Flames 5-2 Aldershot & Farnham

First league game of the season. A repeat of the friendly one week earlier that had ended in a comprehensive 2-0 victory. Would the Flames live up to the pre-season form when it counts? For the twitter generation who prefer their articles short…..the answer is yes a 5-2 victory, top of the league on goal difference. #Joeisathief

Willy had assembled a team of experience and youth. The team were given a masterclass of leadership, which is sadly lacking in our Prime Minister at present. Willy for PM, there is a thought.
The team talk emphasised the importance of recycling. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle. The Green’s would have been proud.
Within 10 mins, the Flames were one-nil up, some terrific play at times, some lovely worked triangles and lots of recycling and we are not referring to Willy’s banter with the Aldershot striker.
On the strike of half time, a soft equaliser. After a stirring half time talk reminding the team of the importance of recycling, we put away our water bottles and headed out to battle.
A bizarre moment of confusion, left the Flames team waiting for a whistle to restart the game while Aldershot walked past 8 stationary players and put the ball in the net. Something for VAR to investigate after the game but now the Flames were behind.
Not for long though, straight up the other end and the Flames indignation and Joe’s unbelievable finish from the tightest of angles put the ball in the roof of the net. 2-2.
Aldershot lost a player when they managed to dislocate their finger recycling the ball. Beware the dangers of not recycling properly! In sympathy and in tribute to Josh (who had broken his toe walking out of his front door earlier in the week), Matt Carter, jumped in front of a lifted ball and was caught on the ankle. Badly bruised but nothing broken, putting his body on the line for the team.
The game continued and the Flames began to dominate what had been an end to end game. With 5 mins left, a short corner. Willy placed the ball under the keepers foot. 3-2. A minute later, Jon stepped up and calmly placed another short corner in the net. In the last minute a controversial moment. Lucas, the birthday boy, slipped the ball past the approaching keeper. The ball was heading for the centre of the goal at pace. Joe ran in and on the line attempted to claim the goal. An audacious attempt at daylight robbery.
A 5-2 win. Sadly, all recycling is fortnightly, so the next game is not for two weeks. Let’s see how the long this form can continue.