Normal servicve is resumed ......................................
After a lay-off due to last weeks field closure, the Classics returned to action and invited Port Moody for their second visit of the season to Noel Booth. With several defenders absent it was a first for the Classics as they had twin twin centre halves in the form of the Arcari Twins. Such brotherly love was never so evident with the twins constantly supporting each other, confusing the attackers by making them see double, occasionally kicking and tackling each other and just generally dancing around playfully together while singing "Poppa Piccolino." It was a sight to behold and the momentous occasion was carefully recored for posterity by the team coach/team photographer. The vision can be seen at this link alongside Ian Holloway.

    

The Classics never really got going in the first half as they lacked cohesion. They seemed disjointed and needed a good shake up. The first real chance came to the visitors when the left winger cut in from wide and hammered a goalbound shot at the near post. Stand in keeper Dave Moore made a decent enough stop to prevent Moody from taking the lead. The visitors were giving as good as they got and the midfield possession was around 50-50 but the Classics were holding strong with a good rearguard display. The Classics took the lead a third way into the half when a tame shot from Daryl Lawrie confused the Moody keeper as he let the ball slip slowly through his legs to trickle over the line to give the Classics the lead. Still, you have to be there to put it in! Ten minutes later, and after a good spell of pressure from the visitors, Moody equalised with a shot which Moore should have done better with. The shot had power and as the home keeper went down to collect the ball it hit his knee and cannoned off into the net. "It could have gone anywhere!" Just before the half time mark the Classics went back in front and it was a beautiful goal that did it. A delightful cross from Warren Crowley was met with perfection by ace poacher Jimmy Butler who dived full length to power a header home which gave the keeper no chance.

    

It looked like the Classics had made 11 substitutions at the half as they came out as a different team. There was much more aggression and purpose in their play - it was like comparing tripe to caviar. More chances were being created and the team appeared to 'want it' more. Just before the stroke of 11 o'clock a wonderful ball from W. Crowley found Butler and again he made no mistake to give the home side an insurance goal. Directly after the goal the players observed one minutes silence in respect for Remembrance Day. There were still some scares at the other end and Port Moody won several corners but the Classics defence were in fine form and limited the goalworthy chances mainly to long range efforts from outside the box. The main threat came from a corner which resulted in a close range shot at the near post which Moore managed to get his stomach in front of and it was then cleared by Larry Thorlakson. Jimmy 'Justin Berber' Eden managed to keep his knees in one piece after some rough tackling grandchildren almost ended his playing career. His relaxed style can be clearly seen in the top photo where he is seen making sure that the goalpost doen't fall over. All in all it was an enjoyable game by two good teams and, once the Classics had got into gear, the scoreline just about reflected the balance of play.

Final Score: Classics 3 Port Moody 1 (2-1)

Stats
GK: D. Moore
MWG: J. Butler
Yellow Card: C. McGill (sin bin)
Crap award: P. Rohla