Ashridge Park 0-2 Bracknell Manics
30/10/2011
Bracknell Manics scored a heroic victory on Sunday as they beat old foes Ashridge Park two goals to nil.
The win was heroic on so many levels. Firstly it stopped a losing streak of 7 games that had seen the manics leak nearly 30 goals. Secondly, six reserves were called up to complete a squad depleted by absenteeism. The most heroic aspect of the win on Sunday was the determination and grit shown by the likes of Darren Austin who played like a man possessed. Maybe he’d been infected by a footballing zombie over Halloween? He had been playing right-drac. Added to this heroism, Manics also overcame the trauma of starting the game without iconic manager Nikos Patsalides and star defender Simon Blau.
Manics were quick out of the blocks. Glenn Evans was full of pent up aggression. Sweat filled his curly mop adding moisture to the fresh grey hairs that were emerging. The ref was keen to play the advantage at all costs but couldn’t with ‘chef’ flying around like a toddler on a bouncy castle. Any manic nerves were settled when Blau turned 10 into 11 after Patsalides picked him up after a dirty night out. This released Chris Mitchell to maraude down the right, ably abetted by the blonde bomber Austin.
With the killer Kilmartin causing havoc on the left, the Manics were dominating the first half. However it wasn’t the first time they had been in charge of a game before and so far this season they had been pointless. What was different this time was they simply cleared their lines at the back and got around defenders down the wings. And it was Evans who broke the deadlock with a well-struck effort at the second attempt. 1-0.
After halftime Tippett and Calvin Davies seemed to be everywhere. The Manics attacked in waves of blue and Gav Baker, Lee Walker, Blau, Austin and Gareth Evans in goal gobbled everything up comfortably. Bakers bald pate was particularly commanding; winning every aerial battle that came his way with nonchalant ease.
10 minutes in and one half of the slowest ever manics frontline, James, bundled the ball in from close range after great work from Mitchell and Davies. The glee was enormous. The play was far from linear and much of it was lovely. Ash James was replaced by speed merchant Ash Deutrom in attempt to cement the victory. The Killer was a constant help to walker at left back, which resulted in him being awarded refs MOTM.
Manics had plenty more chances; Mitchell, Evans and Deutrom but all going astray. Tippett was omnipresent – like God – except His exulted One would not give away so many silly free kicks which. But the Manics were equal to any set piece thrown at them as the Ashridge threat faded into the Halloween air. The only thing that blighted the Manics heroism was the injury to Deutrom who bravely collided with the opposition keeper. It was a fitting example of the Manic spirit to see Patsalides and Evans help their stricken teammate back to his car. Wishing you a speedy recovery mate.
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