Pakefield Re-United match report.

Pakefield enjoyed the luxury surroundings of Normanston Park in their first “home game” and were also at ease with the conclusion of the “North West” Derby which featured in the pre-match preparations as the departure of Sutcliffe to Corton meant Liverpool were much favored. It was good to see the attacking flair shown in this match transferred to the team throughout the game with Corton “A”. Changes had been made and the addition of Godbold at left back was to be a key element in this intent to entertain. Pakefield have never before had the luxury of “Duracell” Godbold shocking Chapman into his best game of the last few seasons and their link up with “Bambi” Michalski was a joy to watch, mostly! While the final score showed the game to be even it was the tale of the woodwork count that perhaps best showed the different approaches of the two teams; Pakefield were ahead 5 – 1 with Michalski (2), Craft, “Tin Head” Whale and “Andy” Taylor all showing exceptional skill in this difficult challenge. This allowed the tension in the game to build up as Corton were able to take the lead twice.

Corton’s first goal owed much to “Boris” Becker’s, “PG” Grahams and Banks’ familiarity with “Pin Ball Wizard” in front of goal; “tilt” was very much in evidence. Pakefield equalized late into the first half through a well taken goal by Craft who finally controlled and kicked a ball with something approaching his usual aplomb. Leading up to this “Andy” Taylor continued to entertain with three spectacular attempts to supplant “Boris” Becker at the top of Pakefield’s “Miss of the Century” list. This was in its own way to become the main focus for Pakefield as “Tin Head” Whale joined in the festivities with a rasping shot, or three, that went wide of the mark… along with Michalski, Chapman, Banks, Craft et al. This continued into the second half where more fine approach work involving Harvey “The Rabbit” saw Pakefield create a plethora of chances, and further misses. Corton, relying on a more forceful approach, which saw a re-run of the Olympic Judo officiating debacle involving “Duracell” Godbold not losing to a blatant ippon, again showed the value of luck with a second goal against the run of play. This was late into the second half and following on from all the attempts on goal created a feeling amongst Pakefield that this wasn’t going to be their day. However, with nearly the last kick of the game “Bambi” Michalski scored with the hardest of his many chances with a well placed curling shot wide of the Corton keeper (who had also been involved in several fine saves throughout the game to deny Pakefield).

After the game it was concluded in a de-brief at the “Dutchmans” that this final combined pre-season match and league game had worked out the rustiness of the summer break. Pakefield are now looking forward to their first officially club sanctioned league encounter next week against Ellingham at the Rectory. Since this venue warrants a dignified dress code “Dog Collars” will be compulsory item of attire and checked before the game. Latecomers technically challenged and the are also advised to come prepared… if you don't check ignorance is no excuse!







TEAM:
Becker, Godbold, Saunders, Graham, Banks, Chapman, Harvey, Craft, Taylor, Whale, Michalski, Mar

GOALS:
Craft, Michalski

RESULT:
Drew 2 - 2

COMEDY VALUE:



Attempts on goal to scoring ratio; Goalkeeper “collision”; Mint Tea Tree shampoo