins, Luke Sanderson, Paul Dyke, Ben Wilson (Kristian Hewitt), Paul Dyke, Jay Scwhodler, Greg Baker (Rich Allan), Steve Froud, Mark Sanderson, Ross Bryant, Paul Andrews (Mark Reeves), Lee Wood

Visit http://full-time.thefa.com/gen/Index.do for full league
details.

Burridge Sports 1 - 2 Malvern
Survey Res 5 - 1 Classic Comrades Res
Priory Rovers 1 -1 Solent WTL
Spartans 2 - 2 Capital

AFC Paxton 1 - 1 Burridge Afc

Sunday 15th October

Allotment Road, Warsash

Amongst the cloud and drizzle, another draw merged into the echoes of previously tied games; as Burridge remained unbeaten. The game was a succession of unfilled movement and imagination that neither side seemed prepared to leave behind - until Paxton's opener - a thirty yard free kick that was bent over the defending wall into Hopkin's top corner.

Burridge stood firm and allowed little opportunity for Paxton to increase their lead, whilst not threatening to equalize themselves. Ross Bryant was moved from sweeper to the right flank, and it was his driven cross that was nurtured by the returning Kristian Hewitt, and delicately passed beyond the keeper's reach for the equalizer, and a point each was assured.

3-5-2 Dave Hopkins, Kev Willsher, Ross Bryant, Mark Sanderson, Greg Baker, Paul Dyke, Rich Allan, Jay Schwodler, Paul Andrews, Kristian Hewitt.

Other scores:
Aquaseal 2-3 AFC Spotted Cow
Gems FC 3-15 Spinnaker
Waterlooville Social Clb 3-0 Wickham Dynamos
West Meon and Warnford 3-0 Spotted Cow

Priory Rovers 1 -2 Burridge AFC 2

Saturday 15th October

Netley Country Park

Burridge were in desperate need of a good performance - and they got it. Lee Wood returned, and Steve Froud made his debut. What resulted was a resolute display characterized by Burridge's hunger for the ball, either through hurrying the opposition or in pursuit of a pass. However Burridge were unable to actually ask any questions of the opposing keeper, despite Ross Bryant's seemingly obvious penalty appeal, that was waved away by the referee. They did take the lead just before half time, as Mark Sanderson's throw in was held and laid off back to him by Lee Wood before being struck home.

Still dazed by the dizzy heights of a lead, Burridge began in the second half weakly, but it appeared their need was greater than Priory's, as they mounted wave upon wave of attack. The all important second arrived after Jay Schwodler's driven cross was thumped into the roof of the net by a jubilant Paul Andrews. And although Priory did score themselves via a headed corner kick, Burridge deserved their victory and could have had further goals had Ben Wilson not been penalized on a corner for impeding the goalkeeper. Next week Burridge go to Wellington Park to face Accademicals brimming with confidence and with a full squad hungry for a starting place; surely this is the turning point in their season.

4-4-2: Dave Hopkins, Jay Schwodler, Paul Dyke, Ben Wilson, Luke Sanderson, Ross Bryant, Steve Froud, Mark Sanderson, Greg Baker, Paul Andrews (Kristian Hewitt), Lee Wood (Chris Hogg)

NEW SIGNING

I'm sure all readers of 90 Minutes of Sheer Burridge will welcome new Saturday signing;

Steve Froud

Age: 29

Position: Midfield

Profession: P.E. Teacher

Do You remember.....

The Strange Case of the Full Members (aka Simod, Zenith Data Systems) Cup

It’s unlikely that many would be able to name or even recall Alan Shearer’s first senior cup final appearance. Not only was it fourteen years ago, but also in a competition that was largely ignored and now defunct. Shearer was with Southampton at the time, who faced Nottingham Forest in their first Wembley final since 1979; where again they’d faced Clough’s men in a 3-2 defeat in the then sponsor free League Cup. Of course the original event described – if there is any doubt – is the 1992 Zenith Data Systems Cup Final.

The tournament’s inception followed the European competition ban imposed on English clubs after the 1985 Heysal disaster. Beginning life as the Full Member’s Cup it was open to all first and second division clubs; although rather tellingly, sides such as Liverpool – who would have noticed more than most the absence of fixtures – chose not to enter, dooming the competition’s credibility. Despite this, it still ran for seven years before eventually being engulfed by the outset of the Premier League. By this time football fans were busy vandalising their homes with the addition of satellite dishes in order to watch Sky’s coverage. It was hosted by former TV-AM presenter Richard Keys, whose collection of luridly bright jackets provided viewers with more than ample distraction from the Full Member’s Cup, condemning it forever to the back seat of the memory.

