The Dads starting line-up was notable for the absence of key players, with drama when the late withdrawl of sole overseas player Richeson Sr due to acting commitments were compounded by Bevan Sr heading off to watch Argentina on telly and see if Messi had signed for Man U. With Worth Sr failing a late fitness test (although claims of over-indulgence at the cake stall proving unfounded), it was left to the remaining Dads to take on the task of trying to beat a youthful looking Lads team. Despite not being at full strength, the Dads team still boasted players with considerable Premiership experience. Sadly, this was largely restricted to watching it on telly.
The Lads swarmed everywhere, outnumbered the Dads in midfield and were able to convert their chances when they came along. They built up a strong lead with goals coming from various players as the Dads struggled to keep up with the blistering pace set by the youngsters. With defeat looming, they had little option but to revert to Plan B, namely hoofing it up to the Big Man (Aggett Sr) and play the percentage game. Sadly, this tactic proved equally fruitless as the Dads fell further behind. Eventually, a well worked move featuring some dynamic wing play by Dornan Sr ended up with a penalty being awarded when a Lad was adjudged (somewhat harshly, but that's life son) to have handled the ball. Up stepped Plumer Sr to tuck away the resulting penalty, despite the keeper getting a hand to the ball. Moments later, the deficit was halved when a rasping shot from Ramsey Sr flew in, despite the Lads protestations that the keeper was only 7 and couldn't even reach the ball. Despite a scuffed effort from Lippman Sr on the weaker of his 2weak feet narrowly creeping past the post, the Dads were unable to complete the comeback and when the Lads scored a 5th, the game was well and truly over.
Player-Manager Sloman Sr was quick to praise the Dads but was left to rue some questionable defending and poor finishing from his players. "I'm gutted for the players, the supporters in the gazebo and the fans back home. I thought our preparation was spot on. We brought a team of specialist nutritionists with us and I can't fault the players application. We gave 200% and you can't say we didn't sweat for the shirt. But you can't defend like that against teams at this level. Ultimately, it was a game of Boys against Men (and girls)".
Shortly after the match, the Board of Directors (a mysterious group who call themselves 'The Mums') issued a statement backing the manager and his players. "We are naturally disappointed with the result and going home early and had hoped to be here longer in Rio de Darteiro. However, we have every confidence that results will improve. Having said that, we will expect an improvement on and off the pitch,otherwise we may need to make some drastic changes".
The only positives to take from the game were the performances of the Girls,who played with verve, passion and no little skill. Indeed, the Dads could do worse than look at the Girls performances and learn from it. That, or feign injury next year.
Congratulations to the Lads then. They will surely face stiffer opposition in subsequent games, although perhaps not as stiff as most of the Dads are feeling this morning.
