Melee v Lazy Boys 15th August

Melee extended their current winning streak to 4 games last night with an encouraging victory over 4th placed Lazy Boys.

Melee were forced to make last minute changes to a team ravaged by unavailabilty.

Samuel, voted the Fudge Player of the Season last year, joined a long list of players who were unable to attend last nights fierce encounter in Welwyn Garden City.
Justyn, who was thought to still be out with an injury, was brought along to bolster up a squad still realing from the loss of Tafey who moved to Harpenden Town in the close season.

Due to Wilko's late arrival, Melee started with the unfamiliar lineup of Porter in goal. It is unclear to this reporter which team scored first, but it was soon 1-1. Some brilliant indiviudal skill from the younger Couper brother, set up his sibling for a pile driver into the top corner. Upon Wilko's replacement of Porter in goal, Andy set up two quickfire goals for Alex, followed by one for himself.

The half time score of 5-1 looked to leave melee well in control of the game. Kev and Drewin's sister/girlfriend/cousin/friend looked like they were enjoying the game, despite the wet conditions.

Lazy boys began the second half with 2 quick goals, and melee looked shaky. Some aggressive play by Justyn's opposite number (aka 'Rubbish') led to a squareing up between the two. The referee controlled the confrontation well, despite being huddled by a flock of lazy boys.

Another lazy boy goal went in, this time an own goal by singlehurst, and it was 5-3. From the kick off Porter took the slump into his own hands, dribbling past 2 before slotting the ball calmly into the bottom right hand corner.

Minutes later and he was back at it again, this time a curling beauty into the apex.

Daudi was controlling things from the back, and melee began to gain defensive composure for the first time since the break. However, one mix up between Drewin and Couper led to a 3 on 2 situation which lazy boys capitalised upon.

Justyn and 'Rubbish' were at it again, this time Rubbish landed an elbow onto Justyn's forehead. He was quickly subbed off before the referee had an opportunity to open his eyes to see what was going on.

After some hard work in the corner, the lazy boy keeper spilled a shot from Alex. From the resulting follow-up, the keeper grabbed both of Couper's legs forcing a penalty. The keeper claimed that Alex had gone in hard, but from where this reporter was watching, it seemed fair. After a few too many dummies, Couper hit the penalty straight at the keeper.

Lazy boys got another one back through a genius henry-style back heel from a free kick.

With seconds left on the clock, and both sides looking tired, melee won a free kick after Alex was kicked to the floor in the corner. The 'keeper then threw the ball at Couper, and while there was a gentlemen's handshake being offered by Couper to the keeper, Melee took a quick free-kick to seal a 10-7 victory and take them to the top of the table after 6 games.

They face a trip to second from bottom Real Ale Madrid next week with Samuel back but 2 more confirmed absentees in the form of the Couper brothers.

Man of the Match: Has to go to Andy Porter, for his 6 goals, many of which came at crucial points in the game.

Moment of the Match: The last goal, where justice was served by the keeper not having a hope of saving the free-kick, after he should have been sent off.