Gordon McKeag – the then president of the Football League – described the event as; ‘helping to create greater incentive within the game, providing clubs with an extra domestic challenge.’ One perhaps that Arsene Wenger would rather do without irrespective of European qualification, and what of Bolton and Middlesbrough? They’d scarcely cope if their bold upper table meanderings weren’t rewarded with an away tie in Bulgaria. Goodness knows the stunned reaction if faced with the idea that the prize for the tournament was simply the satisfaction of lifting the trophy itself. That and one hundred thousand pounds, no longer enough to buy a temperamental South American journeyman.


Southampton had beaten Chelsea – who were a few years shy of their mid nineties renaissance – in the rather unnecessary two legged southern area final to reach Wembley. They too were victorious in both the inaugural final in 1986, where a David Speedie hat trick helped them to a 5-4 win against Manchester City, and in 1990 when a Tony Dorigo strike condemned Middlesbrough. However, when looking at attendances it’s noticeable that not even the carrot of an excursion to the home of football could coerce more than twenty thousand fans over two games at the Dell and Stamford Bridge. Which, perhaps illustrates why the draw was split between north and south.


Although at times unpopular during his tenure at the Saints, the Cup Final gave Ian Branfoot valuable breathing space. He had once before reached the final during its Simod Cup days; when in charge of second division Reading in 1988 as they had a day out they wouldn’t forget by thumping Luton Town 4-1. It also provided Crystal Palace with an opportunity to vanquish their previous season’s F.A. Cup heartache when they overcame Everton after extra time by the same score. There they were; Reading, Crystal Palace & Southampton, all enjoying a day out. If this was the extent of the Full Member’s Cup then perhaps Red Letter Days should have resurrected it as the ideal birthday or Christmas gift – had they not met their own demise.


Even the day out could be a confusing almost hollow experience. Reaching a final without even the possibility of being drawn against the big boys amongst dwindling crowds was the road to Wembley. Which, in 1992 was watched by a crowd sat on cheap plastic seats that had been shoehorned into an outdated stadium. So why do I still remember it? Perhaps the first visit to Wembley left an impression that made me look at my surroundings and realise that I expected it to be bigger – like meeting someone famous.

Domestically we still had the trusty old F.A. Cup, as well as the League Cup, so it’s doubtful we needed further domestic activity, but the memory lingers on. Maybe it was the sight of my friend Greg Baker – Saints mascot for the day – who continued to deprive goalkeeper Tim Flowers of a decent warm up by sending the ball sailing over the crossbar with Wilkinsonesque consistency. Or, perhaps it was simply that the game had goals, as did most of the Full Member’s Cup Finals - averaging almost five goals a final. Headers from Matt Le Tissier (pictured above) and Kevin Moore levelled the game after Scott Gemmell and Kinglsey Black had appeared to have won it for Forest until Gemmell’s second clinched it. Either way it’s unclear, but when thumbing through the match day programme, one echoes the sponsors sentiments who ask supporters to, ‘Get behind your team and give the players real encouragement so that they can raise their game enough to make Graham Taylor’s European Championship Squad! Thank you.’ Yes, thank you Full Member’s Cup, it was after all a good day out.

By the way, does anybody remember Club Call?

Saturdays Needs You

I don't want to scaremonger, but at present we have 9 players available for this Saturday's fixture, as Dean & Rich are away.

1.Dave
2.Dykey
3.Ben
4.Luke
5.Ross
6.Mark
7.Greg - but a 35 day ban is to start Monday 24th October to and including 27th November.
8.Jay
9.Paul

I had a brainwave last night, we have a decent Sunday 'reserve' side, maybe I could canvass some of them into playing? Colin, what do you think? Because at present it's feasible that Kristian won't have a team to come back to.

Burridge 4 - 3 Gems

Sunday 9th October

Venue: Burridge

Burridge entertained newly promoted Gems who had suffered an 11 - 0 mauling at the hands of Lee on Solent in the Hampshire Cup last week. Whilst Burridge manager Maurice Hewlett - last seen in a pool of his own stale vomit - was conspicuous in his absence after taking a beating from a bottle of Southern Comfort the night previous. Although Burridge didn't reach double figures - they certainly could have. Rich Allan (who later made amends) managed to send the ball skywards from point blank range.

Scott Burnet was proving to be the ideal foil for his midfield partner Greg Baker; who in turn was having a strong influence on the game with his neat passing, that led to 3 of Burridge's goals. Rich Allan made it one nil -after another miss - when he had the freedom of the penalty area before drilling home.

