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Team; Chris Baker (C), Chris Long (GK), Colin Campbell, Geoff Turk, Tim Shaw, Ted Thom, Peter and Nick Pitt-Brown, David White, Barry Corbett, Jerry Morton. Umpire: Peter Hodges. Scorer: Jerry Morton
This game should have been at Wimbledon, but Addiscombe could not raise a side to play on Astro and Baker’s XII agreed top make the trip to Addiscombe. We knew that the pitch would be difficult to play on; the ball bounces unpredictably on the dry, spongy surface. Baker’s XII was somewhat biased with defensive players, and Chris found himself playing in attack, a position in which he always played in his more youthful days, when I was playing behind him. The game started with Addiscombe, and the ever present Whisky playing a central role in proceedings, launching themselves at Baker’s side. Baker’s defence stood up to the onslaught, surviving a number of penalty corners and a penalty flick. Baker’s Xii had little chance to attack, but it was a counter-attack after twenty minutes which gave Baker’s XII the lead, with a well struck long ball out of defence, finding Jerry outside the circle. Jerry ran, unopposed, into the circle, with the keeper coming out fast to meet him. Jerry planted his shot firmly at goal, before the keeper do anything about it, the ball crashing against the back board. A really well taken goal against the run of play. Baker’s XII were beginning to get to grips with the playing surface, and were looking more comfortable on the ball. There were a number of unforced errors on both sides, resulting from the difficulty in controlling the ball. Addiscombe scored on twenty six minutes, having been gifted the ball just outside the circle from a mistimed short free hit, which never reached the recipient. They pounced on the error and, despite Chris Long’s best efforts on the far post, squeezed in the equaliser. The remainder of the half was evenly matched, with both sides having their chances to score. It was good to see Chris Long playing so well after a long layoff, giving Colin Campbell the chance to get back into the swing of outfield play. He played solidly at the back, alongside the dependable Tim Shaw and Geoff Turk, who missed very little during the game. Chris didn’t look comfortable in his old position, but he supported the attack with David White and Peter Pitt-Brown providing good balls forward. Nick P-B ran his socks off, and caused Addiscombe some problems with his speed and tenacity.
Barry Corbett had few opportunities to shoot but, as always, was menacing around the circle. Ted Thom specialises in difficult surfaces, and his control was as good as ever, providing fantastic cover and long balls out to relieve the defence. The second half continued to be very even, with Addiscombe possibly having the edge over Baker’s XII. They had a number of balls across the face of the goal which, on another day, would have been converted into goals. With goals on twelve and thirty three minutes, Addiscombe put the game out of the reach of Baker’s XII. The game was not the walk over that one might have expected after the first fifteen minutes of the game, with Baker’s XII fighting back with great spirit up until the final whistle. An enjoyable afternoon.
Next week: NPL away.
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