Freshfield 2nd XI 3-4 Metro Old Boys
17th November 2002

Graeme Rooney was left to reflect on the difference a couple of weeks makes in football after Metro Old Boys brought the 2nd team back down to earth with a hard fought 4-3 defeat. As only 23 players were available to play for both the Freshfield sides, it was a much-changed side that started the match against Metro Old Boys. Tommy Smith's surprise exclusion from the first team allowed the reserves to field a pacey frontline of Smith and Eccles.

The first half was an evenly fought contest with plenty of goalmouth action, but it was Metro who took the lead when poor marking from a set piece allowed a simple back post header. Freshfield responded quickly though with possibly the move of the game when Darren Jawook's fine through ball found Tommy Smith in the inside right channel. Smith's pinpoint cross was despatched expertly by Eccles. Metro continued to press and were rewarded with two goals that in truth could and should have been prevented. However just before half time, Smith showed his predatory instinct with a six-yard toe-poke to reduce the deficit to 2-3.

The second half took a different course as Freshfield were pushed back into their own half for long periods. Resolute defending from one to eleven kept Metro at bay until the mid-way point of the half when Metro scored their fourth goal. However much to their credit Freshfield did not cave in and were rewarded with a third goal in the dying minutes with a fine finish from Eccles.

After a 6-2 reverse against the same side a month earlier with a so-called "stronger side", Freshfield can be proud of this good team performance. In truth the difference between the two sides was their superior fitness and Freshfield's inability to bring on fresh legs in the second half when they were most needed. Special mention should go to two stalwarts of the Freshfield over the years, Colin Knight and John Eccles. Colin, a much-maligned figure over the years has confounded the critics with a string of confident displays this season, including this performance. John, an incredibly enthusiastic player, showed great work-rate and was rewarded with two fine goals.