Birkbeck 0 -3 FIVE

Match Report
Birkbeck 0 -3 FIVE
Tuesday 15 March 2011, 1-2pm

Encouraging recent performances aside, keen-eyed observers will nevertheless have noted that points have been hard to come by for Birkbeck this season, and with the number of matches remaining receding rapidly, a call-to-arms was issued by the management in an attempt to ensure that the strongest possible squad for this match was summoned.

Remarkably, it had the desired effect, and for once Birkbeck were spoiled for choice when it came to team selection. Following extensive and occasionally heated meetings to discuss the compositon of the squad (okay, a ten-minute chat in Andi’s office) a plan was formed: yes, this was the team that was going to turn the season around with a hard-won victory.

Now, I’m doing my best to tell a story here, but frankly, when the result’s at the very top of the screen, you kind of already know how it ends (and probably did so even before reading this if, as I suspect, the likely readership of this blog consists of those who actually played in the match – unless of course the trauma of each defeat requires that you put the whole ordeal out of your mind, possibly with the assistance of professional psychotherapeutic assistance).

It all started, though, with an air of genuine belief and expectation that the team could grab a much-needed win. Indeed, Birkbeck were quickest out of the blocks and made an encouraging start, creating chances and looking more likely to open the scoring. In fact, this was perhaps Birkbeck’s most potent attacking performance of the season so far, to the extent that the sheer number of opportunities that they spurned would be beyond the capabilities of the human mind to recall, without the aid of a video camera or, at least, a notebook. That’s my excuse anyway – perhaps these reports will be more detailed when I’m not actually playing.

With opportunities coming thick and fast for Birkbeck, little had been seen of FIVE, flying high at the opposite end of the league to Birkbeck. However, without having given much notice of their ability or inclination to score the first goal, they managed to do just that, seizing on some indecision in the Birkbeck defence to create a long-range opportunity which was finished in some style.

Birkbeck continued to press, but soon it was 2-0 to FIVE, following a swift counter-attack and passing move which allowed the FIVE forward to slot home at close range with the goal at his mercy. Confidence visibly dented, Birkbeck nevertheless held their own for the duration of the half, the tail-end of which was marred by dubious challenges, disputed decisions and a general air of tetchiness that occasionally threatened to boil over.

Perhaps it was Birkbeck skipper Schmidt’s robust defence of his side’s integrity that led to his incapacitation early in the second half. The challenge in question, while fair, was certainly from the chapter of the Stuart Pearce coaching manual entitled, ‘This’ll shut ‘im up’, and as the opposing player concerned strutted away with studied nonchalance, Birkbeck’s management and substitutes were called upon to assist their captain in finding his way to the nearest hospital.

As ever, the game became more open in the second half, and though FIVE threatened to add to their lead, Birkbeck also had opportunities to get back into it. I can recall some specifics, but it would be unfair to single anyone out for missing chances when my recollection is sketchy at best. Let’s couch things in the most positive terms possibly by saying that Nduka was a constant thorn in the side of the defence and caused problems all match, and that Walters worked hard to get into goalscoring positions on more than one occasion. (And if they did miss chances - which I’m not saying they did - they weren’t the only ones).

Anyway, it finished 3-0 to FIVE as an increasingly ragged Birkbeck defence were unable to cope with a sustained period of possession on the edge of their area, and the resulting shot through a crowd found its way into the net with the Birkbeck ‘keeper floundering.

While FIVE certainly deserved their win for being more clinical in front of goal, the result was a harsh reflection of Birkbeck’s efforts. An early goal could have made all the difference to the outcome, but it was not to be. Nevertheless, credit must go to all of the squad for a mighty effort, both on the pitch and in support of the team.