Samsons Beat Delilahs

DY8 State 3 Samson and Lion 7

Typical scoreline, slightly improved performance. The world was on the edge of its seat waiting to see if the Thrill would repeat last weeks near legendary storming off the pitch episode yet in the event it was Legs Talbot in goal who came closest to spitting the dummy, frustrated at some indecisive defending. The Samson and Lion chose this match against the league's whipping boys to blood a couple of youngsters, a move which clearly worried the referee who admitted that he was concerned for their well being during the game. Whether this is a compliment or a criticism of the State depends on your viewpoint.

The Samson and Lion quickly went into a 2-0 lead which frankly surprised nobody watching the game although the match was fairly close. It was a familiar story as the State failed to carve out enough chances. The Angel, who has spent the last week building his reputation up to such a level that you'd think he was Patrick Kluivert (except better), failed to trouble the keeper at any point during the game although this is hardly a unique failing amongst DY8 State players. The Thrill did manage to reduce the deficit after persistent work upfront but yet again (and how often have I written this?) it never felt as if the game could be won. Two more goals from the opposition further stretched the lead and although Simner pulled one back just before the interval the only thing the State had to play for was pride.

Oh sorry, I forgot. All traces of pride were foresaken sometime just before last Christmas and the State proceeded to prove it in the second half.

As Ron Atkinson might say, 'It all went humpty-dumpty at the back'. Some indecisive defending gifted the Samson and Lion with at least one goal prompting Legs' (quite justified) criticism of his team-mates. Johnny Mac, perhaps sensing he is too far behind the Thrill in the race for the golden boot to win it, made an early claim for own goal of the year, unluckily diverting the ball past a stricken Legs.

Simner managed a consolation late on, their keeper so shocked by an effort on target that he let the ball dribble through his legs. All told, this was another frustrating day at the office for the State. They did manage more shots on goal than usual but were unlucky on several occassions - the post and the keeper denying them more than once. Moreover both Simner and Spittle were victims of professional fouls when in goal scoring situations (OK, they'd have probably missed but that's not the point is it?). It could have been a different story - but unfortunately these match reports are becoming shockingly similar. There are only so many ways to describe miserable failure so, if only for the sake of something different to write about, lets hope that things improve soon.