EMFC 7 v 0 Clevedon Utd Vets

March 24th 2024

Venue - Clifton College Sports Ground (1st team pitch)

TEAM: Josh, Craig, Jason L, Andy M, Lee, Pills, Jon C, Jason H, Si R, Guy, Julian

SUBS: Arron, Morgs, Si F, (and Manny emergency cover)

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THRASHING It had been quite a while since Monday's last fixture. The squad was strong the pitch was in perfect condition having not been played on for ages. Clevedon were extremely happy with the pitch as well.

Arron was disappointed to be sub given he'd scored 5 on his last outing but he was very happy to make way for the 'once a season wonder' Julian who last time he played, we beat Yate 6-1!

Monday started strong and despite Clevedon getting some joy with the long ball over the midfield in the first 10 minutes, totally differently to the last time these teams met and it was 4-4 after 10 minutes!  

Monday were starting to get the ball down and play and Clevedon were chasing shadows at time. Pills and Jon C were playing beautiful football in the midfield (made possible by Jason Hughes putting in yet another shift) and spreading it nicely wide to Si R and Guy who both had their men for skill and pace down the flanks.  

The defence had it covered after the first 10 minutes and Clevedon were not getting much through at all. They couldn't really get the ball! The defenders managed to give Josh a relatively quiet first half.

Monday had a few chances to take the lead but spurned the first few. Eventually the inevitable happed and Monday took the lead mid way through the first half. Pillsy did a nice shimmy inside and out and smashed it hard enough that it went in off the keeper. 1-0

The second came after the Clevedon man mountain defender had a moment of madness and decided to handball it onto the crossbar. Everyone was a bit in shock and it was actually quite comical. It would have been an immediate sending off in the prem! Guy slotted the penalty home and made amends (sort of) from his famous miss a few years back. 

Shortly after, the same defender had another moment of madness and absolutely clattered Si R from behind.  It looked like a tough one but he carried on. He's probably still feeling the effects of that!  2-0

3-0 and maybe goal of the game came shortly after when the corner came in and rather than going up for the header like usual, Jason H was at the back post and volleyed it beautifully past the keeper low and hard. Excellent finish.

It was four when Guy's shot hit the crossbar and Julian headed in from half a yard out. The easiest goal he'll ever score. Tres Bien. There was initial consultation between the ref and the lino but the VAR check proved conclusive. 4-0

Half time, 4-0 to Monday.

Five up came really shortly after half time. Nice work from Lee down the right (who must have run more than most in this game up and down) who slotted it inside to Julian who held off his man and slotted it nicely to Pills who took a couple of touches and then shot low and hard with his left peg past the keeper. 5-0

6-0 came up when a lovely corner came in from the right-hand side and Jason Llama leapt above everyone else and bullet headed it into the top corner. A cracking header.

7-0 was the game done and dusted. Monday were toying with Clevedon at this stage and they were chasing shadows. Lovely Tika Taka football and I think maybe everyone touched the ball at some stage. It moved from left to right and back again and was eventually slotted in by Julian.

There was an 8th goal but it was disallowed for the free kick being taking too quickly.  Clevedon passed back to the keeper from just 5 yards out (I've no idea why the keeper picked it up). Pills passed it to Arron who smashed it home but the ref disallowed it

Mid way through the 2nd half Clevedon started to push a few more men forward (why not) and there were creating a few more chances. 

Josh had to pull off a few saves to secure the clean sheet. One of which was excellent and showed what Monday will be missing next season.

An excellent game all round. 10/10 performances across the board. A clean sheet to top it off. Thanks Julian for making the trip and we'll see you next year.

MOM - Jason Hughes.  Full of running and didn't let Clevedon get through our midfield line.  Did the hard yards to allow Pills and Jon to flourish alongside him.  Great goal as well.