Hussars gallop home and bring Reds in second

PFFC 4 Husaria 3 Strategic Optimists 5

Rob The Cat, 4 October 2015

 

'Twas a crisp day in October as the men in red appeared from all corners of London to take on our old chums Polscy Budowlancy, now known as Husaria (Polish Hussars, although not a horse in sight!) and our old adversaries, Strategic Optimists.

PFFC fielded a big squad: Alex and his French chum, Didier; Nick, Duncan, Ömer, Billy, Alfie and myself. After some Laurel-and-Hardyesque attempts at putting up the goals, we had a brief team talk: 'Don't commit defensive hara-kiri this time!'

PFFC, l-r: Nick, Billy, Alfie, The Cat, Alex, Ömer, Duncan, Didier

As we kick off, both Husaria and SO defences have been penetrated and we find ourselves in the lead after 5 minutes. Thoughts of possibly climbing off the bottom of the table start to form. Alas this lead, and those thoughts, wasn't to last. Two quick goals against us, the last of which comes bang on the half-time whistle, see us 2-1-1 down at the first third. Our rotational policy is implemented to save tired legs and give everyone a game. A sore shoulder meant that Rob has to make way in goal for Didier, who certainly displays a Gallic flair for unorthodox keeping .... hands? Who needs 'em?!

At the end of the second third we find ourselves still trailing: PFFC 4 – Hus 3 – SO 2. Into the final third we enter an alliance with the Poles and, before you know it, have launched all-out assault on the Strategic goal, between us scoring four against the Optimisits and allowing Nick to 'sledge' them with a wonderful 'idealism over tactics all the time' comment. Smiles all round as we finish in the middle of the sandwich: PFFC 4 – Husaria 3 – SO 5. A well deserved victory for Greg and the boys, who are certainly now shaping up for a major assault on the title.

We re-group and go again on 1st Novembe. We started sluggishly last season but turned it round from December onwards ... c'mon the meninred, we can do this. Honourable mentions go to: Billy, tireless in his quest for goals (well, he is only 17); Nick, resolute in frame and mind; Duncan, looking like a colossus in defence; Ömer, sturdy and silky in midfield; Alex, forever engaging and cajoling; Didier, a cool acquisition to the PFFC ranks; and Alfie, looking fluid with every game.