Match Report from TFC Present v TFC Cheats

Trinity FC Present 2. TFC Legends 2.
The annual game between the present Trinity team and their illustrious predecessors got under way in unusually good conditions at Quibell Park on Saturday 27th December.The Legends team, playing in a German style kit of white shirts and black shorts, which was a comfortable fit for all the players were missing several key players from yesteryear. The biggest absentee being Barrie Kay. Only Keith Dixon from the first Trinity Sunday League game in 1972 was playing, but support was on hand from Brian Marland and Dave Spencer. Much to the objection of the present team, John Borrill gave a lesson in how to Referee these sort of games.

For the second successive Christmas, ex Scunthorpe United goalkeeper, Paul Musslewhite made a guest appearance, having played for the present team last year, he was now considered eligible for the legends team, but he could only manage half a game before being dragged off round the shops for the post Christmas sales!

The game began with the legends stroking the ball around confidently on a bumpy pitch leaving the present team to watch in awe at some of their silky skills. Once the present XI got the ball a more direct approach was employed with Musslewhite having to be at his best before the deadlock was finally broken midway through the half when the presents top scorer – Mark McCrea beat the offside trap to score.Glyn Sparks currently in semi retirement, training for the London Marathon, came on as sub for the legends and promptly equalised. A good move involving Phil Henry and Denis Galvin set Sparks up, but his initial shot was well saved by Graham Dixon in the presents goal but Sparks was quickest to react to force the ball home. Despite two controversial off sides denying the present XI goal efforts, the half time break was reached with the score still level and no serious injuries.

The second half saw substitutes being regularly used, more by the Legends who had 15 players available to the present teams 12. Graham Bew, as always was giving a commanding performance in the centre of the Legends defence with Alistair Cropper playing at full back for the first time in many years. With another “goal” being ruled offside the present team were becoming frustrated at their failure to beat “the old uns”. They did however retake the lead through Rob Needham, only for Gary Horner to storm his way through for the Legends to equalise.

The present team were reduced to 10 men late on when a robust Phil Henry tackle on Chris Harper saw him go off injured whilst his brother, Jason Harper decided it was time for him to go in search of his dummy, somewhere in the Quibell Park stadium area.The game, now a 10 v. 15 affair eventually came to a close at an honourable 2-2 draw, leaving the Legends claiming a 3 year unbeaten run now. The present team hoping for more luck when their League program resumes in the New Year.

Special thanks go out to Ref John Borril who again helped the Legends with some shocking decissions against the Present team. 4 goals disallowed of which 3 were perfectly legal is a con! A Change of Ref for next years game is definatley required, one who is fair towards both teams!!!