North London Crickets Vs Los Andes, (Divisional Cup)

NLC’s were, from Keeper then left to right 4-4-2:

1.        Tom Wakeford

2.        Salman Ali

3.        Cass Nicholson

4.        Patrick Mills

5.        Juan-Carlos Torres-Nava

6.        Simon Gazza

7.        Andy Hale

8.        Steve Ohagan

9.        Luke Buffery

10.     Ben Wakeford

11.     Guy Nicholson

 NLCFC 2 LOS ANDES 1

NLC’s recorded their first win in their first ever cup game. Having drafted in utility player Tom Wakeford as keeper due to the absence of Richard Hall the Crickets were pleasantly surprised to find that the young left-hander was actually pretty good in his new position. Early pressure from Los Andes was repelled calmly and goal kicks were passing the halfway mark.

Also encouraging was the support. We have all been surprised at the level of travelling support the oppositions have turned up with thus far, so it was nice to see at least as many north London members cheering/jeering us on, especially as Derek Copsey’s refereeing decisions were noisily questioned throughout the game. Keep coming.

The first half ended goalless, but NLC can safely claim to have played the more incisive football having hit the crossbar two times in the half. Firstly Steve Ohagan’s speculative hit from 40 yards bounced unkindly off the hard ground and lobbed over the Los Andes keeper only to rebound strongly off the bar and over the oncoming strikers. Next one of many long throws from Guy drifted far into the box for Ben Wakeford to head firmly onto the bar.

The second half again unfortunately saw a drop in standards from the Crickets as the complete lack of pre-season preparation and lack of youth began to tell. The Los Andes right-winger began to pose a real threat and they duly went in front thanks to one of their strikers jabbing the ball over the onrushing replacement keeper Simon Gazza, (Tom Wakeford moving to left midfield). Simon was obviously keen to make amends for this personally, and at the next possible opportunity he embarked on a dribble up the left touchline that Grobbelar or Barthes would have been proud of. Unfortunately he was dispossessed on the halfway line and a huge panic ensued as the NLC defence, led admirably throughout by centrebacks Paddy Mills and Cass Nicholson, tried desperately to hold firm until Gazza could return.

The shambles continued for a while longer and it was fortunate for the crickets that Los Andes succumbed to the ridiculous themselves. Hawkeye referee Del Copsey saw Los Andes centreback and ex NLCC player Amir move an arm out to stop the ball going towards the goal during a penalty-box scramble and the ensuing penalty was converted.

The game was pretty even from this stage on. The Crickets had the better chances with Tom Wakeford again hitting the bar, Luke Buffery warming the Los Andes Keeper’s hands with a searing 25 yard drive, and Guy Nicholson coming close at the back post with a header. However Los Andes probably shaded the possession and it was only the excellence of the NLC’s defence that kept their chances to a minimum.

Just as another draw looked to be on the way a rather tame winner came along. From just outside the box, Ben Wakeford swung a foot at a cross/pass from Guy and connected well, straight onto the centreback’s arse. The ball continued on its way at half the speed, but having had a wicked amount of spin imparted upon it by the aformentioned rear end. On the fourth bounce this took effect as the ball bounced unpredictably high over the surprised/embarrassed Los Andes keeper. A lucky, but on balance deserved, win. Go the crickets.

Sunday 17th sees yet another home game against league toppers ‘The Dukes Head’ . Kick off 2pm. B there.