QE A vs New College Durham

Coaches Corner – Marshy’s View  (New College Durham – Home)

It was 5pm late afternoon, my fine self and Sam Read were relaxing on a couple of deck chairs with an exotic cocktail in hand enjoying the Los Angeles sunset after a stressful term at University. Out of the blue we received an unexpected phone call from an old friend ‘Mark Scott’ who explain he needed our advice and expertise for the final home game of the calendar year against New College Durham. Extremely excited by the opportunity Sam booked his private jet for the two of us to return to Tees Valley airport that same evening.

Wednesday 17th December 1.12pm (Managers Office, Abbey Road)

Scott hands over a piece of paper to Read which includes the QE Squad: (4-4-2) Melling, Bates, Bell, Nelson, Grocott, West (MOM), Clark, Wright, Lorimer, Edwards, Denny. Subs: Deacon, Middleton, Maddison.

After an inspirational pre match speech and a well-structured warm up the teams were on the field of play, with the visitors kicking first towards the Westbourne Grove End. The pitch was ‘sticky’ which saw little football being played and lots of tackles flying in. Robert West was a constant thorn in the side of the opposition with his extremely direct runs and pin point crosses. QE created a lot of chances in the first half, with some questionable finishing from the usually clinical forwards Edwards and Denny. It was a set piece that broke the deadlock, towering centre back Grocott striking the ball low and hard into the bottom corner leaving the keeper no chance.

What most impressed Sam Read was the performances of the first years who weren’t fazed by the many senior personalities present in the technical area. Both full backs looked extremely comfortable and young midfielder Lorimer covered a large distance in the middle of midfield. The game took a negative turn for QE when on 36 minutes forward Hal Denny who worked day and night to complete his Sport and Leisure coursework so he could play in the game, was sent off for what can only be described as GBH on the New College goalkeeper, recent reports suggest they have managed to reconnect his leg back to his body.

The second half began with the visitors still not threatening the QE goal, arguably due to the tactical wisdom of Read at half time. QE took a 2-0 lead when young defensive prospect Nelson who had previously worked under Read at Longfield smashed the ball in from 5 yards after showing great strikers instinct to be in the right place at the right time. Players started to tire being a man down so Scott made full use of the substitutes he had available. The third goal came after fine work by captain marvel Nathan Wright who played a cultured ball down the line for the young Maddison. As this ball was played Rob West made his way into the penalty area from the right flank and when the ball found him he made no mistake. His Shefki Kuqi celebration gaining a great reaction from the crowd.

The game ended 3-0 and I personally was very impressed with the QE team. A good blend of experienced professionals and exciting new prospects who should have no problems picking up results in the second half of the season under the guidance of Scott and Wright. Best of luck for the rest of the season gentleman.

Marsh