Although it was an entertaining game providing eight goals, it is fair to say that Sky TV may not be speeding up the M1 to bring their camera to broadcast the skill and class of Carnegie League Division Two. The somewhat unorthodox 4-1-5 of L'Esprit against a traditional Angels 4-4-2 meant that goals were always on the menu. One of the big surprises this year was Mike Steel dropping back from the forward position he made his own last year into the central midfield position vacated by the retirement of Marrs.
For the last two years, the Angels have stormed out of the blocks and registered their first goal within a minute. This year however, confidence was dented after just three minutes. After Tony had given the ball away in midfield, a slicing pass meant that the Esprit striker had an age to finish, which he duly did to make it one-nil.
Angels continued to apply the pressure and Tricky had a volley tipped round the post, and despite Angels pressure, the opposition soon doubled their lead. From a corner, an unchallenged header from the tallest Esprit player meant that Angels were down by two and facing their characteristic opening day disappointment.
The Angels' heads began to rise again though and with chances coming, Jesper and Tonkin began to have a go at optimistic chances. As is his style, Laurence saw an opportunity to shoot at goal, though the only people under threat were the Leuchars Air Force jets flying above. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for for two years. Jesper, in his record equalling 20th appearance, latched onto a ball that had missed everyone. Was this going to be his first eleven a side goal for the Angels???? No. From six yards, the spirit of Tonkin overtook and he blasted it over the bar. An early contender for 'miss of the year'.
Twenty minutes before half time, the Angels finally made the pressure tell. A long (possibly overhit) ball from Jesper was collected by Tony who did extremely well to whip in a cross. Tricky, unusually far back in the box (12 yards) and standing up, connected with his head and glanced it home. 2-1 was the score and so it stayed till half time.
The first ten minutes of the second half saw Angels continue to dominate. Ten minutes in and they got their just reward. Released down the left wing, Simon cut into the box, beat two men and blasted it home. An encouraging debut it has to be said. Finally Angels had restored parity. Only to lose it again soon after...
As Pete sheperded the ball out to the touchline and awaited the whistle, the ball was stolen by an Esprit winger who crossed it in for them to retake the lead. Determined not to lose on his debut Simon levelled it at 3-3 when a Tonkin shot from outside the box was on target (!), fumbled by the keeper and Hutchinson again pounced to level the game. Could the Angels now go on and take control of the game? Er, sadly not.
An incredible ball from Tonkin, in which he managed to find the only opposition player within 20 yards of him allowed L'Esprit to again surge into the box and retake the lead at 4-3. There was still time for a goal, controversy and a Tricky strop. Taken down clear on goal, to the extent that he lost his boot, the Angels co-captain shouted at the ref, got nothing, and threw his boot across the pitch. Well done Neil, very adult.
With five minutes left, a flowing move involving Mike, Tricky and Tony left Tricky with the ball. He passed it to Pete whose shot, going wide until the keeper saved it, was pushed onto the post where it sat on the line. From one yard, there was only one player who could really batter it into the net. Mike Steel. 4-4. Still Angels had one last chance to win it. A quick corner saw Simon play it to Tricky who had a shot from three yards....which rolled limply into the keeper's hands. Still, a best ever start to the season for the Angels and plenty of encouragement to be taken. Next match: Weeds Utd.