Wimbledon & District Division 1: Kick-Off 2pm
vs
LONDON LIONHEARTS (0) 0
GK: 'The' Don
RB: John Hodgson
LB: 'Damo' Freel
CB: James Schwier
CB: Simon Farrell
RM: Mark Bhandal
LM: 'Gippo' McCoid
CM: Neil Dulake
CM: Paul Meaden
F: Mike Murray
F: Saed Souissi
Subs:
Tim Glenn (Farrell)
Nick Drzymalski (Dulake)
'Pretty Boy' Hugh (Meado)
Dulake (2)
McCoid
This was the first match of a crucial double header in what was being built up as Partizan's most important two hours this season. With only one win in the league so far and relegation staring them in the face, they knew only 6 points would be suficient to climb out of trouble. With kick-off brought forward to 1pm to allow two matches to be fitted in to the daylight hours, Partizan and the referee were kept waiting for an hour til Lionhearts turned up. By that time Partizan had been awarded the first match by default, a decision the Lionheart captain disputed vigorously! Eventually it was agreed both matches would be played and the matter taken up with the League at a later date.
Dulake was proudly showing off his new Copa Mondials before kick off, even stating they felt like he was only wearing socks they were so comfortable! He did have trouble locating where to smear the pot of vaseline, but that story's for another day maybe?!!
With Carrick away skiing, the linesman duties were up to Nick for the first half and he did Partizan proud in the opening exchanges when he correctly raised his flag to disallow an early Lionheart goal! The referee consolted his linesman and Nick pointed to the first Lionheart player he saw to claim he was offside and interferring with play! A lucky escape for Partizan's defense so early on, perhaps this was a good wake-up call for some sobering-up heads from friday night!
Partizan eventually took control of the game and when a break fell to Dulake 30 yards out he volleyed home with his new sparkling Copa's! The players realised that he wolud be talking about that goal and his new boots for a long time to come! 1-0.
A second Partizan goal was quickly to follow when a Meado corner fell to the head of Dulake to score what was probably his first ever headed goal judging by his reaction! With Dulake on a hat-trick, Partizan would have to think carefully before picking him out again with a goalscoring chance. 2-0.
H-T: 2-0.
Partizan went into the break with a comfortable lead and never looked like releasing their grip on the match. Substitutions were made shortly after half time with Dulake, on a hat-trick and selflessly taking himself off to give other a game, Meado and Farrell all came off to be replaced by Hugh, Nick and Glenn.
Glenn slotted alongside James at the back with Nick and Hugh becoming the new midfeld duo. The match continued at a leisurely pace with neither side looking like conceding. Damo did receive his customary booking for a meaty challenge on a Lionheart rude-boy! The win and three points were sealed when Gippo McCoid ran clear of the Lionheart defense to slot nicely past the outcoming keeper! 3-0.
The referee required a quick turn around and the second match of the double header was to become much more entertaining!