In the second half, Lee Fielder comfortably rounded the keeper and made it two, before Paul Andrews ended a good passing move with a net bulging emphatic finish. This appeared to be good night, but this is Burridge afterall, who insisted of making a game of it, and within fifteen minutes Gems were level. The game refused to end quietly though and in the last minute Burridge were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Rich Allan avoided the wall giving Burridge heart palpatations and victory.

3-5-2: Dave Hopkins, Paul Dyke, Ross Bryant, Mark Sanderson, Jay Schwodler, Greg Baker, Scott Burnet, Bryn Schwodler, Paul Andrews, Lee Fielder


AFC Spotted Cow 4-0AFC Paxton
Aquaseal 2-5 Waterlooville Social Clb
Spinnaker 1-2 West Meon and Warnford
Spotted Cow 1-2 Wickham Dynamos


Next week Burridge are away to Away to AFC Paxton
PS Rich Allan needs £39 on Wednesday from those who have yet to pay for training, he's good enough to arrange it for us, so try not to forget.
Thanks.

Malvern 2 - 0 Burridge AFC

Saturday 8th October

Venue: Green Park

Two second half goals condemned Burridge to defeat in Millbrook. Crippled by an absence of belief, their play lacked any real conviction - hence their inability to hit the opposition target during the entirety of the contest. If a muscle is bruised, rest will restore it, but when a team is stuck in the quagmire of poor form the damage is so much more difficult to remedy.

Now in this hole, despondency is a useless tool, but so stricken by it are Burridge that it continues to rear its ugly head, creating doubt, which in turn leads to indecision - the quick sand of the brain. The game itself was of little note, filled with throw ins, that lead to more throw ins, which made the ball feel like an unwelcome guest as it happily rolled out of play, across chained off cricket squares.

This lead to continual breaks in play, splintering Burridge's already brittle concentration. Perhaps minds were: led astray by goings on at adjacent pitches, or empathising with the lonely journey of wind assisted Quaver packets. Oh Quaver sachet on the breeze, now redundant of your cargo, you're ignored by all but the invisible mystery of the wind; who you are at the mercy of because of your unbiodegradable immortality.

Next week, Burridge are away to Priory Rovers. Who play next to the sea at Netley Country Park, everyone's favourite frisbee throwing haunt cicra 1985.

4-4-2: Dave Hopkins, Paul Andrews, Ben Wilson, Paul Dyke, Luke Sanderson, Ross Bryant, Mark Sanderson, Rich Allan (Craig Bryant), Greg Baker, Dean Wall, Jay Schwodler

Catchphrase: Say what you see

Park football whether it be on Saturday or Sunday, is set solidly in thorough routine. Days are taken up solely for the pursuit of running (moving) around a grass (August to November only) field. In the absence of spectators, players feel the need to fill the silence with noises of their own - it's almost as if shouting is directly correlated to effort. Sticking with the theme of routine, one can't help but notice that players have their own footballing cathphrases. Burridge is no exception, here's what you can hear if you visit.

Ross Bryant: "Who's picking?" This is a particular favourite, it translates as 'who's marking,' which to the layman, means: 'why am I marking I don't like running to my own goal?' Also rather fond of releasing a primal scream every time he's unhappy with his sliced finishes or overhit free kicks. It is heard often.

Dykey: Not best known for his words but more his familiar grunt, which is one of disapproval when he's not given the ball to his minds exact designated destination. It's usually followed by 'that's awful' as he gives chase to his favourite situation - the second touch which is often known as the tackle.

Andrews: In his full-back hey day was famously remembered for his high pitched, 'I've got two' like an extra out of Zulu who's out of ammo.

Kev Willsher: Seemingly silent, but if in close proximity can be heard to sigh impatiently - as a father does when his Sunday lie in is interrupted by the kids jumping on him - as our forwards let another chance go begging.

Scott Burnet: 'On his touch' is often bellowed in parrot fashion, it's quite obvious that the mind numbing experience of playing for Survey, a side who seemed to neither concede or score, has brain washed him to adopt this phrase. Perhaps he should repeat the mantra to himself the next time balsa wood sculptured Dave Hopkins turns him inside out in training.

Lee Fielder: Not so vocal, but it's almost impossible to ignore his continual furrowed brow, which irrespective of mood, looks as if he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Although as he often does this when listening, it's fair to assume it's a sign of concentration.

Rich Allan: 'Let the ball do the work' has been uttered without fail at every half time inquest since at least 2001. It's one of the biggest lies in football, as to do so players have to be constantly on the move to collect the ball and avoid the opposition clutches.

