Office FC 2 - 4 Factory FC
Revenge is sweet for Factory FC
(Hobart 11’, Sneath 55’), (Price 32’, 45’ 52’, Duval 40’)
Some footballing rivalries are built over time, with each clash forming part of a rich tapestry that combines to increase the pressure on each match. Some rivalries however are newer, but no less fierce, and the recent clashes between our two company sides are a perfect example of this, with no shortage of commitment, desire and more than a fair sprinkling of quality throughout.
With the stage set at the impeccably presented Harborough Town FC pitch, the desire for revenge was clear to see within the ranks of Factory FC, with a number of subtle, but crucial changes in their preparation, (such as a majority of the team turning up on time for example). The game had been previewed, discussed and predicted throughout the company but, the time for talking was over and it was over to the players to decide who would be taking the trophy and hugely coveted bragging rights back to Thorpes Joinery HQ come full-time?
A Familiar Theme
Both sides fielded new-look teams, with a number of injuries and absences on both sides, but there were a great deal of similarities with the first match. As before, the Office team possessed an abundance of experience, with a number of “stalwarts” ready to shock their more youthful opponents with tactics more likely to be seen on vintage Match of the Day episodes.
Just as in the first leg, this set up worked perfectly, with the Factory team frustrated at every turn by a committed and effective performance by a well-oiled Office machine. Marshalled by Paul Spence and Tim Sneath, the back line held firm against the trickery and pace of their opposition, with even the silky Alex Price unable to exert his influence upon proceedings.
That is not to say that this was a Mourinho-esque “parking the bus”, far from it. Up front the world’s tallest strike partnership were causing characteristically huge problems; Simon Hobart holding the ball up expertly for the lung-busting runs of his protégé Joe Lloyd, and it was this combination that brought about the opening goal, Hobart both starting and applying the finishing touches to a wonderful flowing move that left the defenders chasing shadows.
This theme continued into half-time, and after thirty minutes the office team held a slender 1-0 lead.
A Game of Two Halves
The Factory team needed a response.
The first-half had not gone to plan but there was certainly encouragement to be taken. Both Jack Bellamy and Josh Dean had worked Rich Watts in the Office FC goal, and Joe Duval’s influence was growing, but, tensions were indeed starting to show, with a certain amount of frustration voiced as the half wore on, Jamie Patterson picking up a yellow card for dissent from the stand-in referee.
The game began to open up in the second-half, with the fitness of the Factory side beginning to pay dividends, and only a series of excellent saves from debutant Rich Watts in the Office goal kept the score at 1-0, but you felt it was a matter of when, and not if the goal would arrive.
Without using the obvious cliché, there was not a single goal, but rather a flurry of them, with the excellent Price eventually finding a route past Watts following some good work in the middle of the park from Dom Garrett. Price took just 20 minutes to seal his hat-trick, and with Duval adding to the scoresheet the game seemed dead and buried for a beleaguered Office side despite the best efforts of Tom Friel and Paul Spencer in midfield.
A Silver Lining
With injury circumstances conspiring further to the point that even the referee had to put his boots on for the office side, the game looked to be meandering to a conclusion, but there was still time for a moment of quality, with Tim Sneath finally getting a richly deserved goal to restore some pride and cutting the defecit to just two goals, and if not for an unorthodox save from Dean in goal Thorpe could have cut this further with a rasping drive, but Dean’s “body on the line” style of goalkeeping meant the game finished with a deserved win for his side.
“This was again an excellent game for the neutral and I am sure the Factory team are pleased to get their own back!
We are all looking forward to the next game already!”
75 Years Celebrations
Yet again this was an excellent game played in great spirits, with people from all over the business, playing, watching and having a well-earned drink to toast the winners after the game.
As part of our 75th Year Celebrations the match raised funds for Comic Relief.
The series becomes a Trilogy at a soon to be confirmed date, keep your eyes peeled.