20TH SEPT 09
With
goalposts standing proud in the local parks of South East Essex, cricket
wickets white washed away by penalty areas and the noise of creaking bones
and aching backs replacing those of willow against leather, it can only
mean one thing. Veterans football is back after the summer break.
Old
Southendian lead the league table, which we all know is fairly meaningless
after just one game. However, lead it they do after a fairly comfortable
win against Styles, who were promoted last season. Mackler hit a debut
hat-trick as the Old Boys won 9-1. Tag United had a healthy start, Tilson
scoring three in their 5-1 win against Pegasus. Concord Rangers won 5-1
against new boys Chalkwell United. Eddie McNally’s verdict was “I’m
livid”. No one quite knows why, but it his usual state of mind. Chapel
United won 3-1 at Brit with the Warner Brothers scoring their goals. No
one knows if there was any cartoon comedy defending.
In
Division One Great Wakering II – as a vets sides, the term “stiffs”
isn’t really appropriate - got off to a flyer beating Southend
Supporters 6-0. To be fair, there were probably a few hangovers flying
around amongst the Supporters Club after yesterday’s late, late win a
Brighton. Brit Academicals II saw off Ford Basildon 4-1, Southend
Collegians beat Hockley British Legion 3-1 and Stambridge United won 3-2
against Catholic United.
Eversley
Park made the early running in Division Two, Taylor scoring a nap hand as
they won 7-2 at Foulness. Basildon United will be pleased with their
start, a healthy 4-1 win at Corringham. That old war horse Snatchell
grabbing one, probably a tap in. Milton Athletic had a fine 4-1 over
William de Ferrers whilst Earls Hall won 3-2 at Ekco Thames Park.
Controversy
in Division Three as the Rayleigh Olympiads v Zeus game was called off due
to “massive ruts” on the pitch at John Fisher. It is quite outrageous
given the amount of money teams pay for these facilities that pitches are
not playable on the first week of the season. Let’s hope a long,
difficult winter isn’t on the cards for the teams that play on these
pitches.
On
the playing side Eversley Sports had the best result beating Chalkwell
United II 5-1. Inn on the Green won the Basildon derby 3-2 against
Nicholas Colts, whilst Sutton United won by the same scoreline at Simco.
Down
in the basement, it was a familiar start for Lions. After a relatively
purple patch for the club they found themselves back in Division Four and
back in their traditional home. Bottom. They went down 8-0 to Catholic
United, for whom Perry got five. Corinthians also had a goal happy day,
they won 8-2 at Chalkwell United III – completing a miserable day for
the club. Laindon Athletic won 3-1 against Fairfax with Barrett scoring a
rare goal. Wrapping it all up was Old Southendian’s 4-3 win over Great
Wakering III. Avis was lucky not to see red and thus have to put £50 into
the OSFC Beer Fund. Next time Badger, eh?
At
the end of the game Wakering’s aging forward, Burns was seen to go to
the bar only after all his team mates had left., thus avoiding buying a
round. Something as rare as a Barrett goal.
KF.