With the poise of a Chinese diving team, the Old Boys synchronized their efforts to defend an EY corner.
	An unusual but not uncapable repacement for Wayne in goal, Steve Henshaw proved unbeatable, providing the first clean sheet of the season.

Thurs 21 Aug - The OB Match Report attempts to appear cultured and well travelled and likes to demonstrate its knowledge of politics, history, religion and culture so its no surprise that its attention has been drawn towards China recently and its inevitable that comparisons are drawn between those brave athletes attempting to go faster higher stronger and the Olympic competitors in Beijing and Hong Kong. It doesn't stop there, further parallels appear between the gross and perpetual abuse of human rights and the vicious oppresion of Tibet. Whilst the referees can't be held responsible for supressing a once proud and free country, questions can be asked of their intent to surpress a proud and free football team. Both cause international outrage, could easily be remedied, and neither can be condoned.

In an attempt to be recognised as worthy champions, the Old Boys, playing in their green Thistle Construction sponsored change strip, wanted a podium style performance this week after the disappointing draw last week. For those of you with your minds in the gutter following the previous two reports, the type of podium referred to is the one used to award the best finishers and not to encourage the best finish. With four games to go the podium is in sight and the statisticians were already calculating what was needed to ensure a top placed finish but the Old Boys were missing a number of players including the previously ever present Sives. Following a rousing pep talk from the manager, supported this week by the experienced Roughead, the question was whether it was going to be a Paula Radcliffe or a Chris Hoy type performance.

The opponents were Ernst & Young who before the game were fifth in the division and the second top scorers who harboured medal hopes of their own. This was going to be an even match up like Daley Thompson against Jurgen Hingson where each man met the other toe to toe through the ten gruelling events of the decathlon most notably in Los Angeles in 1984. Thankfully, there were no moustaches on display or any ridiculously small nylon 80s shorts but there was a lot of testosterone. It appears as though the Old Boys dominance brings out the worst in some people who forget the ethos of the games and sport. However, in an improvement on last week, and with an attitude that Thompson himself would be proud, the Old Boys appeared focused, humble and together; the smallest squad put out this season appeared to concentrate the minds.

For the first time this season, Old Boys had to look beyond Sives for goalkeeper and turned to natural replacement Henshaw, formerly a Division 1 League winning 'keeper and experienced indoor player. Whilst he would be missed in the outfield, his relaxed play and excellent distribution was bound to be a telling factor. As ever, the 'keeper would be fully supported by a gold medal winning defence (the meanest in the regular season for the last two years) although the strong Comins was absent for the second time this season. Such is the strength and experience of this defensive unit that even a player the calibre of Comins is not missed as each plays for the collective strength of the team and not personal glory. As Pierre de Courbertin creator of the modern Olympics claimed, participation is about honouring the sport and the team and this is personified in the defence.

The Old Boys were also lifted by the return of the influential Ord who would be sharing the defensive midfield slot with Chiazza for the first time in nearly two months. It was hoped that having two players of their talent and experience in this position would bring about the sought after three points. With the midfield being completed by Gaffin and Shakespeare, two of the most consistent players this season, Ernst & Young were going to find their opportunities limited. However, they were going to have a helping hand by some refereeing decisions that were so bizarre and inhumane, Amnesty International has provided a report. The first came after five minutes when Chiazza found himself in the sin bin for failing to retreat the necessary distance, despite no warning being given. A somewhat harsh interpretation of the law which put Old Boys under pressure. They responded admirably and when back to full strength started to pound the E&Y goal with more shots than a disgraced Canadian former 100m Olympic champion stripped of gold.

The goal came during this period of sustained pressure and following good work at the back. Chiazza was released down the sideline and his powerful shot was turned wide but Cummings was there to rifle home the rebound with a smartly struck right footed shot into the far corner. It was a pleasing moment for the Old Boys; a good team goal, a forward following up and for Cummings his landmark fiftieth goal in Old Boys colours. The half ended with this goal separating the teams and the Old Boys were reminded during the interval not to be complacent. O'Connor exemplified this approach with another performance of tireless running, linking up with the midfielders and selfless holding the ball up and passing off. This helped the Old Boys keep the pressure on and the first period of the second half matched the first in its intensity and closeness.

A potential turning point came when Henshaw, who's distribution all night had been influential, hit the roof with a clearance which resulted in Old Boys being reduced to five again. Last season, going a man down at this stage of the game so ofen resulted in a goal, but not with this seasons squad. Another two minute spell of unselfish working meant that Henshaw remained undefeated. The lead was then stretched by a Chiazza strike that had all the power and accuracy of a beach volleyball serve without the bikini. Following a superb cross field pass by the ever improving O'Connor, Chiazza made ground up down the left and struck an unstoppable drive accross the keeper into the far side of the goal for his first of the seaon. The celebrations showed pleasure but were noticably muted as there was still ten minutes to go and no one was going to get carried away.

The dominance of the Old Boys lead to some unpleasantness between the two teams which wasn't assisted by the type of refereeing one would normally have associated with the influence of an asian betting syndicate. As decisions continued to baffle, the Old Boys took a sensible time out to relax and refocus. This assited to a certain extent as the game came to end but sadly with one final incident. Almost a perfect evening for Cummings with his milestone goal was marred by his yellow card for his altercation with the opposite keeper following him being on the receiving end of the type of tackle normally associated with farming equipment and at best described as agricultural. The evident fury of Cummings was that this wasn't the first such challenge and the others had prevailed unpunished along with several handling violations. However, the Old Boys saw out the remainder of the game without conceding and the game ended with a pleasing two goal victory and the first clean sheet of the season.

There were a number of positives to take from the game; the positional play, time management and distribution of Henshaw; the solidity of the defence; Whitaker marking out of the game their danger man; Roughead intense and influential all night; Rogers composed and calming; Ord and Chiazza tireless and influential; Shakespeare and Gaffin great at linking defence with attack and Cummings and O'Connor selfless and hardworking. It was an Olmpian performance that showed maturity, patience and humbleness all marshalled by the experienced Roughead who continues to get better and better.

The Olympics may finish on Saturday but the Old Boys continue to go for their gold and the title that has eluded them in two attempts. With the performance of tonight, there's no reason why they will not be dancing together on the medals podium come October. However, there will not be any suggestions of showboating, they've done nothing to brag about. This team are now sure that the path to victory involves hard work, concentration and dedication. It is said that form is temporary but class is permanent and Old Boys are starting to show their true class.