Our intrepid Funk Pie reporter headed to Los Angeles this week to catch up with ex-player and the Hollywood gossip columnists' favourite ex-pat, Daniel Brown. Once a dynamic attacking midfielder for the great Morden Magpies team of the early 1990s, Brown now spends his time stealing scotch eggs from the buffet at Film premieres and then selling them onto the homeless (probably)...
What was the main reason for Vintage's victory last year?
Firstly I should make it clear that I could not make last years game. That said, when I heard the result it came as a genuine shock that Mocha had been turned over. On paper there was only one winner. Mocha had all the talent, younger legs and most importantly they had goals in them. Downes, Hasler, Linggood..School of Finishing alumni. They had strength too in the imposing form of Foulger and with Andy Goose the ablity to open up a defence made up of largely one dimensional hatchet-men.
I still scratch my head at the result. It was beauty vs the beast and there was nothing pretty about the outcome.
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 for the team?
Chetty's days as the golden child of the morden football circuit will not be forgotten. Last year by all accounts appeared to be a lesson from the master in finding the back of the net. This loss will affect Vintage badly for sure. There is no direct replacement for DC so I guess the goal burden is going to have to be shared. Matt Gray is worth a goal a game, Jamie knows where the goal is and Rich Holme is always happy to take aim from distance. Kris Hasler has composure in front of goal too but I still see them finding it hard without their talisman.
With Irish stalwart Russell "XX" Foulger commanding the Mocha Jrs defence, can you see any way through for Vintage XI?
When big Russ floors you...you don't get up. Aerial threats should be dealt with easily but its when the ball is fizzing around that the big man can be found out. If Vintage pack the midfield and push forward en masse then I can see problems, but with no Chetty and question marks over the vintage forward line then Foden's finest could be in for a picnic in the park.
Like last year, many pundits feel the younger legs of Mocha Jrs will be the difference between the two sides this time round, how can Mocha drive home this supposed advantage?
If truth be told, no-one lining up on the day is fully match fit. Matt G has been conditioning himself with a tough cycling regime for sometime now but full backs rarely control a game. Mocha certainly have a little youth on their side again but conditions will be crucial...as will turkey consumption levels and the alcohol intake from the night before. Is the drinking ban in place this year?
Who will be the dangermen on the Vintage XI team?
Fewster can play a big role but he's prone to drift in and out of a game. If he's in the mood Mocha will do well to keep him quiet. Paul Hasler is key for me. His refereeing is certainly questionable but he still manages to be handed the whistle for the big games. How many "nailed-on" pens have we seen turned down, offside goals given without a second glance and Dom Fitz has been walking the red-card tightrope for many a year.
How will you be watching the game this year?
Fox Soccer Channel. Beer, nachos and a half-time skype update from Ginger Prentice in The Waggon..sound affair!
And finally, a tip for the result?
Mocha all the way, close until the second half then a flourish with Killer's keen positioning bagging him a brace : 5-2
3 comments:
The acid seems to have kicked in then
Away with your nonsense, Mocha were beaten soundly last year. Had some skills but it proved to be all icing and no cake
I'm feeling confident - been stepping up the training campaign to counteract any over indulgence
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