Game: Nannas versus Esperanza
Result Nannas 4, Esperanza 2
Players CG, DC, CB, RH, AW, JH, TH (coach)

Preamble
Only a week following a loss in the grand final, and the again the Nannas lined up against Esperanza. Cocky in his match report put our loss down to not being hungry enough, living life a bit too large but this analysis is somewhat flawed. Yes we did play shit, and yes we did not deserve to win but it was not due to a lack of hunger.
It was more due to an over hunger, which made us play like an over eager teenager about to lose his virginity. The Nannas fumbled, the Nannas rushed unnessarily, the Nannas thought that every thrust had to be an incisive penetration.

I remember a lot of shouting, a lot of very shit, stunted play, although Cocky did slot home a very nice goal.

Compared to last’s nights game, the contrast could not have been greater.
Mention should be made of their eight-foot colossus, Dolph, who was replaced by his younger brother Irwin, who also deputised for most of the game in goal.

Last night’s game

There was passing of all variety, back passing, intelligent passing, passing that was quick and direct. But importantly this was coupled with a lot of movement off the ball. It was once said that Ian Wright was the best striker that England produced because he could create space not only for himself but for teammates through his running and movement. Words to think about.

In post match comments, again debate raged about the best approach for a final. On last night’s evidence six is the magic number. But let’s examine this formation and its merits. Coach was on the sidelines (which may or may not be the best place for him), and dapper as all get out, in his Arsene-style blue suit, coupled with New Balance sneakers, he talked a lot of sense to the Nannas, and this influence should not be underestimated. Gilla held the goals. Cocky spearheaded of our attack. Captain and I held the back. Chas patrolled the centre. And Wal watched for any cracks that opened backdoor.
It should be said here that while certain elements were missing from our game with different Nannas absent, the tight six is infinitely better than the bloated eight. First off a player only stays away from the action for two minutes, which is enough time to get a breather or recollect himself, as the case may be, and after a good speaking to by coach he can then throw himself into battle not having lost momentum but also in a directed manner. The tight six also has merit for building a combination throughout the game. What’s more defence is much easier to marshal, although you still have to yell at Cokcy and Chas to get on their man (but a good invective at the two aforementioned is almost as good as one at Tao).

There were only two lapses in defence for the Nannas that resulted in goals against us. The first one was mine, which I was duly and rightly criticised for. Even though I was marking my man, he got the drop on me after the ball took a deflection from the corner, but I was flat footed, which is always a fatal mistake so close to goals.
The second goal came with some confusion about who was picking up whom as the opposition ran with us. I shouted at Chas and Cocky, and Gill shouted at me, by which time they had three on one (me) and then it all went to shit.

But happily I got a hat trick, which more than made up for any defensive failings on my part

All in all a strong performance by the Nannas.