Match 7: Marinthians vs OMD UK

I am not in the habit of writing up bad performances but for journalistic integrity, I thought I would convey last weeks result in as few words as possible.

17-2 to OMD UK.

They were very good. Leading from the back with a keeper who threw himself at everything and distributed the ball with precision, up to their big center forward who never appeared to be marked (be it by good movement off the ball or terrible marking), the Marinthians were made to look terribly ordinary.

Even with a few players out, we really should still have done better. A lot better.

Let's hope we don't experience the same humiliation against Zenith this week. COME ON MARINTHIANS!!

Match 6: Marinthians vs Agency 21

Another game and another victory, Marinthians march on. Unfortunately, I was once again not in attendance but reporting and photography are courtesy to our two favourite pitchside reporters, Barbara and Karen.

Karen writes:

"Agenda 21 came out strong drawing first blood 5 minutes in. With 3 subs available to our none, it looked like they were going to run circles around us. So it was nail-biting stuff until 5 minutes later, Will opened our game. From then on, it was a land slide. Agenda saw the goals again 34 minutes in, and came back fighting with 5 minutes left, but it was a classic case of “too little too late”.

In spite of Marin’s awesome display of team work and skills, I would nominate Steve as man of the match, who played goalie for Agenda 21 for the whole match. The man has skills, and had it not been for him, Marin’s score would have looked more like a cricket game"

So another comfortable victory making that 3 wins on the trot for the Marinthians. Next week sees up against OMD UK once again, with the Marinthians keen to overturn their previous defeat. Come down and support, and join us for a swift post game beverage in our local boozer!

MARINTHIANS 14 – 5 Agenda 21

• Gaffer x 4 (11,16,21,38)
• Razor x 2 (13,30)
• Willie x 3 (10,17,50)
• Benj x 3 (25,29,48)
• “Frank” x 2 (23,42)

Agenda 21 goals on 5,34,46,47,49

(times of goal in brackets. 51 minutes played)

Match 5: Marinthians vs Starcom

It pains me when I can't make a Marinthians game. Admittedly, the last few weeks have been akin to following Newcastle. One week there are intense highs after a memorable victory, followed by serious lows after having lost games we really felt we should have won. I had no idea what would come of the game against Starcom, but I had previous commitments which meant I left the reporting duties to Karen and converted Marinthians fan, Barbara.

So, it turns out like I missed a corker. Starcom pulled up with a full five in their ranks, but unfortunately they couldn’t keep up with the sheer power of the Marinthians. The four game practice advantage clearly showed on the pitch, with the Marinthians running absolutely rampant. The gaffer, with his laser precision boot, smashed home 2 goals in the first two minutes, and once Razor added to his ever burgeoning tally and Willie finally finding his scoring boots with a five minute hat trick, Starcom never really had a chance of fighting back. By half time, the Marinthians had stormed into an 11 nil advantage, with their goal remaining unsullied.

Shortly after half time, I think Starcoms lack of fitness was showing and Wicka swapped sides to give them a little bit of relief. It definitely seemed to help as Starcom scored their first goal shortly after and clawed themselves onto the scoreboard. It couldn’t stop Marinthians hot scoring streak, however, as each member notched one in the “Goals scored” column, with the gaffer upto 9 goals at this stage (he was to end the day into double figures, taking home a tally of ten).

Willie consequently swapped sides with one of their players and the game became more even, with Starcom starting to hit their stride late into the game. A few more goals from either side (one with Wicka scoring for Starcom) and the game ended a rather one sided victory for the Marinthians. A relatively easy game for the Marinthians but a good run out nonetheless. Gaffer scored a hatful and Grizzlee even made a save, check out the vid below!

MARINTHIANS 22 – 5 Starcom

• Gaffer x 10 (1,2,13,14,16,19,30,36,37,52)

• Razor x 3 (4,40,45)

• Willie x 5 (6,7,10,24,43)

• Wicka x 1 (15)

• Whitestick x 1 (28)

• Grizzlee x 1 (31)

• “Frank” x 1 (39)

Starcom goals on 26, 38, 41, 43, 48 (last one by the turncoat Wicka!)

