The Internet Derby

Man City 3 Man United 3

1ST INTERNET DERBY - 13/10/96

(from a 'Keeper's eye view)

After all the hype and anticipation of the proposed internet derby it turned out to be
a bit of an anti-climax. After all the worry about chasing a team up and getting the
sufficient numbers (which I needn't have been concerned about) the day was let down
by a tiny appearance from the Rags. With kick off time fast approaching (14:00) and
numerous Blues awaiting the game, we were greeted by the sight of only four Rags.
So 'The best supported club in the world' (tm) could only manage to supply four players.
So with the abandonment of the match very much on the cards it was decided that we
should do the honourable thing and give the Rags the remaining players.

The game eventually went ahead with the Rags team consisting of:

Kevin, Paul, Mark and Doug (actual Rags), Mick (Juventus), Rich (Leeds) (both mates
of Joe Coogan), Jov (mate of Kevin McMeeking); then came the Blue volunteers (after
some persuasion) Martin F ('keeper), Paul H (floating), Ashley B (right side), Adam H
(midfield).

The Internet Blues were in sufficient numbers to have a full team and subs from the
remaining players, here is the squad:

Steve Walker, Gary Fones, Mark Hampson, Joe Coogan, Colin Surrey, Sam Al-Hamadi,
Kevin McMeeking, Steve Bolton, Tony Hulme, Matt Varley, Jon Fielding, Paul
Monaghan, Blue, Matthew Popplewell and mate (sorry didn't catch your name).

(if I've missed anyone then I apologise)

The game was a fairly even first half but City did seem to produce the most chances.
However, the Rags(?) team was always dangerous on the break although a well
marshalled back four kept them at bay (except for some glaring misses by Adam H and
Ashley B). The IB's did create some good chances but the woodwork (Colin Surrey),
some resolute defending and good goalkeeping (gotta give myself some credit ;-))))
what about that save from Matt?) managed to keep the Rags in the game. However, the
IB's did score following a corner; from the ensuing mel�e Joe (or was it Colin?) volleyed
home. So City went into the break leading 1-0.

The IB's decided to make some changes at half time and this seemed to alter the course
of the game. The back four seemed all at sea and it wasn't long before the deficiencies
were profited from. Stand-in Rag striker Adam H carried the ball onto the edge of the
box, before casually slotting the ball past Steve Walker. Oooops, just what had he done
and as if apologising Adam went off (substituted?). The formation that had done so
much to keep the Rags at bay was once more caught out when Paul Howarth scored to
give the Rags the lead. So the two goals had both come from confirmed Blues. The IB's
stepped up the pressure but still nothing could beat the 'in form' psuedo Rags 'keeper ;-)).
Colin Surrey came closest to scoring but his shot was finger-tipped onto the post and it
bounced out to safety (sorry Colin I'm claiming that save). As the pressure seemed to
mount City were caught on the break again, Mick got the ball in the centre circle and
played the ball through to Jov, who scored the third goal. This seemed like curtains for
the Blues but just like the first team they managed to fight back.

Jon Fielding chased a through ball and rifled the ball into the bottom corner for once
giving the 'keeper no chance. Within two minutes the teams were level, this time Matt
Varley's shot managed to beat the defender on the line.

This proved to be the final action and the game finished all level.

So the final result was a 3-3 draw; the Blues must come out with the most credit, what
with kindly supplying the rest of the Rags team and those players didn't shirk the job at
hand (even though we should have done!). But maybe three of us should hang our heads
in shame, Paul and Adam for scoring and me for not letting in any feeble shots or making
'accidental' blunders!

Maybe next time we can face a real full Rags team and give them a proper thrashing! And
next time they aren't having any of our players.

Cheers to all those that turned up and I hope they all enjoyed themselves,
well except for the score.

Martin "The red cat" Ford