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