(times of goal in brackets. 52 minutes played)

*All documentation of goals and pictures are courtesy of Karen and the video was kindly supplied by Barbara*

Match 4: Marinthians vs TradeDoubler

Another day and another game, this time matching up the might of the Marinthians against TradeDoubler, a company with strong online history, but a totally unknown quantity on the pitch. Gentle goading between the two parties pre-match led to intense speculation amongst the Marinthians. Claims of a Gordon Banks-esque goalie and a backline of Adams and Dixon were thrown around at the height of the smack talk, leading the team to debate whether the TD squad live upto such grand claims.

With the Gaffer out and Whitestick maintaining his perfect non-scoring record by staying in the office, the squad comprised of the ever present Two, Razor, Plop and Willie, with Wicka making up the starting five. Grizzlee arrived with bibs and gloves, and Karen’s husband (“Frank” to his mates) started as subs. The TD team were a mixed bunch. Some who had claimed to have not played for a few years, whilst others played at least twice a week. Their “Gordon Banks” had never actually played in goal before, but felt that his blatant disregard for his own safety made him an ideal goalie. This was definitely going to be an interesting line up, with fitness bound to be a deciding factor.

In the immortal words of John Anderson, contenders, READY! Marinthians, READY! 3...2....1....And we were off!

Well, that was the theory. The Marinthians looked liked it had been beer o’clock before they had left the office, with TD running rings around them. Two was helpless in goal with 1-0 swiftly becoming 2-0 inside the first minute. Their number 9 was running rings around our defence, with a deft touch belying his size. Five minutes later and TradeDoubler were 4-0 up. I held my head in my hands, this was looking like a bad day to be a Marinthians fan.

Thankfully, the worse of it was over. Two came out of goal, Wicka went in and the Marinthians immediately looked more comfortable as they reverted to probably their strongest formation. With Two barking orders at people to mark “P.E. KIT” and “Red Stripe” (probably more confusing than helpful), the Marinthians began to look more composed and started to claw themselves back into the game. Two seized on a sloppy backpass to notch our first, with Razor adding shortly after. “Frank” joined the party and lo and behold, Plop started to hit the target. From 4-0 down, the Marinthians had edged ahead to 5-4 within the first 20 minutes.

At 6 goals a piece, the game looked finely balanced, with TD’s big number 9 still a strong physical presence and Jeff in goal throwing himself about like a madman. However, from this point onwards, Marinthians regained total control. With the backline marking their big number 9 out of the game, and lack of match fitness from the TD boys clearly playing a major role, the Marinthians began to mop up. In 22 unanswered minutes, we saw Razor and Plop both complete their hattricks, with Wicka adding another. Plop had clearly had his weetabix that morning as he just couldn’t stop scoring, wrapping up his double hattrick in 40 minutes. With the score at 13-7, it looked like the Marinthians had run away with it.

The last 5 minutes were Marinthians downfall as usual. 5 minutes played, 5 goals conceded. Thankfully Plop kept on scoring or it could have really got a bit hairy towards the end, but even so, Marinthians emerge victorious, finishing up at 15-12. The star for the Marinthians was definitely Le Plop this week, with every shot seemingly goal bound. It’s not often I say this, but well played. Willies lack of goals in this match saw him drop behind Plop and Razor in the scoring charts, but you really can’t fault his commitment. Full of running, he chased down every ball like a kitten with a ball of yarn, and never gave up. Plops 8 goals has certainly ignited the goal scoring charts, leading up to a few interesting upcoming matches.

Next week, another new opponent in Starcom. Come down and support your Marinthians!

Match 3: Marinthians vs OMD UK (well, sort of)

A pretty short round up this one, mainly as I was not in attendance. Yes, yes, I know, what kind of fan am I etc.....

Well, to be fair, when I heard that OMD UK could only put out a team of 3 guys (as they had taken part in the Yahoo cup the night before) I was pretty disappointed. We were quite excited to face off against the league hotshots, and for them to face up with just three players...well, it was a let down. It led to Le Plop frantically ringing around and we managed to enlist Karen's husband and one of Plops mates to play for OMD.

