The crucial victory against the Lebowski-ites had put the Lepers back on track in the league, and restored some much needed confidence. The game against the Wolves, who had triumphed over the Lepers with a 10-0 forfeit victory in the first game of the season, was a game with real resonance for all involved. Not only was it a chance to avenge that travesty, there was the real glimmer of Championship glory.
The lads went into the game missing the talismanic Phil Hoskins, who was fast becoming one of the most feared players in the division. The 8-man squad was still intact however, as Mark Stoner passed a late fitness test on the knee injury that has kept him out of competitive action for two years. Having learnt his apprenticeship the week before on the sidelines, he was now ready. Doubts were cast when he said he hadn't worn a pair of shinpads since 1997, but the keenness in his eyes showed his intent.
With a squad of such quality, picking the starting line-up is becoming an increasingly difficult task. The Gaffer, Sheeno, this week choosing to send out himself, the returning Jerzak, last week's hat-trick hero Ames, John Harvey and Dan Drake for only his second outing of the campaign. All subs could feel themselves unlucky not to be involved.
The Lepers got off to a slightly sluggish start, struggling to assert their authority. Fortunately, Jerzak decided to make a decisive intervention by nailing one of their players, reminding the Wolves of what they were up against. Within seconds of this, Matt Ames had created himself a window of opportunity and slammed the ball across the keeper and into the bottom corner. This boy is on fire.
Shortly after the lead was doubled. Harvey finished off another neat move superbly, using his expert judgement to deceive the defenders and send the Lepers into a semi-chuffed position.
An act of stupidity by the Wolves gave away a free-kick on the edge of their own box. They seemed satisfied that they had all angles covered. However, Matt Ames trotted into space and dispatched a low drive into the Wolves' net. Could this be a repeat of the first-half goals from the week before?
You would have thought so minutes later. The goal of the game arrived. And possibly the best team-goal these Lepers have produced. Starting in the arms of the keeper, the ball moved from player to player in a brilliant display of one-touch football. A perfect slide-rule pass finally found Matt Ames on the edge of the box and he slotted home for a first-half hat-trick. Magnificent from Lepers, from head to toe!
The second half saw the introduction of Stoner after his long lay-off. One would normally expect rustiness but none was shown by this true professional. He fitted into the side like a knife into a toaster. His contribution to the team was hugely encourageable as the newly invigorated Will Webb manouvered his way in front of goal and made it 5-0.
Not satisfied with equalling last week's tally Will went one better and put the Lepers 6-0 up, and the delight on his face was plain for all to see.
With minutes remaining until Gunner time, Harvey worked his way down the left flank. It looked to all the world as if the boy had overrun the ball, but with a sumptuous flick of his left foot he dinked the ball over the on-rushing keeper into the near top corner. Silence abounded until everyone had recognised the skill involved, and the success that had been earnt.
Keeper Sheen had very little to do as the Lepers maintained their guard, one and all, and triumphed 7-0. A great result in many senses. The clean sheet was special, and it was good to win a second half again!! Gunner for drinks, me thinks!
*** STOP PRESS ***
Drinks at Gunner postponed. Lepers have friendly immediately after 7-0 thrashing of Wolves.
The Lepers were drawn into the Stella Artois Classic, for the privilege of being Stella Champions. The Lepers with their formidable squad of 8, with Stoner making his first start and Matt Ames taking the gloves.
The game got off to a flier for the Lepers who went 6-0 up in the first half. Drake worked some supreme magic in scoring 2, Spike scoring another, Stoner getting his first goal for the lads as well as Mark Jerzak. The defining moment came when Sheen, unaccustomed to the outfield combined well with Drake, and ran through on goal before slotting the ball left-footed through the keeper's legs.
The only sore point for the Lepers was an eye injury to Matt Ames who had proved himself a more than adequate back-up goalkeeper. Spike taking on the keeper's gloves.
The second half was a bit of a joke as the Lepers' players went on the search for personal glory. Gaps were left and the game was back on, at 6-6. Drake, with a fantastic strike, put the Lepers back ahead. The whining idiots however struck again to make it 7-7.
The referee then proved that he was a key part of the game by giving the Lepers a penalty, cooly stroked home by Spike. There was still room for drama however, as the referee gave a penalty against the Lepers. Pressure from Jerzak on the lippy, pathetic penalty taker and an inspirational save from keeper Sheeno meant the scores remained as they were, and the referee blew his whistle instantly. Glory for all involved, with all 8 players scoring and rivals brushed out of sight!