Let’s Talk About (Es)sex Baby, Let’s Talk About You & Me...

Today almost spells the end of another Lockdown-interrupted League for the Essex Vets competition, with our last league match vs Bocking and have a friendly to follow the week after. It’s then 6 weeks’ rest for many, before another pre-season starts.

This Gaffer’s Match Report starts with a reflection on the past 12 months in a wider role, sitting on the EVL Management Committee. It’s easy to forget the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes arranging fixtures, ensuring player registrations are recorded and Referees are appointed... so a big thanks goes out to Chris, Ryan, Steve and Andy. Then there’s matters of money, discipline and communication that Geoff, Simon and Eddie sort out. Keeping order and offering great direction are Martin and Brian as Secretary and Chairman. For these selfless individuals it is much more than meeting once a month and offering input & judgement where needed, like my role. Without them there would be no football.

In a total contrast to West Germany Vs Austria in Spain 82, a draw yesterday was not enough for either team as a positive result was needed, or Springfield and Chelmer could take the title. With humid conditions the game got underway with Glenn Thurley’s whistle. Despite the visitors hitting the woodwork, Roding had the share of possession and chances before Holly helped himself to goal #20 for the season. Dean “BooBoo” Yeowell went down in goal with back spasms (which Tracy will no doubt massage over the weekend with some lard from the fridge).

Half time required fresh faces to counter the heat and 1 became 2 for Holly early on. We may have scored more goals this season, but we have also missed more. Pressure, tiredness and injury began to show and Bocking halved the deficit With 20+ mins to go. That said, the lads held on to win the post-lockdown Div1 East title, to go along with the delayed Div1 Cup from last season and the invitational Mark North Trophy.

In Salt’n’Pepa, there was another name in the band, DJ Spinderella. Similarly, as well as the league, there’s a lot of characters, effort and passion that goes on, off the field. “It takes a village to raise a child” so says the African proverb and to win a game, league or cup, it takes a squad of 25 (in our case), a Matchday squad of 16 and the support of many for the players to get the game to be played... not just the 11 on the pitch at the final whistle.

Thanks to everyone concerned for making it a memorable season in a league that not only excels in what it does, but is also growing at an incredible rate, with more teams, divisions and cups to welcome next season.