The Shiplake staff football team continued their imperious
form with an entertaining victory over BMW Financial Services. After struggling
to break down the opposition’s defence in the first half, braces from strikers
Mr Miller and Mr Moffatt and a diving header from Mr Duncan were enough to register another win.
On a frosty morning, Shiplake made a strong start to the
match immediately dominating possession and looking dangerous in the final
third. This attacking intent proved to be the home side’s downfall, though, as
BMW launched a turbo-charged counter attack after 10 minutes and opened the
scoring. After finding space on the right wing, a looping cross deceived the
maroon defence and allowed the centre forward to plant a header into the bottom
corner.
Shiplake were not deterred by this setback as they again
began to assert their brand of possession football on the game. A loyal band of
spectators including Mr Dix and Mr Crisford arrived to cheer on their colleagues,
and Shiplake’s pressure began to yield numerous goalscoring opportunities. Star
striker Mr Miller was the main culprit behind the team’s profligacy, perhaps
feeling fatigued from his 30 mile cycle ride immediately prior to the match, as
he failed to convert two guilt-edge chances from 8 yards out. His first header
shaved the post while an unfortunate bobble then proved costly after strike
partner Mr Moffatt’s cushioned knock down from an exceptional Mr Rowlinson
cross. Industrious midfielder Mr Walter fired wide after sprinting clear of the
defence while marauding right back Mr Ebbage also had a fizzing shot saved by
the BMW keeper.
Fears were growing that it may have been ‘one of those
days’, but the breakthrough was worth waiting for as Shiplake showed their
class with their best goal of the season so far. Head of Psychology Mr Ebbage
outwitted his opponent in a 50-50 challenge and instigated a lightning
attacking move with a sharp pass into Mr Miller. The ex-Welsh Premier League
baller spun on a sixpence to lose his marker and powered down the right wing.
An early cross hung up beautifully at the back post where Mr Moffatt arrived
with a bullet header to level the scores. The link up play between the duo fuelled
many comparisons to the ‘SAS’ Suarez and Sturridge partnership from last
season, with Shiplake’s equivalent labelled ‘M&M’.
BMW started the second half in ‘revved-up’ fashion as their
talented midfielder, closely resembling Esteban Cambiasso, began to dominate
proceedings. It was totally against the run of play when Shiplake grabbed the
next goal. The BMW ‘keeper failed to hold a cross from creative midfielder Mr
McSweeny and this time Mr Miller made no mistake with the rebound. This
triggered a crazy 5-minute spell which put the hosts in firm control of the
match. Miller grabbed his second goal with a brave header from an inswinging
corner and Moffatt matched his tally with a cross-cum-shot which rather
fortunately drifted into the top corner.
The game looked over but BMW moved through the gears and
threatened an unlikely comeback. Goalkeeper Mr Muhley had a solid debut in net
but could do nothing to stop a powerful volley from 10 yards out and, after
another goalmouth scramble, an instinctive header made the score 4-3. Orchard
Housemaster Mr Mallins cleared off the line in spectacular fashion as BMW’s
resurgence continued.
Shiplake weathered the storm and finally put the match
beyond doubt with their fifth goal. McSweeny grabbed his fourth assist of the
second half with another corner, this time finding man of the match Mr Duncan
who outmuscled his opposite man and put his head in where it hurts to get his
name on the scoresheet. Crystal Palace fan Duncan and centre back partner Mr
Sharkey are developing a formidable defensive reputation and look set to be
immortalised in Shiplake’s football folklore.
There was still time for referee and Director of Studies Mr
Munro to correctly punish Mr Miller for diving in the penalty area, and
Director of Sport Mr Gaunt to somehow prevent a goalbound effort from his own
teammate crossing the line. After hitting the deck, Gaunt looked up expecting
to see the ball in the back of the net before realising his header had landed
in the car park. At the other end, new keeper Mr Mallins (who stepped in for Mr
Muhley after he departed on a boarders’ trip to Westfield Shopping Centre) made
some excellent saves to keep the score at 5-3.
Master in charge of football Mr Rowlinson commented: “This
was another thoroughly enjoyable game and a fitting way to end the term. We
hope the staff’s run of victories bodes well for the pupils’ football season
which begins in January.”
