Somerville FC 1:5 Green Briar O30
A crisp morning at Medford HS proved the perfect setting for a game of football last Sunday, with a Division 3 Playoff final berth on offer. Green Briar, the second placed team in the South crossed over to play the North champions Somerville FC.
At this late stage of the season getting quality numbers to the field can be a problem with the usual attrition due to injuries hurting every side. The Green Briar was no different in this regard. Yusuf Ribadu was lost to a thigh strain early-on in the last match of the regular season midweek and a freak accident during the semi final saw the Briar lose another one of its talismanic figures, John Hickey.
While pouncing on a ball spilled by the keeper in the box, Hickey's right footed shot hooked the ball over his left shoulder and beyond the despairing dive to the far corner of the net. The price Hickey paid in getting the Briar on the board in this crucial match was a dear one however. Sufferring a fracture of his fibula in his planted leg, John had no choice but be helped to the sideline as his day's action came to a close prematurely (albeit on a bittersweet note).
The cause and the freak nature of this injury could be explained by the unusual excesses of centripetal force and centripetal obesity that happened to coincide on the play. Some might say that a man carrying that much weight in his midrift has no business swivelling on a sixpence in such a violent manner and it is no wonder the leg gave way under such stress. In an exclusive interview with the GB Blog, Hickey believed his injury came as a direct result of the unnatural power that he was gifted with in his right leg.
All joking aside, any bone break or injury sustained while playing amateur football, especially one that affects one's livelihood and ability work is serious. Many players on Green Briar have first hand experience of this and we wish John a very speedy recovery. We'll have to postone the GB Dance-off between Hickey and Keane scheduled for the 2012 Social for another year.
The Green Briar began the game in the ascendancy and were passing the ball well in the early stages. A couple of half chances failed to be converted before a quick counter-attack saw the Greens fall behind against the run of play. A ball over the top found a Somerville attacker (suspiciously offside I might add) and he made no mistake with his control and shot to the corner of the net.
The disappointment of conceding in such a manner caused some to vent frustrations but luckily for those involved and the team as a whole everyone set about the task of getting back into the tie. Just when we needed it, Hickey came up with the goods. Tom McElwain sent a deep cross into the mixer only to see the keeper come for it and spill it into the path of Hickey. His shot on the half volley was superb, and it looped over everyone and into the net from 15 yards. Unfortunately John sustained the aforementioned injury and had to retire from the match.
Playing with a renewed vigour the Greens were rewarded with a spot kick on the stroke of half time. Graham sent Neto down the left wing and his attempted cross was handled in the area. Brian McGuinness stepped up to slot home his 12th of the O30 campaign.
Holding the lead into the second half the Green Briar looked to keep things ticking over but it was Somerville who were unlucky not to equalize as the second half progressed. Jay Sullo somehow managed to claw a ball away and the resultant rebound was cleared behind for a corner. That was a close call, but finding the 3rd goal soon after all but ended the contest. Carlos Neto added his second of four assists on the day from a corner, dropping the ball to the near post where Leo O'Connor and Davey Coen were battling for position. O'Connor got the glancing touch as the Briar secured their lead.
Playing at a comfortable clip at this stage Carlos Neto added a couple more assists to complete the scoring. Firstly Diran Balekian turned the ball home from very close range following a mazy run and cross from the right side of the area by Neto. Late-on in the match Java finally added to his personal tally on the season, collecting his club leading 14th goal of the campaign. A through ball from Neto fell nicely for Java to turn the ball home.
Gavin Hall was tremendous on the day for the Briar. His typically tenacious style in the tackle and seemingly endless reserves of energy translate to a dominance in midfield that sets the tone for the team and sets a platform for his midfield partners to create. The 2011 O30 player of the year certainly rekindled the fire and form by producing a terrific display that helped the side to victory.
One match left in the season, and another bite of the cherry against Division rivals Southborough. A good performance in the semi can now be built upon as it all comes down to the season finale.
Line Up: Sullo, Glynn, Coen, Hannick, Higgins, Hickey, Hall, O'Connor, McGuinness, Java, Neto, Balekian, Leahy, Graham, McElwain
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