More Oppengrinder, Less Barbieball
Chiswick Celtic 1 GPR 3
Tensions have been rising in the GPR writing room of late. If we keep playing like this I won’t have much chat left and all that’ll remain is the feeling of victory and a sore head from the night before. But as the box office has proven this week, hubris is a dangerous game, and we stayed vigilant right to the last touch (give or take a last minute consolation goal).
The game kicked off at a frenetic pace, Rory and Matty breaking through the back line before a dubious offside - which set the tone for quite a few decisions today. To their credit, Celtic played some beautiful expansive football, but the boys were equal to it from the get-go. For perhaps the first time we showed real discipline in our defensive tactics. The back three set the tone from the off, keeping the opposing forwards largely to pot shots that Greg was more than equal to.
Our strength at the back allowed us to get some proper counter attacks going, compounded by a MOTM performance from Doug. His running and quick feet gave us the momentum to push on the front foot. Manager Robin had an excellent cameo at holding midfield, although he’ll be wanting to forget a missed opportunity to open proceedings with a horrific skied effort in front of an open goal.
The game held in the balance, but after 20 minutes a beautiful outside-foot cross from Aman gave Rory an all-too-easy tap in. Either side could have scored before the half time whistle, but we went into the break confident of holding our nerve to the end. Celtic continued their advance as the game resumed, but we grew into ourselves and as a spectator it was a joy to watch us look so defensively resilient.
Special praise must always be reserved for the lads that turn up every game and improve by sheer graft. Props to David for his running and battling in the middle of the park when we needed it. The whole defence can also take great pride in their game today - Aman and Sam have the channels on lock, and the talking between Jack and the Dan’s solidified the spine of team throughout.
Pressure was absorbed, and before long Rory did brilliantly to win a penalty. He then, in equally spectacular fashion, completely scuffed it - and let’s just say it’s a good thing it’s pre-season or he wouldn’t be getting off this lightly, especially as Celtic should have scored at the other end in the follow-up. But he’s got more staying power than Barbie herself, and shortly after he helped Matty slide it through for 2-0. Minutes later, he rounded the keeper to add a third. Fair enough, keep scoring you little dancer.
Pre-season is about fitness though, and we tired with 20 minutes left. That said, we looked clinical on the break and Matty should have had his second of the game before an offside call that even the opposition bench couldn’t stomach. Celtic did throw the kitchen sink at us, but in the end only came away with a scrappy consolation at the death. Ultimately it was a great team effort, and although this was a friendly there was nothing casual in the victory today. There’s no denying their quality though, and we wish them well for the season ahead where I’m sure they’ll perform strongly. As for us, we’re unbeaten in four and buzzing for the next one already. If we play this season like we did today, it’ll be raining lettuce and tomatoes.
MOTM 🤌🏼 = Ryan Gosling’s 10/10 performance as Ken was a personal highlight. Also Doug.
DOTD 💀 = The offside rule.
