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A foggy winter's morning saw Coveside meet Norvan in a important (or as Bernie explained "must win or we're completely screwed and the world as we know it will end") game. One point behind Norvan in the NSCL standings, Coveside were keen to ensure that they kept in touch with Nordic at the top of the division. Unbeknownst at the time, Nordic were dropping points to Freybe and a win here would make things very interesting at the top of the table. Like a phoenix, Coveside rose from the ashes of Mosquito Creek and we're able to muster a decent squad and coffee club. Graham Phair led the off-field support carefully nursing his one remaining brain cell, Ross made an appearance nursing his one remaining knee, and Ken and Karim made appearances each nursing their one remaining ankle. No shows included Rob Paul nursing his one remaining excuse, Randy J nursing his one remaining hour of peace and quiet, Eamon, and Harp. Sean Barlett's return meant that the recent Coveside goalkeeping crisis was almost over (reports suggest that Vince Reddy has been seen in the company of Vinnie and Bernie) and he ably backstopped a defensive core of Randy A, Al Roberts, Dave Hannah and Amar Dhaliwal. Defensive substitutes included Fergie, Dave Speers, and Ed Dunystee. Bernie started with a midfield unit of Brad, Cam, Richie and Rod (with Geezer and Martin providing cover) and a strike force of Gino and Michael (supported by Tim and Jason). Bernie, with an uncanny ability to state the absolute bleeding obvious, sent the lads out with a reminder that this was a big game. With those surprising words ringing in their ears, Coveside hit the field running and immediately took the game to Norvan. The midfield quickly settled into a pace that the Norvan lads struggled with. The first goal came from the hard work of Roddy. The wee man made one of his trademark runs to the goal line and dragged a ball back across the goal mouth, Gino was first to the ball and laid it back for our talismanic (and very attractive) sponsor, Michael Browne, to poach his seventh goal of the season. 1-0 Coveside. Coveside were in complete control off the game. With Cam and Rich winning key battles in the middle of the park and bringing both the wide players and strikers into the game it seemed that another goal was imminent. As long time observers of Coveside know this was, of course, the cue for Norvan to score. A long ball up the middle the park was gathered by Norvan's big bloke. As he moved towards goal, lanky steak of piss defender Amar Dhaliwal hesitated enough for him to find room to unleash an unstoppable shot past Cloudy. 1-1! Reminding themselves that this goal was very much against the run of play Coveside put this set back behind them and created a number of chances. The best fell to Gino who somehow contrived to miata the ball past the post from one yard out after Roddy had somehow failed to reach the heights of scoring a goal. Half time soon followed and Bernie delivered a moving half-time talk, moving in the sense that everyone moved away as he started talking. The second half started in a blur as our happy Hawaiian, Tim Barr, quickly glanced in a cross from Richie to give Coveside a 2-1 lead! This was shortly followed by that rarest of earthly delights, a headed goal from Richie Hawes. Once again Roddy was the provider as he skipped past the last defender and whipped in a cross right onto Richie's melon. Coveside 3-1. With his nether regions moved by Roddy's performance, our very own Professor of Soul was inspired to craft a chant for the wee man.. here it is it's full glory (click on link to play or download) The Roddy (the edgemont remix) Norvan were able to pull a goal back to make it interesting for while until Tim completed the victory with a side footed volley past the keeper, from guess what? That's right a Roddy Carl cross. Coveside 4-2! Overall a great team performance and a fair result. Norvan were missing a couple of their key players and the result could have been closer if they had played. But as they say you can only beat what's in front of you. The beers and laughs after the game were as good as ever, and in fact somewhat better as the Norvan lads were kind enough to share hot dogs. Nice work fellas!
There was a lot of banter on the
sidelines about lookalikes and so I thought we would try a little
quiz. The first person who can correctly match the following
lookalikes (and one baby picture) with current Coveside players or management will receive a six pack of Stella Artois. Post your
answers on the forum. My decision is final, so there!
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