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Ian and Brian go on the attack in the first half against a much improved Brickhouse.
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After a three week rest the Old Boys returned to the Kings Arena resplendent in their new all white Thistle Construction sponsored kit which reminded those watching of the strip sported by Liverpool to devastating affect in their 70s and 80s European quests. The similarities didn't end with colour combinations, the anticipation of grace, fluidity and creativity on display brought back images of Hansen, Dalgleish and McDermott. Brickhouse, whilst initially clearly influenced by the brilliance of the white kit, are, as their name suggests, made of sterner stuff and the early exchanges suggested that it was not going to be a walkover. In a pattern that was to be repeated through out the game, Brickhouse occasionally rattled the woodwork and Old Boys were saved by the curve of the post. Wayne "Grobbelar" Sives was magnificent and unpredictable often saving Old Boys from one move and then putting them under pressure the next. Whilst others toiled, he clearly thrived off the pressure and attention.
Having been warned by the referees at the start of the game that nothing would go unpunished, Old Boys were clearly surprised to go a goal behind to a free kick that was awarded against them because it was Thursday. Not to be deterred, Old Boys started a slow burn offensive where they rarely hit higher gears but started to assert their authority on the game. Sustained pressure resulted in the inevitable and that was a goal from the trusty boot of Stevie Gaffin following a well taken free kick. A half time score of 1-1 fairly reflected an equal first half but Old Boys, whilst comfortable, had not really demonstrated the mellifluous football that the brand is renowned for. That was to change following an informative and Eriksson-like half time talk by the Gaffer who calmly stated the obvious. The game was there for the taking.
For the first period of the second half the deadlock remained. Brickhouse double marking the Old Boy forwards and then taking their chances on the break. As is often the case, successful teams and successful championships are not just built around one or two players, but entire teams. Tonight was the duty of the defence to hold and control an active Brickhouse attack. With the watching Stevie Roughead, still injured but offering guidance from the bench, Ray Rogers, Dominic Whitaker, Ian Comins and Matthew Gardner were nothing short of magnificent. Attack after attack was marshalled into safety and counter attacks set up as the defence controlled the tempo of the game. It came as no surprise that Whitaker, in his first competitive fixture back after a broken leg was testing his fitness and shooting down the left as the game progressed. It was a signature drive from him that broke the deadlock to capture a moment that you wouldn't believe on the pages of Roy of the Rovers. Spurred on by the recent reports of a goal of the season contender from the previous game, Whitaker was keen to place himself in the reckoning for the illustrious trophy. A surging run from the half line past two defenders finished in a well taken looping shot over the on rushing 'keeper which struck the back of the goal to lift the Old Boys spirits.
This created a few more tense moments as Brickhouse attempted to press forward and they actually went one man up for a two minute spell following a structural violation. However, that's when it became clear why the Old Boys are so named. Unruffled and oozing experience, the team closed up shop. Intelligent subbing by the midfield saw six Sounesses via for control and Inky Ord, Chris Silvester, Joe Chiazza, Gaffin, Fin O'Connor and Brian Hydes encouraged Brickhouse to run out of ideas and steam. To finish off a very impressive statement of intent, the forwards who had been selflessly busy all night got one for themselves. Both Dan Cummings and Jess Shakespeare had given the Brickhouse defenders a torrid time mixing pace and strength and guile and patience. However it was Cummings who got the goal with a fiercely taken strike from the right corner that beat a very good Brickhouse 'keeper. In a scene from days gone past, Cummings was happily back in the zone and the Buddha was reintroduced for the first time in far too long. As the clock ran down, so did the resistance, and Old Boys finished at a canter.
A 3-1 win was a deserved reward for a team performance in a game which demonstrated a group commitment and a desire to have fun. From start to finish and even a goal down, there were smiles and laughs and even the refs joined in. When sometimes the provocation suggested alternative routes, it was pleasing to see the maturity of an Old Boys team that let the football do the talking. |
