17/8/2002 D.A.F.C. 7 - S Club Eleven 2
The blistering heat was matched by a blistering display from the home team that left S Club stunned by the sharpness of Drummond's play. From the very start Drummond took the game to their opponents, giving them no time on the ball. This unsettled S Club and it was no surprise that 15 mins into the game Drummond took the lead with a well taken strike from outside the box by Paul 'brummie' Wells. Despite the dominance S Club responded almost immediately when Drummond were punished for a defensive lapse in concentration. The goal didn't worry Drummond and they soon hit back with two fine goals from Mark Griggs. The first period ended with the score 3-1 (due to the heat the match was played in three 30 minute periods).
The manager made one change for the second period , bringing himself on for the impressive Steve Braddick in the centre of the midfield. Drummond went on the attack right from the whistle and Neil 'Jap' Mulford scored a well worked goal. The second period was all one way traffic as Drummond continued to attack with inventive one touch football that brought chance after chance and gasps from the large crowd. It was no surprise when Tony 'Chicken' Bellamy added to the score line and the 2nd period ended 5-1.
Steve Braddick returned to the fray in the third period replacing his brother in the centre of defence. The conditions continued to sap the energy of both teams but even the introduction of fresh legs by S Club couldn't stop Rab 'Nesbitt' Anderson extending the lead. S Club rallied briefly to score a second but the rout was completed when Sean Joyce hit a spectacular shot from outside the box halfway through the 3rd period. Dave Braddick rejoined the game with ten minutes to play replacing goal scorer Sean Joyce.
In summary it was a fine result for Drummond against a side that never gave up despite the one-sided nature of the game. Special mention (because he asked me!) goes to Dave Braddick who had a good comeback game following a groin injury last season (that's £10 you owe me). Next week Drummond face what should be a stiffer test against a Johnson & Phillips XI.
Also special mention goes to Joe Neville and Tom Jenkins for all their hard work in ensuring the water bottles were constantly well stocked.
Team: M Jenkins 8, D Braddick 8, S Simpson 8, J Walker 8, N Mulford 8, T Bellamy 8, S Joyce 8, S Braddick 8, R Anderson 8, P Wells 8, M Griggs 9 Subs: P Neville 8
Referee: P Lawson 8
Attendance: 25