Surrey Classics FC v Langley Aces
Denny Ross
10th. January 2010

Weather: Warm and partly sunny
Aces decked as Classics take the pot ..........
It was a return to new year action for the Classics as they took on Langley Aces at Denny Ross. In a first half that saw maximum possession to the Classics they deservedly took the lead in the 17th. minute through Chuck McGill. In a fine move which began with McGill and included clever interplay between Allan Massender and Pat Rohla, it was Rohla who pulled back the ball for McGill to stroke home a low shot from close range. Rick Geary was unfortunate as he had to leave the field of play as he was feeling unwell. Garry Hackel was back in goal and he almost gave away a gift to the opposition when a wayward goal kick landed at an Aces attacker's foot. However, he got away with it as the forward shot wide much to Hack's relief. The lone goal was the difference between the two teams as the half-time whistle went.

langley aces    langley aces

The second half began and on the hour mark the Classics increased their lead with a fine move that stemmed all the way from the back line. Fisher Crockett, having an outstanding game, began the move with a pass to Rohla who switched the ball inside to Danny Jensen. Jensen stroked a nicely weighted pass through for Gene Crowley who then involved Gordie Macklin in the play. Macklin squared the ball to McGill who scored a copybook goal with another low shot which gave the Ace's keeper no hope. It was a very fine well built goal

An altercation resulted in two players being ejected for a cooling off period in the sin-bin. Rohla and Macklin were both given their marching orders, both for voicing their opinions in what the referee classed as an inappropriate manner. Hackel then underwent another of his 'Mexican Moments' when he strayed out of his box and presented another opposing attacker with a belated Christmas present in the far corner of the field. The winger centred over the ball and the Ace's centre forward glanced his header wide of the far post when it looked odds-on that he would score. The Hack was again relieved to be still 'unreal!' at the end of the escapade.

langley aces    langley aces

In the 68th. minute Gene Crowley scored what looked like a good goal but it was pulled back after the referee adjudged that brother Warren had handled the ball in the build up. There was a lot of over officious refereeing which at times spoiled the game. McGill was given offside on one occasion even though his feet were standing in an on side position - not sure what the referee saw! Macklin was also waved offside but it could only have been his big toe which was offending.

The 75th. minute brought the goal that sealed the fate of the gallant Aces. Macklin played through a left-footer to Massender who placed his shot low to the right of the keeper. The keeper had been beaten by three low shots, all of similar power and positioning. There was even time for both full-backs, Crockett and Larry Thorlakson, to test out the keeper with long range efforts. Much credit must go to the midfield for the win as they controlled the play. Alfie Deglan ran miles, Bill McAuley hustled and bustled, Jim Eden did some sterling work down the left and Warren Crowley had a lot of possession and shielded the ball well before laying off some good balls. Hackel redeemed himself with a miraculous save when he dived full length to his right to push the ball away for the corner. That save alone was worth the entrance fee. It was a deserved win.

Final Score 3-0 (1-0)

Stats:
Sin Bin: Rohla, Macklin
You were Crap award: W. Crowley