Cheddar v Norton walking football report - 16th October 2020

Cheddar over 60s still smarting from a heavy defeat against the Welsh opponents on Tuesday night, turned up ready for a game at Midsomer Norton, a team that the club had played last season and drawn 0-0 with!

Despite playing against two teams, which brings with it the challenge of facing opponents with more freshness and energy, the chaps managed to go home to Cheddar undefeated. 

 

The first game was a 25 minute game against one of the Norton teams, and a strong performance by all players saw the team come off the pitch with a superb 1-1 draw.

 

But this score could have been even better but for a penalty miss by ex-pro and club superstar, Paul Randall who's all-round game was, once again, fantastic, under example to footballers of all ages. 

The Cheddar side were a goal behind but their football quality was high throughout, and it was just before the break when, from the Cheddar midfield, up popped Tim Youngberg to slot home and give the excellent Norton keeper, who was probably man of the match on the night, no chance with his hard-hit shot. This goal was reward for the whole midfield with Paul Rodgers and Steve Grant providing energy and ability.

The defensive unit provided great support, especially Boyd, but the two “veterans” Rob Sheldon and Colin Batt also shone on the ball as well as working hard off the ball

 

Both teams went after a winner in the second period but, despite the penalty chance for Cheddar, the game ended 1-1 and both teams can be extremely satisfied with their performances, as well as the result!

 

There was a second game, and a fresh Midsomer Norton team, their league team, came on to play against the Cheddar side, who had already put a good 25 minute’s hard work into the game.

Despite any fatigue, the Cheddar side earned a fantastic victory, as a result of their top-notch football, but also the extremely hard work that all players put in throughout the whole game. 

 

This time it was Cheddar who took the lead in the first half as, once again, Youngberg, arriving late, like “a young Frank Lampard”, slotted home, past a keeper who would not be easily beaten. 

Not only did the Cheddar side work hard to defend the lead, but they also created several good opportunities, which on any other night would've seen goals scored, but, as stated, they were up against a very high quality keeper, who seemed to have a personal agenda not to let Randall get a goal.

The second-half saw the same pattern with the Norton side working hard to get a chance at  goal, but Cheddar's defence stood strong throughout, with every player determined to protect the lead, but particular credit needs to go to Chris King who lead the backline superbly throughout, even after an injury which saw him go to A&E to remove fluid from his knee (and which his manager, Jock Rodgers,  claimed made him soft!!)

After several chances were created eventually it was Randall who scored the second goal, however a very good refereeing decision by Tim Richens, who had seen Robin Boyd running in the build up, resulted in the goal being disallowed. 

However it was not long before Randall, who by now had found a shooting range, got on the end of another attack and showed great ability, to slot the ball home for his much deserved goal, 

The goal was a reward for his fantastic performance on the night, leading the way for the Cheddar side and giving them a focal point throughout. 

 

In both games, Cheddar were treated to superb examples of walking football goalkeeping by Bob Bunn, who looking more like “the man who locks up” (quote by Paul Brice) but is extremely hard to score past!!

 

The night ended with the team going to the pub after the game and continuing the excellent team spirit by spending a great half-hour of humour and laughter, showing their wonderful team spirit in everything they do! 

 

Cheddar squad

Bob Bunn, Chris King, Colin Batt, Robin Boyd, Tim Youngberg, Steve Grant, Paul Rodgers, Paul Randall, Rob Sheldon

 

Ref: Tim Richens 10/10 (a faultless performance, as always)