Whitegrove Rangers  1 : 2  Binfield Torpedoes  

9.15 kick off.   Saturday 3rd Feb 2006.  Venue : Whitegrove.    League Match.  

Conditions : Sunny & Cold, pitch firm.  

Attendance : 20  

After the disappointment of last week the Torpedoes managed to grind out a hard fought victory in an evenly contested match.  

First half.  

The Torpedoes started well with good passing and possession but didn't turn their early pressure into any clear cut chances. After a while Whitegrove got into the match and forced good saves from Jamie as the game went from end to end in search of an opening. Whitegrove had one very fast and skilful forward, and their game plan seemed to be to win the ball and pass it to him.  However, today he came up against the tackling machine 'Ollie' .... and this was where the battle was going to be won or lost. Ollie seemed to grow in stature with each tackle, and his "never say die" attitude was infectious as the whole team followed his lead and "got stuck in". When the attacker did get past, his brother Angus, was on hand to clear the ball to safety. A Torpedoes attack mid way through the half ended with Adriano winning a crucial tackle to give himself a clear cut chance that he did not waste, placing the ball beyond the advancing keeper for the opening goal. The goal seemed to provoke Whitegrove into sustained attacks, and the midfield of Billy, Louie, Michael, Seb and Josh were having to defend well to keep Whitegrove at bay. Whitegrove pressure finally wore down the defence and in a lapse moment they scored a good equaliser. The half ended all square with everything to play for.  

Second Half.  

The game seemed to be swinging Whitegrove's way, but the Torpedoes dug deep and chased everything. Louie made some great tackles, and together with Billy, Michael, Angus and Seb ran their socks off for the Torpedoes' cause. The game turned a bit scrappy with both sides battling for possession but slowly the Torpedoes started to win the 50/50 challenges and were finishing the stronger. A good run by Josh forced a save,  another run from Josh resulted in a free kick to the Torpedoes just outside the area. Josh took the free kick, which hit the wall and rebounded to Michael who hit a first time shot that the keeper could not hold.... on hand was Seb to flick the ball over the line for another one of his "poachers specials". The Torpedoes were in sight of victory, but not before one final scare as the fast Whitetrove forward found himself one on one with Jamie. Out of nowhere appeared Josh to get a tackle in, but just to make sure Jamie bravely rushed from his line to take out Josh, the attacker and the ball !!  In the closing stages Adriano ran the whole length of the pitch and put over a fantastic cross that Seb just failed to get on target at the far post, but a 3 - 1 score line would have been unfair on Whitegrove.  

Special mention must be given to the far side linesman who unashamedly gave the Torpedoes every throw-in before being 'removed' from his position at half time.  

Binfield Players : Adriano, Angus, Billy, Jamie, Josh,  Louie, Michael, Ollie, Seb.  

Goals : - Adriano,  Seb.  

Man of the match - Jamie.  Brave dive to save the day.