Football Report – Osbaldwick 3 Park Grove 4

Park Grove’s third football league fixture took place on a sunny Tuesday afternoon away at Osbaldwick Primary School. In front of a well supported and vocal crowd, the match got off to a slow start with the sticky conditions negating the opportunities for fast flowing football. Against the run of play midway through the first half, Osbaldwick opened the scoring with a well placed daisy cutter from the edge of the area.

However, Park Grove fought back and a sustained period of pressure was rewarded when a well-worked short corner ended with a opportunistic yet brilliantly improvised flick finish courtesy of the left boot of Louie Powell. The match was now well and truly alive but Osbaldwick went in front once again when a lightning quick counter attack resulted in a second goal to make the score 2-1 to Osbaldwick at half time.

Tomas Wormald came on for the second half and his composure was instrumental in Park Grove’s equaliser. A delicious ball over the top from Max Rigby opened up the Osbaldwick defence and Tomas lifted the ball over the onrushing keeper with great aplomb. It was at this point Park Grove started to dominate and the strong pressing and possession game normally associated with the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City was clear to see for all spectators. Another well worked move from Park Grove ended with a classic side foot finish from captain for the day Robby Butler; 3-2 Park Grove.

The fourth Park Grove goal was not a conventional finish but Max Rigby’s goal will live long in the memories for those who saw it. Not even a late consolation goal from Osbaldwick could mar a fabulous performance from Park Grove. The final score was Osbaldwick 3 Park Grove 4.

Star players were Tomas Wormald, whose appearance from the bench galvanized Park Grove’s excellent second half performance. Robby Butler third goal in as many games was again well deserved and he led the team well on and off the pitch. Aidan Carey’s calmness and succinct passing was also a huge positive for the team.

Park Grove played with great fluency and confidence and the positive outcome was richly deserved.

Mr Mastrelli