Atholl 1965 Football Club News

The Grand Finale

The Grand Finale

The Atholl arrived in Hanwell Town for judgement day in high spirits fresh from a fine victory at the Marshes and a leisurely training session in Regents park the night before led by Dennis. We did not adorn the cup final suits we had been fitted for, opting instead for the smart casual look epitomised by Den himself to befit our casual style on the day due to the absence of the talismanic Speirs. As Speirsy was sunning his sallow skin on the beaches of Dubai ripping his flowing locks of hair out and discussing tactics with the eternal wanderer Robbie Keane we wondered, who would now raise the team for such a big game and deliver the Braveheart speech we so eagerly desired? Could the gentle giant Stu or Dynamo Den send the blood coarsing through our veins with their words of wisdom? Maybe Simon fresh off the plane from Poland could invigorate us with some cultural clout? Instead some soothing speeches ensued on the warm up pitch prior to kick off instilling the need for focus and a good start.

The game commenced with the Atholl quietly confident battling hard in the early exchanges and giving nothing away. Earlsberg began to show some signs of their class with neat football in the middle and some good runs from their nifty left winger. Our defence held firm however marshalled well by Dinosaur Damon and Bar-B Ben who stamped their authority on the centre forward. Chris Wachowski Colman (pulling techniques ill explain later) and Dynamo Den thwarted both wingers well early on tackling hard and delivering the ball to the midfield as we began to get into our stride. Philly and Dave B worked hard on the wings with Big Dave Strats and Stu Delap exerting their dominance and lankiness in the middle as the half wore on which in turn created more chances for the hardworking stocky pair of Hardie and Aido up front. After some nice passing Aiden had a good shot from the edge of the box saved by the keeper and shortly afterwards he was on his toes again at full stretch to deny a Stratton piledriver from 30yards destined for the left corner. After some lovely work on the right between Phil and Chris, Phil delivered an exquisite cross between two defenders to Hardie who had made a great run into the box. Unfortunately he couldn’t get enough on the header to stear it past the keeper and it drifted past the post. Following some good pressure from corners and Earlsbergs obvious tactic of not giving away throw in’s to the javelin arms of Delap we were undone on the counter attack. A cross from the right fell awkwardly in the box behind Chris and the left winger, who turned quickly to dispatch the ball low beyond Munk on the half volley, well taken but unfortunately against the run of play. The Atholl continued to push hard for the remainder of the half keeping the ball well with some intricate passing and hold up play by Hardie and Aiden. A raid up the left from dancing feet Den nearly produced the equaliser. Following his surging run he showed great awareness to lay the ball back to Dave B who at the second attempt used the outside of his foot to stear the ball to the back stick for Stu who rose high above the defender only to divert his effort just over the crossbar. The halftime whistle blew at the wrong time with the Atholl in the ascendancy and the travelling fans applauded our efforts as we took on some much needed water.

After a rousing Celtic warcry by Munk about eleven hearts and pride and pain and Welsh champagne and the like we again graced the hallowed turf for the final 45. Unfortunately whatever speech or magic water Earlsberg took on at halftime it certainly stood to them in the second half. They began to control the ball better showing good composure in possession as they pushed for the second to finish off the Atholl. Alas we did not make their job easy and tough tackling throughout especially by Ben and Damon kept them at bay and forced them to take on long shots which the Munk dealt with easily. Midway through the half disaster struck however not in the form of a goal but a twisted ankle to the mesmeric Stu who valiantly played on with for a few minutes before an impromptu departure. The tide had turned and after a catalogue of substitutes by Earlsberg who added some fresh pace to the game we were undone at the back giving their substitute striker a one on one with the Munk which he coolly dispatched to the corner. 2-0 and sailing for Earlsberg the Atholl pushed forward in waves. Dagger came on and held the ball well up front laying it off neatly, posing a different threat to their defence. Simon also injected some pace and flair on the right after the tireless Phil made way.

It was the beginning of the end however as Earlsberg smelt blood and went for the jugular. Munk made two great saves only for the rebounds to be slotted home as the weary defence finally succumbed to the incessant pressure. It was rounded off to five following a dubious penalty decision and the left winger sent Munk the wrong way to complete his hat trick captured beautifully by Munks mate the photographer. The Atholl never gave up however and pushed for a consolation till the end, Sratton went close with another piledriver as did Aiden from close range and Dave B thought he had scored with a lob over the keeper after another dynamic run by Den only for the effort to be tipped around the post. The whistle blew and hands were shaken several times before we lined up to accept our medals to a standing ovation from the travelling mob. The first sight of Welsh champagne was seen in the dressing room and ended in the toilet of the Churchill Arms (an Irish pub), moral of the story don’t mix Guinness with cider whether its from Hereford or not. We had a lovely evening in the pub with great fun, banter and glamour provided by the WAGs as we watched the valiant Pompey slump to defeat while drinking ourselves rotten.

In hindsight although we were soundly beaten we knew it could have been so different. If we had converted one of our chances in the first half and if Speirs had any faith or concept of scheduling we would have really put it up to them. Kudos to Simon for making a massive effort to be present and to Chris for helping us reach the final, his presence was sorely missed on the day. Finally thanks to all the WAGs and supporters for coming along and making the day special, and putting up with our failure to be around for social events every Saturday since September. Cup semi last year, cup final this year…. See where I’m going with this? Perhaps some training sessions next year or even for everyone to play some 5a side once a week would really help us achieve what we desire, many more excuses to invite a posse to come watch us and get smashed with after. Congrats to everyone for a very enjoyable season, the highs and the lows, some great football, banter and camaraderie. Double header against the shady West End pilferers next week, lets round it off in shhhtyle. Long live the Atholl!