Match Report: Houghton Kepier 0-7 St John’s
9/1/12
Following their refreshing ‘continental’ winter break, it was time for St John’s to burn off some of their mince-pies, roast dinners and various other festive fatteners with a TUC County Cup quarter final away to Houghton Kepier. A relatively large crowd were in attendance at Kepier’s impressive 3G pitch and the atmosphere was intensified by playing under the floodlights as the dark set in.
The team appeared to be worryingly care-free whilst on the minibus to the game, especially as they suffered a heavy defeat in their previous game in which they lost their 100% record to St Joseph’s Hebburn. Nevertheless, it was fantastic to see such a positive attitude in response to their first setback of the season.
As it was feared that the large 3G pitch may be too big for little year 8 legs, management decided to opt for the flexible 4-5-1 formation adding more weight to the midfield. This included a change of personnel and positions, with Goundry moving to right back, Hart pushing into midfield and Bailey adopting a central attacking midfield role.
One of St John’s only faults is their ability to start games well and this game was not an exception to the rule. Kepier flowed forward with attack after attack and it was just as well Twinn, Griffin and Year 7 goalie Zach Hemming were alert enough to repel the opposition and settle the team. The opening goal came courtesy of the sought after talisman Wigley who calmly slotted home from a blistering counter attack. The lead was quickly doubled by Bailey who finished a 1-1 opportunity with the coolness of a frozen cucumber. Then trebled by Gilbert who blasted in from close range following a St John’s corner. Then quadrupled by Wigley.
At the interval the players crowded in like alert meercats, eager to hear the appraisal of their performance (alas, they were not wearing smoking jackets and selling cheap car insurance). After lamenting the players for their poor start the team talk could not have been easier... “More of the same please lads”. Simples.
As St John’s were in a position to make substitutes, Campbell, ‘Cattermole-Bramhald’ and Coulthard entered the fray. Captain Steven Taylor proved his worth in the centre of the park with countless tackles and interceptions. Wigley added a 5th goal with and completed his hat-trick. Soon after Hemming was called into action for the second time and produced a fine one handed stop following slack defending. Left winger Ben Lowthian found time and space in the box with clever movement and took the tally up to 6. Bailey grabbed his brace with the game’s final goal, and what a goal. Bailey clearly watched Bryan Ruiz’s scooped lob on MOTD and thought to himself “I can do that... but from a bit further out”. So he gave it a try and managed to find the back of the net along with a hidden talent for ball-scooping.
On the journey back more hidden talent was unearthed- the teams collective singing voice. After delving into various football chants the team moved onto pop hits, Coldplay’s Paradise was sung beautifully but they saved the best for last. Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind- as requested by Mr Rhodes- was belted out to perfection. The tone was then lowered by a rendition of ‘GO COMPARE’. However, they would most definitely give FORTE a run for their money.
The lads were right to be in good song following another professional performance in which they showed their cup winning credentials. Bring on the semi-final!