So, with the Big Beasts of the Front Side playing well together at training, attention turns to the Hornets.
Their opener against The Atha on Saturday will be a stiff test and nobody envies the selectors who have to decide on a winning team.
There was much to celebrate at The Academy. Deadeye Chris, Oh My Cod and Ricky were all among the goals.
But one of the most pleasing moments was a nine-pass, triple-triangle move between Legendary Rog, Granite Bob and the Nutkin which rumbled up the touchline and brought warm applause from the sidelines. Maybe Coach Russ’s ball skills training is paying off?
Deadeye has the best turn-and-shot in the club, but Beaky is no slouch in that department either as he proved in the first match slotting it into the far corner under the advancing Cat. 1-0 Blues v Yellow.
Posh scored a beauty in match 2 thanks to an assist from Chairs. The Scouser’s step-drag routine when he gets the ball is a delight to behold. Chrissy got the second in the Oranges 2-0 win over Pinks.
Beaky and Blakey were the double act who helped Blues beat Oranges in game 3.
The Yellows put the Pinks to the sword 3-0 with goals from Ali, Jimbo and Holy Paul in game 4.
In Match 5, Rick got a consolation goal for Team Tango as the Blues beat them 3-1 with a brace from Iron Russ and a contender for goal of the season from Jimbo. The slightly built Spur struck from just inside the halfway line and it screamed into the net, low and hard. Jimbo’s matchstick legs don’t look up to much but he is a midfield machine with a powerful engine and will be a huge contributor to the Front side. As will Deano. The cool headed one barely puts a foot wrong and his encouragement of others is second to none.
In Match 6 the Front Blues came closest to their only defeat with a late equaliser from Beaky. The Pinks went ahead thanks to a well struck pen from Legendary Rog after Blakey put his flip flops in the box. He even offered to take it again after complaints about his run up.
At the other end Deano – taking his turn in goal- made five saves with his feet before Beaky finally beat him.
Team Tango stuffed the Pinks five-nothing with a brace each for the Rickster and Matty Longshanks, desperate to atone for his woeful performance at the quiz night. Chairs added a solo effort to complete the rout.
Coach Russ was in action again in match 7, dancing along the very edge of the ‘D’ and beating two defenders before powering home when the chance looked to have gone. Never underestimate this promising youngster. Mick added a second and Beaky got the Yellows goal in the 2-1 Blues victory after being shuffled out of the front side to give others a run out. Apart from Rog’s penalty, it was the only time Colin was beaten all afternoon. He is in fine form and will be a tough act to beat for the Fronts as Ricky takes his skills to the outfield for the H’s.
Ali was on target thanks to a Posh assist in game 9 and a 1-0 win for Yellows v Pinks. This one also ALMOST had a goal of the season contender. Peruvuan Mick, picked up the ball inside his own half, beat four men, dancing through them within the speed limit, but ran out of puff and hit his shot straight at the keeper. It would have been a memorable moment.
In the last game the Blues maintained their winning streak with a 2-0 win over the Oranges. Jimbo got them both. Our neighbours have been training hard together led by the Rejects but they have nothing to compare with the football we are producing at Hastings. Once again, we will be the teams to beat. Mom:
MoM: Russ. He simply runs every game he plays in. He might have been nutmegged by Rog in one game, but he just gets back and wins it back without dwelling on the mistake. Him and Deano are cut from the same cloth.
