This pre-season fixture had the distinction of being the
first ever 11 a side game for DKOS, who look to make a seamless transition from
the 7 a side format in time for the curtain raiser at home to Streetly FC on September
2nd. Five of the starting/only XI had just returned from a weeks
long holiday in Ayia Napa the night before, whilst another three were on the
piss the night before. All in all, preparation for the game was on point.
The game started evenly with both teams finding their feet
without threatening too much in the early exchanges. Then came a sucker punch for
the home side. A long throw into the box wasn’t dealt with, allowing an SKC
centre half to head past Bateman from close range. The away side started to
settle as DKOS legs tired, and they added a second not long after, as an SKC
forward finished powerfully across Bateman from just inside the box.
DKOS looked threatening for long periods during the first
half, with Dines and Roberts causing problems on either wing – but the boys
were unable to make their pressure count. Just as DKOS started to find their
rhythm, SKC struck again as a fizzing ball across the box was slotted home from
close range.
The score line didn’t reflect DKOS’ hard work, but their
efforts were soon rewarded. After good work from Burke who weaved his way into
the penalty area, the ball was slid across to Dines, who coolly tucked away the
first goal of the DKOS area. As we’re saying pre-season counts (it’s our team
not yours so sue us), enjoy your place in the history books, Disney!
Unfortunately, DKOS couldn’t ride the wave of momentum into
half time as SKC were able to add a fourth goal just before the break.
DKOS started the second half with renewed vigour and pressed
the visitors early on. Soon after the restart, DKOS grabbed a goal back as Burke
turned in a superb Brennan cross at the back post. The momentum shifted in the
direction of the home side soon after, but they were stuck with yet another
hammer blow. Vice-captain Matt Bishop suffered a knee injury following a
collision from a corner and was taken off as a precaution. Scans after the
match reveal the injury was nothing too serious, thanks in part to the efforts
of the fabled Magic Sponge. Alex Diego was drafted into the heart of the DKOS
defence for the rest of the game. The substitution seemed to inspire the home
side to greater heights, and they started attacking with more purpose. After some
lovely skill from Omoigui in the centre of the park, he released Dines. The winger,
doing typical Dines tings, beat his man and unleashed a powerful shot in at the
keepers near post. Or so we thought, as the referee awarded a goal kick instead
of a goal. We see now why football teams use goalposts and nets rather than a
pair of poles. We blame the council.
DKOS weren’t to be denied for much longer. After a scramble
inside the box, the ball bounced to Omoigui. From 20 yards out, the player
manager channelled his inner Pogba and unleashed a dipping half-volley into the
bottom corner. You could hear Willem’s screams of joy from Amsterdam through
the Insta live stream. This was the gaffer’s first goal from open play in ANY
11 a side fixture, and he decided to waste such a milestone on a pre-season
game ffs.
Another SKC goal followed not too long after, but DKOS weren’t
going down without a fight. After some great work from skipper Gregory, the
ball found its way to Roberts on the edge of the box, and the Ginger Wizard
smashed the ball into the roof of the would-be net, making it 4-5.
The game was an end to end contest throughout, and really
picked up towards the latter stages with both teams creating chances. SKC made
it 4-6 as the game wound down, but DKOS refused to die. Gregory, who started
the game at centre half, latched onto a through ball, rounded the keeper and
sent a wonderful looping finish into the back of the net from a tight angle. The
game wasn’t over.
With minutes left on the clock, SKC scored yet another goal
from a free kick, which was dubiously awarded to say the least. That proved to
be one step too far for DKOS, as the score finished 5-7.
The performance was encouraging from DKOS, who played the
entire game without making any subs (aside from Bishop’s injury) against a well-established
Saturday league team. The score could've been very different with a little luck. The fighting spirit showed in the second half is exactly
the kind of grit you van expect from the boys throughout the season. The game
proved to be a stern test which will help the boys prepare for Streetly FC. The
initial signs appear very promising.
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