Match Day Seven
Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Steve Dettre 3 – Rob Retalic 0

After several weeks without a flick, Rob finally turned up for a game. Steve was primed for 3 games in a row, and was munching down chemical enhancers before flick-off (we will be introducing random drug tests next season). The first half went to form, with Steve dominating possession. However, he was struggling to get the ball past Rob’s legendary goalkeeping and a number of chances were blocked by the man on the rod. Then, finally, late in the half (as this reporter stepped out of the room for 30 seconds), Steve found a way through with what was described as an incredible goal. The second half saw Steve relax into things more and, though Rob still defended and kept stoutly, Steve was able to find the back of the net twice more with some neat chipped shots. A comfortable win in the end and a good start for Steve’s goal of putting pressure on Eliot at the top of the table.

Steve Dettre 2 – Adrian Elmer 1

Adrian entered the game trying out some new polish, while Steve had found his form and began with confidence. However, after attacking for the opening few minutes, he found himself a goal behind following Adrian’s first foray forward. Against the run of play, yes, but true to the nature of the Wanderers figures Adrian was playing with. Steve doubled the pressure in response and forced a few fine saves however, things were not going all his way and he needed some strong goalkeeping of his own. He finally found the equaliser after Adrian missed an opening at one end, the ball ending in the back of his own net a few swift flicks later. So the scores were locked going into the break. The second half continued much as the first, with lots of midfield action and Steve edging possession and drawing more saves. However, the game remained well in the balance. Steve then pulled out one of the goals of the competition – having millimetres to work in, he sent the only figure with a sight of the ball from deep in his own territory to chip the ball delicately over Adrian’s ‘keeper for a match winning goal that was worthy of the title. Adrian had a couple of chances as he pressed in the closing stages but couldn’t find the goal, Steve coming out victorious in one of the season’s most tense games.

Steve Diasinos 0 – Steve Dettre 2

Steve Dettre (hereforth known as ES – Elder Statesman) came up against Steve Diasinos (hereforth known as YP – Young Pretender) in the final match of his league marathon. Again, he controlled much of the possession, but was struggling to find the final touch to get the ball into the net. YP pulled off some great saves to keep the game tense until ES managed to produce another masterful chip shot from wide out on the left to take the lead before half time. The second half was a more open affair as YP began to find a bit more space and some greatly improving touches gave him a number of chances on goal. His shooting was letting him down, however, and ES was able to keep his clean sheet. Late in the half, ES managed to squeeze one final goal past YP’s gallant goalkeeper to take the match 2-0.

As we really close in on the pointy end of the season, Steve Dettre has made his statement and heads to the top of the table. However, he has also played out all his games, meaning 4 points from his last two games will be enough for Eliot to take the title with his ludicrous goal difference. The battle for 3rd and 4th spots will go down to the wire, with Paul still clinging in there, while Raffaele and Adrian’s final few results will be extremely telling. Gordy, Rob and Steve Diasinos will make up their games over the next few weeks, including matches against each other, meaning that points will be picked up as they chase the pack.