After the storm come the predators

After Storm Darragh forced FDs to cancel last Saturday’s game, and with Christmas on the horizon, there was no certainty of a good turnout in terms of players yesterday. Further uncertainty was brought by a last-minute change of pitch (Palace instead of Pond), but still nine players managed to show up ready to fight.

Assembling two balanced teams with an odd number of players is always a challenge. The solution to the problem presented itself in the form of a middle-aged moustached Kuwaiti men called Fahad who offered to fill the gap despite lacking proper boots.  He was welcomed to the pitch, given a bib and a short “orientation” course, and it was game on.

Fahad demonstrated the quality of  a composed defender, with good vision and precision on the ball. Unfortunately, after few minutes he fell badly during an acceleration (that’s what happens when you play with flat sole shoes on the notorious soft Hyde Park grass) and was forced to abandon. Still he will remain forever in the FDs files with his contribution as the bearer of Kuwait as the 71st NATION.

Fahad’s place was taken by late arrival Al, on loan from Brentford. Al provided the Oranges team with a much needed attacking potential, as they were lagging behind the Colours.

His presence helped the Oranges in keeping the goal difference at a minimum.  The Colours remained ahead, with Francesco, Dario, DiegoF and Ishan all finding the net several times from all possible angles.

Throughout the game AndreaM had been looking for the right opportunity to test to the limit his brand new Predator shoes (top photo). When he noticed Thomas had left his goal unattended, he shot from long distance a perfect parable that ended just under the bar. The Nike share price increased by 40% as soon as videos of the goals were shared on X (or TSMFKAT = The Social Media Formerly Known As Twitter).

Eventually the Oranges completed their remuntada, going for the first time ahead at 11-10 when it was time for the golden goal but couldn’t bring home win. It was Dario to score it, restoring pride for his Colours team and bringing the match to a solomonic draw.

ORANGE-COLOURS 11-11

GOALS
ORANGE: Andrea M (3), Bijan (4), Al (3), Giancarlo,
COLOURS: Dario (4), Francesco (3), Ishan (2), Diego F (2)

TEAMS
ORANGE: Alessandro, Bijan, Fahad, Al, Andrea M, Giancarlo
COLOURS: Thomas, Ishan, Dario, Diego F,  Francesco