The London Clarets Football Team finally got back underway at the weekend with a 5-a-side derby match against the Blackpool Exiles on the hallowed concrete of Finsbury Leisure Centre.
The (rearranged for ITV Digital) 10:45am on Sunday morning kick off time proved a little difficult for the Tangerines, with only two players making it on time. With five against two it was looking good for a Clarets victory, but after Trevor Sinclair-esque 'will they, won't they' discussions the reinforcements arrived and the Blackpool squad was up to seven.
With the Clarets squad lacking depth (!), the Clarets knew they had to get off to a good start - and they did. With some confident passing throughout the team and patient build up play (if only we hadn't all retired from international football - it could all have been so different this summer...) the Clarets created a number of good openings which was backed up by some good finishing to give the Clarets an early lead. There was excellent forward play from Nick 'Mooro (I)' Waters, making sure that the Tangerines' defence knew they were in a game, whilst Peter 'Mooro (A)' Waters (yes, they are brothers, unlike the Clarets' dynamic duo) and Adam 'Stan' Mitton worked the openings, and Glenn 'Steve Davis' Fothergill kept an increasingly effective Tangerine attack at bay, along with some inspired keeping from 'Cool Hand (s)' Luke O'Shea.
Clarets' pitch side support and photography was provided by Grant 'Ronnie Moore' Waters. Away fans were banned.
However, as the game wore on and the temperature rose, the Tangerines began to make the most of their subs and they dragged themselves back into the game. Clinical finishing and good possession football (chants of 'It's just like watching Brazil' were slightly overstating it though!) sapped the Clarets' energy, and the Tangerines ran out eventual winners in a 12-9 thriller. Clarets goals came from O'Shea (1), Fothergill (1), Waters N (1), Waters P (1) and Mitton (5).
Post match pints were enjoyed in The Litten Tree on Old Street, where all concerned indulged in a bit of Preston abuse. A good game enjoyed by all.
Thanks to the Blackpool Exiles for the game and thanks to the Clarets that made it out. We hope to have a rematch in the relatively near future, and if we could get a few more Clarets together that would be good - there are the small matters of revenge and pride to play for next time!
See photos from the game
