While the nation chimed on about the end of Lockdown 2.0, amateur football was buoyant over the prospect of the 2020/21 season 2.0. A small window before the Christmas break which could make or break ambitions of promotion and avoiding relegation. Speaking of Christmas, rumours are rife that while Chip’s groin has kept him of the pitch, he’s been hobbling round a host of venues with reputations low enough to house an OG’s Christmas gathering.
1st XI
The 1’s had ended a damaging losing streak with victory before our mini hiatus and had hopes of making it back to back wins when they welcomed top of the table NUFC Oilers. OG’s drew first blood from an own goal after a mix-up in the Oilers back line. The scores were levelled but I don’t know why because I got these details from Nyong so I can only assume it was his fault, big of him not to omit it completely though. Some delightful build up play from the men in gold culminated in Felix Murray being felled in the penalty area, some fella duly dispatched to make it 2-1. Matt Brown then chose to show he’s got more than the bulldozer in his locker when sliding the ball through the opposition legs for some other player to make it 3-1. OG’s close the gap at the top to 3 points with a very winnable upcoming fixture against HSBC up next.
Result: 3-1 win
Man of the Match: Whoever scored a brace
2nd XI
The 2’s faced a very difficult challenge in the form of top of the table Civil Service who had 5 wins out of 5 going into this one. We battled well, but a second capitulation lead to the score line getting away from us. A much more inviting fixture up next, closer to home in more way than one. Local Rival Alexandra Park have an identical record of 2 wins and 2 losses, a 6 pointer if ever there was one, with local bragging rights on the line.
Result: 6-2 loss
Man of the Match: Next Week
3rd XI
The 3’s season will most likely be decided in this three week period before the Christmas break as they face all three of their title rivals simultaneously. Up first were St. James Old Boys at the old quagmire of Copthall and their style of play matches the testing environment. After spurning the best of the chances the Black and Gold fell behind yet another penalty which they put away to make it 1-0. Spot Kicks now making up 57% of goals conceded by the 3’s. A goal from Ben Owen dubiously ruled offside, a Chris O’Callaghan effort cleared off the line and a fingertip save to deny Rakim Alleyne meant we were fearing it just wasn’t our day. But a corner from Jay Edwards-Hill to the near post was met by Rak who nodded the equaliser.
Result: 1-1
Man of the Match: Laurence Akrill
4th XI
The 4’s continued their habit of conceding after they score, and conceding more than they score. Matt Hoskins continuing some fine scoring form but once again the OG’s came away with nothing. Next up is the big one, Crouch End, both sides with zero points, both with big points to prove.
Result: 2-3 loss
Man of the Match: Matt Hoskins
5th XI
The 5’s restart under new head coach Andrew Setterington has been steady and promising. The disciplinarian is running a tight ship and reaping the rewards of some flattering score lines. It is piling pressure on the 4’s management and a respectable loss to a talented Norsemen outfit is giving the powers that be food for thought. A singular goal to report which came from Ollie, James Thexton the provider. Who knows who they face next, they are a rule unto themselves, the free-spirited 5’s live on.
Result: 3-1 loss
Man of the Match: James Thexton
The Mowbrays were coy about OG’s title prospects