Barnes Beavers 3-3 Cheam M3s

By Chris Blackmore

One of the most tiring and difficult games of the season came at Barnes in what looked like a relegation six-pointer, and once all was said and done each team left the pitch with a solitary point. As disappointed as Cheam were to not go home with all three points, to remain unbeaten in 2017 is still a decent feat, given the pressure and demands of this league, and the intensity of this match in particular.

First of all, shout out to Woking who helped us out with providing an umpire after a week of panicking. Unfortunately none of Barnes’ three subs seemed up to the job, and for Woking to drag us out of a pickle at the last minute was very much appreciated!

Now onto the match… Cheam started with 10 men, awaiting the arrival of Messrs Coleman and Morley, who were being parachuted in at the death, unable to make the start of the match. Especially in the case of Coleman, who at 2.45pm (fifteen minutes prior to pushback) made his availability known, after finishing his man-about-town business. One Uber later, our resident goal-scoring hero was pitch-side and ready to go. However, he had some competition in the hero department, as the renowned legend who goes by the incognito name of “Steve” (We all know his true identity is Superman), put Cheam ahead with a well taken goal that would have impressed the gods on Mt. Olympus, following a mazy little run from Gaz.

However, we then let the lead slip, as Barnes fought back to score a very direct goal that cut through the heart of our defence, and then a short-corner that squeezed through a gaggle of players in a bit of a scrap in the D. Barnes were up for the fight and made their intentions known with wave after wave of attack. Unfortunately the defence were not covering themselves in glory, with sloppy passes and some poor tackling at times.

However, one defender singled himself with a special moment of insanity that really put the fire inside me. Molly decided that after going 2-1 down, this was the perfect moment to take out his frustrations on an inanimate object (something we have all done from time to time). However by lashing at the ball he managed to connect with it so sweetly that even Babe Ruth would have been brought to tears, and on the receiving end of such a connection was myself… Who went down like a sack of spuds from the top of the Shard. All I could offer in return was some harsh words, in even harsher tones, and I became intent on cracking on with the match at hand. This new found level of tenacity and drive nearly saw me win MOTM, however Taylor was this week’s stand-out performer as a consistent presence all over pitch, and a composed showing in an unfamiliar CB position.

Oh, obviously Molly got DOTD. No more needs to be said really. Well, nothing publishable anyway…

Cheam managed to recover a goal through Alex, who celebrated in style by opening his arms and circling around to the side-lines, before remembering there was no cheering crowd, and so he circled back towards his teammates for a celebratory embrace. However, we needed saving one last time after once again going behind. So to tie up the game at 3-3 and save us a point, up stepped Goalman, who fought off strong competition to remain the Tweed’s hero. I am trying to file the paperwork in order for him to be recognised as a Knight of the Tweed Realm. I am awaiting her majesty’s reply…

It was a tough game, but a well-deserved point. Onwards and upwards, let’s keep up the great work and crack on to our next match!