On what started out as a balmy North London evening, Mill Hill lined up against a rather younger looking side Pinner. Despite the youthful look of their opposition the NW7 team started the better with Waynes fancy footwork and Gils aerial dominance causing problems for the Pinner defence. After a foray into Pinner territory, Mill Hill won a throw-in on the right. the throw, Gil flicked the ball on to Paul who set himself up for the spectacular with an ambitious overhead kick. To his surprise he a) connected with the ball and b) sent it goalwards - 1-0 to Mill Hill.
Pinner hit back almost straight away with a flowing 3-man move that resulted in Andy picking the ball out of the NW7 net - 1-1 the score. With a renewed energy Pinner seemed to find their passing game and starting causing the NW7 defence a few problems and would have taken the lead earlier if it werent for a few offside decisions and a fantastic save Andy. Pinner did eventually overcome Mill Hills stubborn resistance with an impressive goal. 2-1 Pinner. In the ascendency now, Pinner would have added a third but were thwarted by Daniel Ws last ditch goalline clearance.
The NW7 boys dug in and made sure that the teams went in at half time with honours even with a great team goal. Jarrod sliding the ball down the right side of the Pinner defence to David Stanton who crossed to Wayne to bury it past the keeper.
HALF-TIME - Mill Hill 2-2 Pinner
Play recommenced with a gentle shower that quickly turned into a rainstorm of biblical proportions ensuring that these 2 teams of Red Sea Pedestrians got a whole lot wetter then their ancestors did. The wet conditions seem to suit Mill Hill with Rob battling in the Pinner penalty area to win a penalty and Wayne coolly slotting the spot-kick past the keeper to put Mill Hill back in the lead.
More was to come as Stef burst into the Pinner area to give the NW7 a two goal lead. The unrelenting deluge (of rain not goals) continued - with enough rainfall to have had Noah and his sons reaching for the hammer and nails - and the referee made the sensible decision to call time on proceedings.
The players then went (two by two) back to the changing rooms to reflect on an eventful yet soggy game.
Paul Meyers