As it turns out, it sounded like a pretty decent game and went down to the wire, with the OMD-a-likes coming out as 10-9 winners. It turns out that Karen's husband and Plops mate were actually pretty decent and were able to hold their own alongside the OMD hotshots. Razor had a great game from defense/midfield rampaging forward to score a total of 5 goals, shooting him to the top of the scoring charts. The rest of the team (bar Wicka) managed to nick one, with the Gaffer notching his first on his debut.

This weeks game against TradeDoubler should be another interesting proposition, with plenty of smack talk already being thrown around. Same time, same place. See you there.

Match 2: Marinthians vs Agenda 21

Match 2 couldn’t come soon enough. Although the Marinthians may have lost, spirits were still high. There were plenty of pluses to take from the performance, and for a first outing of a newly formed team, the Marinthians had performed well, albeit without a victory. Most of the team could actually run and shoot, and considering the sheer amount of alcohol this team probably consumes in a week, its admirable that they managed to keep on running through to full time without anyone suffering a serious injury. We trusted in Le Plop.

The line up against Agenda 21 had a familiar feel, with one new player in the starting line up, and one on the bench. The core of the team remained the same with Le Plop leading the line and Two marshalling the defence. As soon as the imaginary whistle blew, it was evident that this was going to a more physical. The overnight rain had not helped matters and those without shin pads were immediately regretting their decision. The first two minutes started at a fierce pace, although neither team could find the breakthrough until Willie manage to slot one in. Grizzlees physicality was proving a thorn in Agenda 21’s side and it didn’t take him long to bag one for himself, 5 minutes in and it was 2-0.

It was 4-0 before Agenda 21 finally made it onto the score sheet, with Razor having belted one in and Willies superior pace and energy proving the deciding factor for the fourth. Marinthians were looking comfortable, although Le Plop was clearly frustrated with his inability to bag one. However, 4-1 swiftly became 4-2 and the jitters began to show. Surely we could not suffer another collapse synonymous with the English cricket team?

Luckily Two steadied the ship with an assured strike to make it 5-2 and the Marinthians started to regain their composure. The next 7 minutes remained goalless, mainly due to excellent defending from both sides. Agenda 21 were consistently outhustling the Marinthian forwards in the corners and on the fence, allowing them absolutely no time on the ball, whilst Marinthians had Two barking orders and Grizzlee putting in the tackles. One in particular had half the crowd cheering and the other baying for blood as Grizzlee launched himself full blooded into a sliding tackle, winning the ball cleanly but taking down his fair share of man in the process. There were a few words exchanged, but mostly polite and both players dusted themselves down and got on with it.

The next 5 minutes either side of half time were a bit crazy with goals being scored regularly. Willie completed his hat trick to make it 6-2, with Agenda 21 scoring again swiftly after to make it 6-3. Plop finally got onto the score sheet just before halftime, and goals were scored by Willie and Razor just after. The next ten minutes were a more sedate affair punctuated by a few goals. Agenda 21 got onto the score sheet again to notch 4, whilst Plop continued to get frustrated with numerous efforts going marginally wide. Whitestick kept plugging on, opting for the role of goal facilitator rather than goal scorer.

The last ten minutes were a bit crazy as tiredness was clearly beginning to show on the players. Agenda 21 had arrived with just 5 players and although it helped keep them a more organised unit, it really impacted upon the fitness of their players. 7 goals in total were scored in the last 10, with Razor and Plop completing their hat tricks, although Le Plops third was somewhat controversial. Striking the near post crossbar, it appeared to cross the line before the goalie scooped it out. Plop claimed it but surely just another justification for the implementation of goal line technology. Willie managed to notch yet another to make it five for his haul for the day, whereas Agenda 21 managed to score a further three (including a late penalty) to make the score a respectable 13-7.

