Game 3: Vs Didcot Dons

 
Botley Crüe 2 Vs Didcot Dons 3 

Goals: Mastrantone (2)
Assists: Guerin, Micklethwaite  

It was with some disappointment that we realised we would have to play football
against the Didcot Dons instead of just collecting 3 points by default and going
down the Seacourt for some unearned celebratory pints.

From that bitter disappointing moment, our evening soon improved as the Crüe took
the lead. Simon found himself in space to the left of the Don's goal, and he had the
composure to find the far corner with aplomb. And lo there was much rejoicing.

The first 10 minutes or so of the game saw the Crüe boss proceedings, closing the
dons down in their own half and creating a few further half chances. There was
plenty of space to exploit, and Botley Crüe made full use of it with the skilful
footballing of your Micklethwaites and your Curtises.

Didcot dons grabbed an equaliser they scarcely deserved on the counterattack, when
their feral forward players muscled the ball through and powered it past Pigo.
This signalled a spell of improved play from the Dons, as they used their
pace and physical strength to force a succession of corners. 

It was the turn of our handsome heroes of botley to retake the lead, as a long ball
over the top by the Adonis-like Brian was seized upon by Simon. His quick feet, with
the equally quick legs and torso attached to them, moved forward with the ball, and
foot-punched it past the despairing goalie.

The Crüe had by then entered a spell of personnel churn akin to a WW11 RAF squadron,
except with fewer moustaches and a softer stance regarding fascism. Tired legs
needed to be replaced, and the resulting gaps on the pitch were plugged manfully
with quality man plugs, but there was an inevitable hiccup in rhythm. 

The game opened up like a pub. Passages of fruitful passing movement sat cheek by
jowl with moments of desperate tackling, and desperately good tackling from Curtis,
Adam, and Brian, the latter walking around roaring his head off like an angry young
Robert Redford.

Pigo was called into action several times throughout this chaotic interlude, saving
in 1 v 1 situations, 2 v 1 s, threesomes, spit roastings, and long-range money
shots. Eventually, the constant penetration from Didcot proved too much to resist,
and a corner was tapped into the net.

The Botley Crüe rallied, counter attacking with the strength which only a team named
after botley can draw upon. Niall was linking defence and attack, with Tom at the
centre of things as well, but the opponents responded with violence, taking the
legs from underneath Niall in a dangerous area. The gale howling across the pitch tipped the ball as Niall went to take his
free kick, and the chance went a-begging. Further half chances came and went for the
Crüe as their hold on the game weakened. Brian and David were on the back foot in
defence, chasing with the athleticism of your Jessica Pennises, or your Usain
Boltses.

Didcot took the lead for the first time about 5 minutes from the end. With their
face-studded target man again instrumental, they managed to work the ball to a free
man, who hoofed it cruelly beyond the cat of Binsey Lane.

An incompetent referee, inclement weather conditions, and physical opponents will
not get the Botley Crüe down, after what was an encouraging performance. They have
finally found their way to goaltown and will surely soon catch their connecting
train to winsville, before taking a success taxi to victory airport, and flying off
to the people's republic of Threepointsinthebagistan.