The beautiful
setting of this ground is a powerful argument in favour of reserving “new”
hopping venues for the daylight hours.
Having arrived in good time (but by no means the first among the hopping
contingent!) I was moved to make a video introduction.
It was a
strange start to the game. There was a
stoppage in play of almost two minutes for two lecture-and-booking combos
(one on each side) as the ref imposed himself. The home side made the best of the early
chances, and after 12 mins the Storrington fullback needed to be there for a
goalline clearance.
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Cleared off the line! |
My
first-half clip of the play was taken about mid-way through the session. Wanderers (in the blue/black) looked more
menacing but Storrington had two strong and sizeable forwards who looked
dangerous themselves on the few occasions they got the ball in advanced
positions.
On the half
hour, the Storrington #10 showed a glimpse of something to come with a dink
over the bar. The chance had come from
a strong run out of defence from their #4.
However, Wanderers were still making chances and only superb last-gasp
interventions by #7 and #11 in quick succession prevented an opening
goal. After 37 minutes, a strong run
down the right wing by Wanderers’ #9 but the ball on a plate for #12 (an
early sub had been needed) but the chance was spooned over. Almost immediately, Storrington took the
lead somewhat against the run of play – the scorer was #10, again using his
strength and size to good effect. 0-1 at half-time
The
Wanderers manager’s words drifted over at half-time – apparently, if everyone
did their jobs, they would win this game.
Well, as it turned out he was right.
There was no hint of this however after 53 mins, when his keeper
fluffed a catch and the lino confirmed a goal that, at this time of year,
should have had wrapping paper and a bow.
0-2
Wanderers
got their first goal on the hour.
Storrington should have been aware that captain #8’s corners would be
heading for #11 – we had seen the play attempted several times already – and this
time the delivery was inch perfect and the chance was buried. 1-2
#11 nearly
got a second but an excellent defensive header by the impressive Storrington
#4 saved the day. The luckless #12 had
half a chance from a one-on-one break but ballooned his effort wide. The equalising goal came with 15 mins to
go, from another #11 header, this time with an element of controversy. Judge for yourself at the end of my second second-half clip. 2-2
I had
barely finished noting the news when fullback #3 cut in powerfully from the
left and smacked a splendid winner, despite the keeper getting fingertips to
the shot. Wanderers were able to see
out the remainder of the game without too much difficulty. A great game for the passing neutrals,
and well done to the host club for their choice of kickoff time. Final
score 3-2
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