Kristian Hewitt: Before and after game this individual can be perfectly affable, but during the game loves a good moan. One to avoid eye contact with if you decide to leave the opposition a free run on goal. Along with Dykey, guaranteed to have a heated discussion with Ross.

Jay Schwodler: 'For F*ck's sake' is the uttered platitude. It has lost alls meaning due to violent over usage; maintained in all situations, eg. when greeted with any pass towards him you're likely to hear 'For F*ck's sake.'

Bryn Schwodler: Very good at motivating, although usually the opposition. Has often been heard to state during the game that 'we should be putting ten past sides like these,' which wildly breaks the social rules of constraint which clearly state that one shouldn't talk about somebody in the third person when they're present, let alone in a indignant tone. Also, when Burridge are loosing loves to toss away all responsibility, with comments that suggest that the level of football he's being subjected to is quite below his efforts.

Colin Barfoot: Again another who's actions are more familiar than his words. Over the years I've noted his vacant stare; it was seen when on arrival to Allotment Road, when realizing he'd forgotten to bring the kit. The possibility of honouring a fixture in our pants and vest became distinctly possible before his high speed chase home to retrieve it. Also seen when loosing daughter or being asked pertinent questions as he struggles to think through a situation and maintain eye contact simultaneously

GTI 5 - 3 Burridge AFC

ISLE OF FRIGHT: BURRIDGE ALL AT SEA IN HANTS CUP

Sunday 3rd October

Venue: Plessey Sports Ground, West Cowes

Burridge were condemned to defeat as they shipped five goals in a game for the first time since March 2004's 5-2 away defeat to Bobs XI. The game, during its infancy, saw Bryn Schwodler knock in for the lead; and it appeared Burridge were about to embark on a straight forward victory. They were not. Possession is afterall, only nine tenths of the law, an attacking wave would too often loose momentum at the shore of GTI's defence.

Perhaps they could sense this, their more direct approach was paying dividends, and although defending was questionable on their equalizer, Burridge were aghast when the referee pointed to the spot after Kev Willsher had appeared to head away fairly. Nobody on the field had made the slightest appeal, and Burridge's initial reaction to the referee's outstretched finger was of utter astonishment. The penalty was scored, and it was a mental blow that Burridge never recovered from, despite Bryn Schwodler equalizing from his brother's (Jay) pass.

Within the space of ten minutes, the game was put beyond Burridge's reach, as all round sloppy play provided GTI to add 3 more goals. Rich Allan did reduce the lead, but it was all too late. Burridge will have to apply themselves more diligently if they expect to get anything against Gems next Sunday.

3-5-2 Dave Hopkins, Kev Willsher, Mark Sanderson, Ross Bryant, Paul Dyke, Scott Burnet, Jay Schwodler (Lee Fielder), Rich Allan, Greg Baker, Bryn Schwodler, Paul Andrews

Burridge AFC 2 - 2 Classic Comrades

FIRST WIN ELUDES NERVY BURRIDGE

Saturday 1st October

Venue: Burridge Shed

Relief was tangible the moment Greg Baker opening the scoring. After cushioning the ball he drilled a low shot in off a post from the edge of the box, and was then covered in a mass of blue and black, as Burridge shared the simple thrill of a goal. The lead had been deserved, and it doubled when Rich Allan headed home Jay Schwodler's cross, now it seemed as though they were finally free of the baggage of previous poor form that had begun to weigh them down.

One has to be reminded that winning is a habit exclusive in its nature, as you don't want to break it. Once in its midst, teams feel they cannot loose; alas, without warning it can disappear, the only known cure is hard work and belief. But, this itself is difficult to maintain when in doubt of oneself. When Greg Baker turned past Hopkins into his own net, Burridge's demons returned. Despite Luke Sanderson clearing off the line, the equalizer still came; Ross Bryant sliced off his own post, and with the ball rolling tantalizingly across the line, a Comrades forward made the inevitable contact to break Burridge's hearts, but not their resolve, as they took their first point of the season.

3-5-2: Dave Hopkins, Ben Wilson (Paul Andrews), Ross Bryant, Paul Dyke, Jay Schwodler, Luke Sanderson, Greg Baker, Rich Allan, Mark Sanderson, Dean Wall, Lee Wood.

Scorers: Greg Baker, Rich Allan

On this day, 1928, George Peppard (better known as Hanibal in the A-Team) was born, in Detroit.

Fixtures:

08/10 away v Malvern at Green Park
15/10 away v Priory Rovers at Royal Victoria Country Park
22/10 away v Academicals at Wellington Sports Ground