Old Members' Football Day

Sunday 4th March 2012

The 80s returned to Abingdon Road for the Univ Football Day on 4th March, a year on from winning the Gerry Fitzimmons Trophy. Sadly this success was not repeated, but all plan to return next year to relive former glories.

Andrew Carroll (1977), Whites, reports: "Mere words could not do justice to the all-round heroism of Sunday. So, on an outstanding day for Univ Whites & Manchester Reds, let me draw parallels with some real heroes (& anti-heroes) to paint a picture for you of the afternoon events at the Abingdon Road Stadium.

First up, the Whites eclipsed the Gamble Oranges – fittingly kitted out this year as Blues. After shipping an early goal, it was then mostly one way traffic, especially after the half-time changes, & the Whites ran out comfortable 3-1 winners. “AVB” Gamble cut an isolated figure in goal unable to influence the project evolving in front of him. Half a team of youngsters certainly showed great skill & enthusiasm but just couldn’t get on the same wavelength as the fading stars of yesteryear: “Frank” Bensley limping off after 10 minutes; “JT” White doing more refereeing than playing; “Ricardo” Corry becoming more “David” like in his dotage; “Michael” Hourigan not quite the player he once was; “Didier” Pritchard falling over in the penalty area (only joking, Ed); & “Thierry” Corker (back from the States) bafflingly played as a sweeper. Did we hear chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing”? Who knows, but, after this, I guess they’ll be back stronger next year with this pinned up on the dressing room wall. Bring it on.

Confidence-infused, the Whites swept aside the Blacks (1988) & the Blues (21^st Century version) with last minute winners & only went out, on penalties in the semi-final, beaten by the Current Univ team (the strongest seen for some time i.e. they turned up).

In goal, careless hands was replaced by “Edwin” Mitchell, never letting in more than one goal (clearly noteworthy), keeping his first ever clean sheet (to take us through against the odds in the quarter finals) &, in a tournament dominated by penalty shoot outs, only conceding one penalty (sadly, the one that knocked us out in the semis). And, like the heroes of 1966, our keeper & back four played (just about) every minute of every game: the foundation of our success. “Gary” Alleyn, right defence, blocking every move in his direction; “Phil” Cooke on the left, only disappointed that not one of his late sliding tackles or shirt tugs merited a free kick & telling off from the men in black. In the centre “Japp” Stowe had all the hair & muscle needed to terrify the youngsters; & Nemanja “Bridge” is becoming more beast-like every year (beasts are good in this game).

In the middle of the park was “Nobby Allen” giving it some impact, “Paddy” Fogg adding occasional artistry & “The Mature Ryan” Carroll plugging the gaps with pace & energy. Up & down the flanks: “Antonio” Allen was rock-like, shirking no challenge & attempting (& half achieving) something never seen before in this fixture, a Law-like bicycle kick; & “Arnold” Wore continued to demonstrate his  cultured left foot remains every bit as good as it was back in 1972.

Up front we had few, but penetrating, resources. “Georgie” Allen showed some silky touches & nearly got on the end of a cross or two but had to leave to go to a party. “Carlos” Smith defected from the Gamble Blues late on to see us over the line & was very nearly our hero (but missed the pen). “Choccy” Stowe was a brilliant workhorse, back supporting the ageing midfield & up doing no end of runs to open up yawning gaps in the opposition defence: gaps that were exploited.

With such talent in such abundance all over the pitch, it was no surprise that there remained just one attacking strategy, as rehearsed two years ago: get the ball to “The Boy Giggs” Stowe going forward in their half, leave the rest to him & have a breather whilst getting back in position for the re-start. He was the sole creator & scorer of 6 or our 7 goals including last minute winners & a last minute equaliser in the knock out stages. Never has it been easier to award the Player of the Tournament Award. Thanks Charlie; you OK for next year? And the Most Promising Oldie? A little more difficult this year, but I’m going for Richard Bridge again. Why were you never this good when the Seconds depended on Calligan?

P.S. The seventh goal (that must be mentioned) was a satisfying Carroll Combo: a diving header from the youngster after a left wing “run” & “cross” from the oldie. Time to retire."

The next match will be held in March 2013. Details to be announced.

If you have any queries about any of our events please contact The Development Team.