Every player who strolled into the clubhouse had a massive grin on their face as they glanced around and saw what talent had turned out for this much anticipated fixture. Luckily we met early as the constant handshakes and cuddles seemed to last for ages before the team, with more than a 1,000 years between them gradually filtered into the home changing room for yet another much anticipated event. Changing room seating plan and shirt numbers.

Manager Bibby having to dictate and call the shots after a few tears and dummies thrown out of the pram. Egos meant that some were unhappy that they couldn’t ‘sit where they had when they played’ or that they hadn’t been handed the ‘shirt number they deserved’. Youngster Smiler being trumped by more senior players was forced to change in the showers, close to tears after being given the number 13 shirt. Moral of the story is don’t blame the kids for being late.

Huge amounts of banter flowing in the changing room, laughter and giggles along with some other rather choice words. All the things that you miss when you finally stop playing. Being totally honest the day could’ve finished there and then and people would’ve said they’d enjoyed themselves however we still had a game to play. Green kit on, boots, pads, tape, supports and with generous helpings of deep heat the team left the changing room for a gentle warm up.

Due to the recent weather this much anticipated fixture was moved from Gandish to the Flatford Lane ground. The gentle warm up was in fact the stroll between pitches and being brutally honest was more than enough for some players, who had kindly come out of retirement for this local derby of old boys. You could definitely tell it was ‘old school’ as numerous players rolled back the years with customary pre-match cigarettes. Thankfully the walk wasn’t too far and Geds and Hewy only had time for three each!

Flatford Lane was in perfect playing condition and the magic line fairies had surprised us all. The nets and corner flags set up so efficiently it only took a matter of minutes, which gave us more time to hammer the ball around and get our excuses out of the way early doors. The main thing was that no one pulled anything in the warm up so general chit-chat was decided upon. Gaffer Bibby picking the starting line and by gosh did we look strong. Rolling back the years with a mix of flair, kickers and hard workers the Greenarmy were ready to go. Our visitors also looking up for the match following their little trip between grounds in their cars. Seeing five grown men in full kit and boots get out of car is a sight in itself and something that definitely wouldn’t happen in the premier league.

Flapper
Grogan, Gregory, Jimmy, Fern
Cossey, Bunter, Chinners, Hewy
Keithy, JBoy

S: Bunny, Smiler, Pottsy, Cheese

Sponge man : Geds

The game kicked off to a mighty roar from the Flatford Lane massive, who had paid good money to watch a bunch of old boys huff and puff around the pitch. Amazon TV generously covering the match during the festive period raised the tension even more. Friendships with rival players were put on hold as both teams set a nice ( leisurely ) rhythm and pace for the game. EBUFC central defensive duo of Gregor and Jimmy looking switched on and mopping up Capel’s early attacks, midfielders creating beautiful football and strikers working Capel’s defence non –stop.

The first goal of the game came after good work from the young and energetic Jboy. Using his pace down the right hand side he put in a tempting cross to the back post, where it was met by the head of EB legend Dennis, who currently plays for Capel. 1-0

EB taking control of the game, pinging the ball around like a pingy thing. Searching passes looked slightly over hit but that wasn’t the case. It was purely down to the fact we are all a lot older and slower than when we last played together. Balls that would’ve been taken in ones stride many years ago just sometimes asked a bit too much but that didn’t stop us doing the right thing although it was noted how enjoyable it was seeing Fern try to catch up with a through ball down the left. Some good work between the impressive Bunter and Jboy saw Bunter surge into Capel’s box before seeing his powerful shot bounce off the keepers far post. All was not lost and following up like the natural predator he is was Keithy, who tucked away the ball away without a seconds thought. Celebrations turned to shock as the whistle was blown for offside. Where’s the amazing VAR when you need it ? and especially with Keithy missing out on the substantial goal bonus he negotiated.

With momentum behind EB they kept pushing for further goals and soon another one was registered. With Chinners taking up a more suitable defensive role in the centre of the park, it allowed the impressive Bunter the opportunities to create. One of those opportunities was taken with a delightful left foot dipping shot across the keeper and finding the bottom corner. 2-0. No knee skids, high fives or fancy celebrations needed, just the traditional walk back to your own half and handshakes.

Maybe EB took their foot of the gas or Capel upped the stakes as the deficit was soon reduced by a beautiful strike by the youngster A Wilshaw (35 yrs 1 day). A Capel goal was always coming as they were giving as good as they got. They were playing good football themselves and using every inch of what seemed a massive pitch. Substitutions saw the introduction of Smiler, Bunny, Cheese and surprisingly Geds, whom many thought had actually gone home after losing his starting place to the prefered strike force of Keithy & JBoy.

An amazing save by Flapper kept the deficit in place before Smiler scored his first ever goal for EBUFC making the halftime score EBUFC 3-1 Capel. Unfortunately the cameras weren’t working so we are unsure of the build up or actual finish but have been told it was superbly taken. Rumour has it that the goal almost didn’t happen after Cheese nearly mistook the U10’s pitch markings for the main pitch, much to the amusement of the travelling ultra's close by.

General rubbish spoken at halftime by the gaffer Bibby was ignored by the more experienced players however some much needed shooting advice was handed out by Bunny to Jboy, following numerous balls being hit over the stand into neighbouring gardens. ‘ You either need to be ten foot closer or ten foot further out when shooting’ as every barn door in Bergholt was safe. Wise words indeed and let’s hope the youngster takes those words away with him in preparation for the 125 year celebration game ( if selected ).

It was nice to see Features the Danish International in the stand, watching his team mates whilst still recovering from his two year old knee injury. Hoping the recovery will be sorted and passed fit in time for the next big match in April.

Numerous changes at halftime, little rinky dinks in formation and positions saw EBUFC start strongly again. Some beautiful passages of play, working the ball all over the pitch, backwards, forwards and even occasionally out of play. Chances created at both ends, with the crowd wondering how on earth Capel didn’t add to their tally. Pottsy pirouetting like a ballerina whilst amazingly retaining possession working incredibly well with his fellow defenders. Sixty five year old Grogan playing football simply and sensibly like he did forty years ago. Good work from the EB midfield including tireless work by wingers Mark and Hewy generating further chances and two of those were ruthlessly taken by the oldest strike force ever produced by EB in Geds and Keithy making the score 5-1.

Tired legs and tired minds. The game often end to end and gradually getting slower and slower. Players looking physically knackered and ready for post match refreshments back at the dish. Thousands of spectators leaving happy and entertained…what more could they have wanted from a match ?

Both teams showered and gagging for a drink were treated to some lovely home cooked food from EBUFC kitchen staff. Chilli, curry, sausages, pizza and beer ! A perfect ending to a perfect afternoon.

Thanks to all that were involved in organising the match, running the bar and providing the much needed fuel after the game. Thanks to Capel Vets for making the long trip down the A12 and making this fixture a huge success.

Let's hope this Vets local derby becomes an annual chritmas fixture.

Happy new year !
EBUFC