Having beaten Woden 5-1 earlier this season, the Old Boys might have been expecting an easier work out this morning, but as so often in football, things didn’t quite go that way.
Action from Old Boys v Woden
Woden gave a very good account of themselves particularly in defence, and held us to a 2-1 scoreline. The Old Boys got off to a good enough start, when after five minutes some neat one touch passing found Colin Tulley on the edge of the box. He cut in from the left, brushed aside two defenders, and hit a screamer into the bottom corner. I’ll tell you what, if Wayne Rooney gets onto one like that during the World Cup, he will send the Poms’ wild with delight. Great goal Col.
Instead of going on with it though, we failed to capitalise on our lead, despite having most of the play. A few good saves, and great defending from the big Woden centre-back, kept them in it, and we went in at half time 1-0 up.
The Old Boys began the second half rather nonchalantly, which seemed to inspire the Woden side to believe they were still in this game. Led by ex Old Boy Jon Townsend, they began causing problems, without seeming to trouble our defence. Then with 20 minutes to go, a shot from out left deceived Johnny Herd in goal, and fell invitingly for the Woden striker to finish it off 1-1.
Now over the next few weeks, we are sure to hear more about the Jabulani, the new World Cup ball, that the players in South Africa are complaining about. In case you haven’t heard, the new ball has angered some of the world stars, particularly the goalkeepers, who are not happy with the way the ball changes direction mid-flight. Buffon, James, Schwarzer have all criticised it, and now you can add the name of another goalkeeping great Johnny Herd to that list.
After this setback, the Old Boys lost their way for a while, and Woden almost took advantage. However class won in the end, and ten minutes from time, Chris Williams cracked in the winner after good work on the right from Colin Tulley.
I’m sure over the next five weeks, I’ll find plenty of World Cup anecdotes to talk about. It’s amazing how many star players are withdrawing from the tournament with injuries, Ballack, Essien, Mikel, possibly Didier Drogba and now England’s captain Rio Ferdinand. It’s become a World Cup tradition that Englands’ star player gets himself crocked just before or during the World Cup. I can recall Keegan 82, Robson 86 & 90, Beckham & Gerard 2002 & Wayne Rooney 2006, all getting injured and either missing out altogether, or under performing . What is does do of course is give England a ready made excuse if they play poorly.
I’ve spoken to a few people both here in Australia and in the UK, and there are those that genuinely believe that England can and will win it. Wish I shared that optimism, because I really can’t see it, I’m an old cynic who thinks they will go out in the Quarter Finals on penalties yet again.
Would love to see the Aussies do well and reach the second round, but I fear they are in a group that is just a little too much for them. I don’t think they will disgrace themselves, but it will be a big ask to see off the Germans and the Serbs.
Anyway, what do I know about football, I play for the Old Boys. Only one week till the big kick off in Jo’Burg. Can’t wait.
