Kaya’s a Keeper — Old Garchonians FC

The deluge of rain towards the end of last week attempted to dampen the Black and Gold spirits, a swift comedown from last weeks trophy laden heights. But only one match gave way to the light drizzle, Nottsborough not keen for a slippery battle against an Old Garchonians 2nd team with a 100% win record. The other 3 XI’s were at home and we wanted some of it…

1st XI home to Alexandra Park

Anyone thinking the 1’s were in danger of a post cup win lull were a 2018/19 Nick O’Callaghan level off the mark. Local rivals AP succumbed to a Hat-trick from Captain and Centre-Back Ish arousing mild discontent in the opposition ranks and minimal interest from the home club. Another brace from Felix Murray, continuing some fine form, including a wonder free-kick from all accounts (including opposition Striker and Goalkeeper) put the game beyond reach. There was still time for Tom Lytton to make a mark on the match from 12 yards but the experienced midfielder complained of seeing white dots all around and a fuzziness shrouding his vision due to being so high up the pitch and completely bottled it. Two other players scored.

Result: 7-0 win

Man of the Match: Kaya

3rd XI Home to Old Parkonians

After losing the final of the SAL Trophy two weeks ago the 3’s began a journey to put things right, cue the first round. A close first half ended 0-0 with the black and gold looking the more likely to open the scoring. A two goal cushion was established after the break, a cross from Joe Alkins was slightly behind Ben Owen but the ageing striker managed to flick a header into the far corner. Some off the shoulder running from Chris O’Callaghan allowed Alkins to claim another assist from a clearance as the striker raced clear to round the keeper while the opposition played for offside. 2-0.

Then echoes of Boaz Myhill putting the ball out for a corner rather than face a Rory Delap throw-in as the Black and Gold decided they would rather concede a penalty than any other set-piece due to Kaya’s dominance from 12 yards. Three penalties were then given to Old Parkonians. The first a clear foul inside the area which Kaya kept out with confidence. The second for a handball off Jamie Harney’s tit, was duly dispatched. The third, Harney penalised for winning a header. Kaya stopped it but the taker was first to the rebound. Harney then sent in a free-kick for his third assist of the match which Alex Bull reached before the keeper to head home. Old Parks levelled once more to send the tie to extra-time but only after FKA Wedge Rob was felled in the box, the referee realised he’d reached his penalty quota and waved play on.

By this point, Kaya had saved 2 penalties and Old Garchonians decided it was better to play out the additional 30mins and let Kaya win it alone. The amount he saved was lost in the drama but it must have been in double figures, setting up Lloyd Redvers to slot home the winning spot-kick.

Result: 3-3 (6-5) win

Man of the Match: Kaya

“Don’t bottle it….He’s bottled it!” Mack 3/10/20

4th XI Home to Old Finchleians

The 4’s start to the season has been slow and it continued but not without a promising first half to give hope to the newly assembled squad. A 6-2 loss for the second week running but 2 goals and positive performance from Little Eddie can hopefully provide a foundation to build on. Spanish wizardy from Guillermo sent one free-kick in for the black and gold. A second from pre-season Goalkeeper, Mack, also a free kick prompted questions of how he had kept such talents under wraps until now. Akomfrah got on the score sheet, deftly nodding past the on rushing goalkeeper, at the wrong end.

Result: 6-2 loss

Man of the Match: Kaya

Coming up…

10th October

1st XI League V Civil Service

2nd XI League V Civil Service

3rd XI League V Alexandra Park

4’s XI League V St. James’ Old Boys