Office FC 2 - 1 Factory FC
Tightly contested game played out in aid of Strongmen
(Thorpe 4’, Whittle 19’), (Price 22’)
It was truly a weekend of footballing upsets: Moneybags Manchester City folded against Crystal Palace, Liverpool’s streak came to a juddering halt and Aaron Ramsdale turned out to be really actually quite good, but, the biggest shock was to be found at the Leicester Grammar School as the underdogs from the Thorpes Joinery office team overcame the much fancied factory side in a closely fought match.
This inaugural game was packed full of intrigue and garnered the sort of build up worthy of a slot with Neville and Carragher on Monday Night Football. Would experience tell over youth? Would the stories of footballing acumen be true? Who would be lifting the hugely impressive trophy at 5pm?
Best Laid Plans
So the stage was set, the teams had gone through a rigorous warm up (pot shots at the respective goal keepers), the spectators were in good voice and the rain had just about abated: the build-up was over and the game could finally begin.
With two self-styled “tactical geniuses” in either dugout, managers Clarke and Duval took stock early doors as the game kicked quickly into life, each side opting for a frenetic style which resulted in early openings for both sides.
Indeed the deadlock did not take long to be broken, Joe Lloyd brought the ball out of the heavens in a way that only Peter Crouch’s body double can, and laid it on to Jamie Thorpe who picked a route through the defenders to slot home. Celebrations were muted as Office FC prepared for the inevitable response.
And respond they did, (especially when the remainder of the squad found the pitch), the open game working into the hands of the more youthful factory side, as both Carl Stanton & Jamie Paterson went close, but Archie Willis was holding firm in goal to keep his side ahead.
The match settled into a rythym, with an intriguing midfield battle appearing - veteran Tim Sneath in particular focusing on the “battle” part - but as half-time approached the game burst in to life with two goals in quick succession. First, Chris Whittle made it 2-0 with an excellent drive from distance, before the silky Alex Price halved the deficit with a sumptuous finish. 2-1 at half-time with the game finely poised.
Battle of the Goalkeepers
The second half picked up exactly where the first left off, Olly Castledine proving to be a stalwart in goal for the Factory side, first denying Simon Hobart from close range following a flowing move, then tipping the follow up from the energetic Seb Aylmer on to the bar. At the other end the combination between Price and Jack Bellamy was causing the Office defence a real headache, only a huge last ditch sliding effort from Tom Clarke keeping the scores level. There was plenty for the crowd to enjoy in an end-to-end game, a Ronaldo-esque overhead kick attempt from Aylmer drawing the biggest reaction.
The goalkeepers became busier and busier, with chances at both ends, but as the game approached full-time the kitchen sink was thrown in, as the Factory team aimed to undo a truly Mourinho style parking of the bus from the Office side, the defence well marshalled by Paul Spence doing everything possible to hold on to their slender lead.
In the final moments the ball broke to Joe Duval who set himself before driving the ball hard and low towards the far corner, he’d already begun to celebrate when the outstretched leg of goalkeeper Willis appeared from nowhere, tipping the ball on to the post and out for a corner. This proved to be a decisive moment as the whistle blew seconds later, giving the Office side a famous win.
“It was an excellent game for the neutral, but ultimately I am thrilled to lift the trophy - perhaps Hansen was right, you’ll never win anything with kids.
Looking forward to the return fixture, we are expecting a big response from a talented Factory FC.”
Strongmen The Real Winner
There was a lot to enjoy about this inaugural event. Not only was it an excellent game played in great spirit by both sides, it was fantastic to see people from all areas of the business come together in aid of our Walktober Challenge for patron charity, Strongmen.
Strongmen provides bereavement support for men by promoting physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle to build resilience to mental and emotional stress. Founded and built by two men who have suffered huge personal losses and are now using their experiences for good, developing life changing and life saving support to men in need.
You can still donate to this deserving cause here: Just Giving : Strong Menhttps://www.justgiving