Hanwell Town 3 v 2 Kensington Dragons U15B League Cup Quarter Final.
Well, it was March and we were still in the cup. That we can only put this down to the weather, however, is now something of a sore point. This was a match we could have, should have, and but for three non-footballing injuries that struck out our keeper and two defensive titans, surely would have won.
We travelled with 11 players and, inevitably, lost one to a knock after ten minutes. They, meanwhile, had more substitutes than a classic Who track. Yet it was the plucky Dragons that played the finest football in the first half. And to what end? Strong running from Hanwell Town forced two scruffy goals against the run and while we pulled one back on the stroke of half time (a thunder-bolt that for a moment sent the sudden sunshine scurrying for cover) there was a sense of a turgid tide flowing against us.
When they scored a scraggy third the class response we always threaten seemed to fade with the fragile spring morning. A late rally and a fine free kick put us back in touch but it was too late. Our league cup felleth over.
Yes, we’ve had a fine run, including two 1st division scalps. But oh, these games we coulda, woulda, shoulda won. To quote White City’s much older rock combo once more, though: our kids are all right. We’re looking good for the league.