A match surrounded in controversy....more on that in a bit. An outline of the game. On a fairly mild November afternoon the Boots took on the Chinese Society for the first time ever and recorded a credible 3-3 draw. It was the Chinese (including the famous Shi Li) who took the lead with a great finish from a tight angle after a good through ball. All through the game the Chinese looked very lively coming forward with pace and skill but defensively they offered hope and the Boots managed to square the game after a superb strike from distance by Ian into the bottom corner of the net. The Chinese promptly hit back with a well hit free kick that caught Gudjackson badly out of position. Again the Boots levelled maters within minutes when a Chinese defender put through his own goal . 2-2 at half time. The second half was much the same although it was the Boots who took the lead for the first time. The Chinese keeper had a rush of blood to the head a raced well outside his area and picked up a loose ball. The subsequent free kick was squared to Phil who hooked a first time effort into the top corner. The lead wasn't to last. Another good through ball set up an angled shooting chance. Although Gudjackson was quick off his line and saved the first effort the forward was first to the rebound and finished well from a very tight angle.
 
So to the controversy. Within 30 mins of the end of the game an official compliant had been registered by the Chinese. They were upset that the game finished earlier than they believed it should have done. In some respect they were right because the game had not started until 1.15pm. BUT this was because, at their own admission, they were not ready to start and by 2pm we had to leave to go back to our jobs. They were also upset that the Boots first goal had stood after a perceived foul by Tim (who actually was claiming a foul the other way) just before Ian scored. It should be pointed out that the free kick that lead to the Chinese 2nd goal was given in good faith even if it appeared a tad soft. Another major bone of contention was a disallowed 4th goal that would have given the Chinese the game. After a clearance by Ian at half way the ball hit the hockey goal off the side of the pitch and went towards the corner of the astro. Unfortunately at this point communication broke down. A quick throw was taken in the corner despite Ian's protest and the Chinese scored with a deflected shot. Immediately we called for the goal to be disallowed and the throw to be retaken from its correct position. The Chinese seemed to agree to this at the time. Thankfully the protest has now been dropped (which initially demanded a replay with a referee) and the result allowed to stand.  

Boots: Toby, Wolfgang, David, Tim, Stu, Phil H, Ian W, Ali
Scorers: Ian, Phil, own goal

Iron Boot: Davids.......for a suberb pitball like series of challenges right at the end of the game to keep out their star man.

Skill Boot: Phil "Marlon" Harwood.......his first time hooked effort into the top corner to put us 3-2 up.