The post match analysis in the pub after the game was a much more jovial affair. Both teams had enjoyed the game and Marinthians had finally broken their duck. The 13-7 score line may have seemed a little harsh on Agenda 21 who were an organised and proficient team, but I think the talent of the Marinthians was beginning to show. There were lots of pluses to take away from the game. Le Plop finally found his scoring boots, Two managed to score one striding up from defence (two if you count what happened back at the bar) and Grizzlees tackled will fondly remain in our memories as long as we live.

This week we face off against OMD UK, a mighty proposition and fresh off an 8-0 victory against Carat. If you’re free, head on down to Waterloo and support your Marinthians!


MARINTHIANS 13 - 7 Agenda 21

• Willie x 5 (2:30, 9:30, 23, 26, 44)
• Grizzlee (5)
• Razor x 3 (8, 27, 46)
• Two (16)
• Plop (24, 40, 43)

Agenda 21 Goals on 12, 13, 23:30, 30, 42, 44 and 48 (pen)

(times of goal on brackets. 2 x 25 min halves)

Match 1: Marinthians vs OMD International

Last night saw the inaugural match for the newly formed Marinthians, a fivesome born out of passion for the beautiful game. You could feel the tension in the office as the first match against the unknown force of OMD international drew ever nearer. Jerseyless, they waited with bated breath for a special delivery all the way from Hertfordshire, and when the courier finally burst through the door at the 11th hour, the team was revealed. Marinthians was born.

The first match was an intriguing encounter. Held in the wastelands of Elephant and Castle, you could smell expectation in the air (or dog shit from the surrounding park, one or the other). The late of arrival of OMD I did nothing to settle the Marinthians nerves, and when they produced a mixed bag of continental Europeans, the unknown element of OMD appeared to start unsettling the Marinthians.

Two twenty minute halves, and it was all action from the first minute. The first five minutes elapsed and no score, the two teams were clearly sizing each other up. Both sides looked surprisingly sharp, with Two maintaining a strong presence in goal and orchestrating attacks like a general leading his army. It wasn’t long after that Willie, a hot new signing for Marinthians and full of running, broke through the OMD defence and powered the first past their keeper.

It wasn’t long before goal number 2 was again tucked away by the lively 22 year old. OMD were on the rocks. Approaching halftime, the score was 4-1, with Wicka scoring his first of the season and Razor shooting from distance. Even with supersub Alan trudging off with a case of stitch and dodgy shoes, it was looking all too easy for the Marinthians.

Unfortunately, the substitution of Two saw a reversal of fortunes for the Marinthians. With Razor sent in goal, a position he is clearly not accustomed to, and with no organised defence, OMD took advantage. The next 15 minutes, elapsing either side of half time, saw a total of 6 unanswered goals. From a position of dominance, Marinthians had slipped to 7-4 behind. I think the lowlight was probably Le Plop’s sloppy backpass, poor work from the Frenchman come Scouser. Disappointing from someone who once claimed to have played at the second highest junior level at the age of 15 in France (who are now incidentally 27th in the latest World Rankings). A case of the runs some might say...

The Marinthians swiftly saw a change in fortunes. With Two back on the pitch bringing physicality back into the game, and the ever reliable hands of Wicka in goal, the Marinthians slowly clawed their way back into it. 7-5 with some good play from Le Plop and a second from Razor made it 7-6 with minutes to spare. The last few minutes were frantic, with a few people starting to suffer from fatigue and a case of bruised shins. I could see the anguish in Le Plop’s face every time the ball was booted out of the pitch. The seconds ticked down and the final whistle was blown (well, the groundsman came round to lock up). Marinthians had lost.

Post Match analysis occurred in the Albert Arms, where every aspect was dissected. On the whole, although the players were saddened by the defeat, there were many pluses to be taken from the game. Willie was instrumental with breaks down the wing, his youth clearly a secret weapon. Razor and Two were solid in defence, and Le Plop’s passion shone through, with Wicka’s safe hands ensuring Marinthians didn’t concede any further goals.

Next match is against Agenda 21, be there, or, you know...

Marinthians 6 - 7 OMD International
Willie x 2
Razor x 2
Le Plop un
Wicka x 1