Surrey Classics FC v Britannia
Denny Ross
1st. November 2009

Weather: warm and sunny
Classics rule Britannia........
The Classics welcomed Britannia to Denny Ross but the visitors could only muster nine players for the kick off of the match. Another player strolled in a few minutes later but Britannia played the whole contest with just ten men. As expected the play was confined to the visitor's half of the field as the hosts held the majority of possession. There was little goal mouth action with the Classics dominating the pace but yet again they were unable to make their superiority pay with the end product which is so vital to winning the game of football. Plenty of puffing and panting occurred up front and several chances fell but (sounds much like a broken record now) once again the Classics could not put the ball in the net.

The best chance of the first half came after Doug Rosenlund was unceremoniously brought down on the right side of the field in the 35th. minute. The resultant free kick was hammered goalwards by Danny Jensen but his left foot shot came back off the crossbar. Bill McAuley was first to respond but he could only place his shot far right of the goal post. Both teams remained at 0-0 as the whistle for the end of the first period sounded.

In the 53rd. minute a rare left wing run from Fisher Crockett resulted in a good center to Chris Arcari but his header was saved by the Britannia keeper and was pushed away for a corner. The corner kick landed at the feet of Larry Thorlakson but he shot over the bar. Three minutes later a powerful right footed shot from Gene Crowley was parried aside for another corner. The visiting keeper was having an inspired game and was managing to keep his goal intact, as well as driving another nail into the Classics attacking credentials. Another corner was met by Rosenlund and, in uncharacteristic style, he headed the ball wide when a goal looked on the cards.

Dave Moore instigated an inspired change of personnel midway through the second half when he replaced Dean Herbert in goal, for only minutes later Herbert put the Classics ahead. It must be admitted that Rosenlund had a big hand in the build up play in what proved to be a controversial goal. As the flying winger attacked down the left flank it appeared that the ball somehow struck his hand. No whistle went and being the consumate professional that he is, he played on while the other players stopped and he laid the perfect ball back to Herbert who took no prisoners and smashed a delightful shot beyond the diving keeper. It was an accomplished strike from the rookie player.

Ten minutes from the conclusion of the game a right wing attack saw the ball fall to right-back Thorlakson and the 'Axe' discharged a projectile through a forest of players which took a wicked deflection. It deceived the visiting goalie and put the Classics two up. Not only did the goal give the game the respectibility which on the balance of play the home side probably deserved but it also dispelled the thought that the Classics could have won the game on a disputed goal.

It speaks volumes for Britannia that they continued to play the game in the true spirit and, although a man down, their effort and endeavour cannot be too highly praised. Not once did they give up. It also speaks volumes for the Classics defence that when the midfield and attack can't score, the game can be won from goals by the two outside full-backs who both registered their first goals of the season.

Final Score 2-0 (0-0)

Stats:
GK - D. Herbert (65mins), D. Moore
You were Crap award: A. Deglan