As promised last week, one of Funk Pie's roving reporters made an all expenses trip to Beijing last week (courtesy of Roy Walker's 'Catchphrase') to catch up with chain smoking, cinema car-driving business man, Dom Fitzsimmons. Fitzsimmons answered our reporter's questions as candidly as we hoped...
What was the main reason for Vintage's victory last year?
Goals. And lots of them. Bean-powered goal machine, Darren Chetty was on fire easily capitalizing on a defence that had all the strength of a wet tissue. And let’s face it, that bunch of w*nkers are all too familiar with a damp bit of Kleenex. Vintage were brilliant at the back thanks to Rich and Matt – a solid foundation that their midfield found easy to build on. Paul “the wall” Hasler was brilliant in goal – the gobby stopper – and his distribution set lads off on runs and brought people into the game. As Mocha fell behind they threw more up front and when the breaks came, that awful defence was laid bare….
Vintage have been hit by the withdrawal of hat trick hero from last year, Darren Chetty, who do you feel will take up the mantle of goal-sniffer supreme?
Hard to say as the team list is not set yet. With DC on international duty I predict Jamie will be pushed up front and will get a couple. If Kristian makes the fixture he’ll be one to watch in midfield. Expect a textbook long range screamer from Ricky “The Hammer” Holme or Matthew “Magnesium” Gray.
Many pundits felt the younger legs of Mocha Jrs would be the difference between the two sides last year, how did Vintage plan to negate this threat?
Younger legs? Don’t make me laugh! Mocha are undoubtedly younger than vintage; but they are not exactly spring chickens and, with the exception of a couple of skinny lads, no stranger to a pint, a packet of fags, a chicken boona and a good sit down. When the chant of “who ate all the pies?” rings out across Morden Rec’ it could come from either set of fans.
Mocha Jrs were quite vocal in criticising the match officials last time round, do you think any of their accusations were justified?
Oh, yes. Maybe they are young at heart after all – lots of toddler ‘but why?!’ whining. Pathetic, really. I would not be surprised if a Mocha player throws their toys out of the pram this year around. Maybe even moan about it on their blog for the next year.
Who will be the dangermen on the Mocha Jrs team?
Just because he looks like Giant Haystacks’ mini-me, don’t go writing off Downesy – he’ll provide a nice cutting edge to a midfield packed with nippy talent: Lingoo, Andy Goose and Nathan. Killer will be in the mix, Big Russ will be up for it as he runs about looking a bit like Pat Butcher.
How will you be watching the game this year?
Sky Sports in the pub. Get home via the takeaway to catch the highlights on Match of the Day.
And finally, a tip for the result?
Hard to call…but I think it could go either way by a couple of goals…though I’m going to say Vintage because that’s who I want to win.
Stupid Christmas adverts, at the risk of sounding like Charlie Brooker, I almost vomited over my TV when I saw that effin Jamie Oliver one. So, Oliver, you drive across the country in your big ol' Sainsburys truck like BJ and the Bear, making salmon canape's for greedy middle class oiks who live in idyllic villages and towns, no chavs, druggies or any of that sort in view. And anyway, if you're such a man of the people, why aren't you feeding these delicious snacks to the homeless instead of all those fatties who gathered around you bloomin great lorry. Love your recipes though.
Thanks to the wonderful invention that is Sky+, I usually can whizz through adverts thusly avoiding their brain-melting messages (I once saw a little poster on a huge billboard for something or other saying 'Inspire us to think, not to buy' -good point, that.).
Speaking of brain-melting, I saw Zombieland last week, not bad at all. However, it fails the most basic of tests for a zombie pic, i.e.Zombie's should not run, they are dead. I've already had a rant about this here, so I won't go into it again...
Back to the subject of this year's Garage Trophy match, I should have some interviews to publish soon from 2 players who although in absentia, are keen to have a say on the game.
It's been a while but this site is now up and running again, it'll mainly be concentrating on the second annual Garage Trophy match between Mocha Juniors and (reigning champs) Vintage Garage XI to be played on December 27th at Steeple Morden Rec.
Last year’s mach saw the elder statesmen rattle off a 7-3 victory splattered in controversy following several debatable refereeing decisions. The Juniors have waited all this time to take their revenge and will be hoping their young legs and fresh spunk will guide them to victory this time round.
Early Team News
VG11
The Vintage will have to seriously increase their uptake of cod liver oil as two vital squad members have already pulled out of this year's match. Midfielder, Dom Fitzsimmons has cited 'transportation difficulties' as the reason for his absence. Whilst shot-hungry local news star, Ali McKee is hosting a turkey and Pimms party at his local church hall.
However, these devastating losses have been offset by the return of Sawyer from Lost look-alike Jamie Fewster, who missed last year's match. Fewster is eager to make his mark on the occasion; the ebullient attacking midfielder will add a smile to this otherwise, frankly miserable team.
MJ
As yet, no-one has officially pulled out of the Mocha squad. Doubts linger over the commitment of Daniel Brown, who seems destined to follow a career in the MLS. Whilst surgeons working on rebuilding Mark Thorp's knee are reporting slow progress. Defensive lynchpin, Russ Foulger, will have to play with his mobile secreted in his jock strap (set to vibrate - the phone, not the jock strap) just in case his latest offspring decides to make an early appearance.
There will be lots more to come as we build up to the match, next time, some player interviews!
Keep checking for updates and feel free to comment (icon at the top of this post)

