Doubling up…

Every year it’s the same… not a single birthday celebration, but 2. That’s what you get for being a twin.

So going into this week, I knew that there would be photocopied phone calls but what I had not expected was 2 messages saying the same thing from different sources “Just confirming the friendly for Saturday…” The first call was anticipated from Stansted, as we have played our neighbours in pre-season every season since I took over, the second from Chelmer was not. Back in May I had proposed a date, but it did not go into the diary - double booked 😳

This season will mean more games, more competitions to play in and more players needed as life (and other commitments) return to some degree of normality - it’s why I’ve increased the depth and quality of the squad, but still less than 35 players often spoken about as the ideal number for a SuperVets team. It means that in general, I have 2 players per position. I went into solution-mode to amass as many players as possible to potentially fill 2 fixtures against both Chelmer and Stansted. I fell agonisingly short on numbers and with the 45 Reserves unable to muster much more than a couple of players in pre-season, I had to cancel Chelmer.

I had too many players to give much more than 45mins game time to most, then on Thursday I received the news that was a blessing in disguise from Stansted “We got some player challenges for Saturday, we might be short… unless you can help us out.” Not ideal, but it would ensure that everyone got at least 60 minutes and most got double the anticipated exercise. Requests were made for certain positions, players were asked to help and it gave me an opportunity to observe most Of the squad against ‘known quantities’ in a semi-competitive environment.

In humid conditions and in front of a crowd that extended into the double figures, the game got underway in welcome fashion with news that Molty’s physio had not Diagnosed a double hernia… just some trapped wind, before the San Miguel-dieting Steve “Lucy” Luxford chasing down the opposition in uncharacteristic fashion, winning the ball and delightfully chipping with his left foot from 20 yards inside of 2 minutes. After a tough stop/start season last time out, this was the Lux we had been missing. 1 became 2 after a flowing team move was finished off by the ever-industrious Dom “Sonic” Boom.

With the game being played in three 30minute blocks, the starting line up was somewhat of an experiment with no natural left-footers in place, but Steve Martin and David Baird performed with great aplomb. A couple of nervy moments were experienced but that was settled when Ian “Holly” Hollamby made his customary appearance on the score sheet.

At the first break, on came Molty, Bumble and new signing Darren “Have you seen how big my truck is” Watkins. Holly blazed several high and wide… proving the need for a behind-the-goal catch net, before getting his double and then Dom doing likewise.

Barno and Terry (on day release from Frances) kept everything running smoothly in midfield with their double act and with the return of John “Road Runner” Deamer and Ev still to come, that is a central midfield that will challenge any opposition in terms of quality, fitness and creativity.

A final change of ends was completed with Darren getting his own double, and double re-taken penalty for Stansted that was scored eventually, Steve Martin popping up in the box to shimmer his way to good goal and it was finished as we started… with Lux, chipping in another Cantona-esque effort to complete his double.

In the end, it wasn’t about the scoreline, but the double minutes everyone got in their legs and promising signs from individuals as we continue to step up in pre-season in all areas

Matchday Squad

Deano

Steveo

Barno

Terryo

Dommo

Hollyo

Darreno

Woodso

Rabbo

Babso

Danno

Sibbo

Moltyo

Bairdo

Bumblo

Alano

Booro