Forged in fire, hardened in ice

The intense weekly rain did not bode well for the pitch but an early gentle wind, as to make it easier for the players, helped to provide a less muddy surface. At which point the sun, almost out of embarrassment, showed up for a setting rarely seen on a February 1st. The fire was as always within each of the 27 warriors (an all time high) and so, with  all elements at play, the stage was ready for a fine display eagerly anticipated by both sets of the fans on the stands.

Hannes was stoically back from last week cut on the head and a black eye ( see today’s pic) in the full knowledge that injuries come and go while legends live on.

This speaks volumes about the fabric FDs are made of.

Typically top players play 45’, take a 15’ rest, play another 45’ (when not subbed) and it’s job done. Today each FD each of the 27 played 2 hours non stop, no subs, never ready to slow down the self imposed  frantic pace. It was the thought of the complaining wives rather than fatigue that suggested that the game had to stop at high noon.
‘Forged in fire and hardened in ice’: such motto would quite fit the FDs crest!

As for the game it was clear that the Bibbed had a plan which paid instant dividend as it was a one way traffic that produced four goals in a row including a long range missile from Julien that eradicated the goal.

Tony L, back in goal after few weeks, had also to concede to Adam, Mohammad and Khaled. A goalkeeper like Gianluigi Buffon is where it is by training twice a day, day in, day out. The more gifted  Tony L can get away with hitting the pitch once every other day but perhaps the long gap had taken its toll though later in the game he took a ball just under the bar when opposition was  already celebrating a sure goal.

The Bibbed looked dominant in every part of the pitch but after a quick rebalancing with Thomas joining the Unbibbed the latter found hope and determination to turn the game. Roberto twice and Johannes with a stunning shot right under the bar (another goal of the season contender) brought the score back in contention at 3-4.

It was a relentless assault as long as fruitless: Paride was the guardian denying access at any time of the Unbibbed asking. Giancarlo came close to level the score with a distant shot shaving the lower post and had a glorious opportunity soon after but the ball he hit mid air was seen later on in the game when a traffic warden from White City  kindly returned it to the legitimate owners.

As it often happens in football profligacy and great saves at one end were  castigated at the other with Yasin killing the game for good with a final 5-3 for the Bibbed which left a bitter taste in the Unbibbed ranks, so close to a glorious remuntada.

Players like Adam, Julien along with  households names like Hossam and Johannes had an excellent game but it was Yasin again to lay his hands on the Man of the Match award by being in the middle of every trade directing it at will.  Should the Donald employ him to settle the trade war for good?

The good news for the other players is that Yasin  will soon hit the seasonal cap set for the MOTM award.

PS just as we are about to post the commentary we have been reached by the news that our top striker Tony S has been injured in a clash with Paride and had to be admitted at C&W hospital. Nothing too serious but he will be on crutches for a while and unavailable for few Saturdays. As no insurance was willing to risk a massive bill in case of  Tony’s injury the CLUB wisely locked in in a separated deal all revenues related to Tony’s season and can anticipate no loss incurred until our star striker is back in action. We wish both Tony and Paride  all the best and  a speedy return to action.

Giancarlo Castelli
Bibbed-Unbibbed 5-3
Scorers:
Bibbed: Adam, Julien, Mohammad, Khaled, Yasin
Unbibbed: Roberto (2), Johannes
Teams:
Bibbed: Paride, Filippo, Adam, Mo, Julien, Mohammad, Yasin, Elliott, Filippo, Cethan, Marco, Jamal, Khaled
Unbibbed: Tony L, Hossam, Hannes, Ben, Chris F, Jeremy T, Johannes, Diego, Thomas, Tarek ,Giancarlo, Tony S, Federico, Roberto