Paddy Field - E&C

Paddy Field 4 Elephant and Castle 1(By Matt Horn, sport journalist - GZ TV live)

Remember the date, Thursday December 13. It was the day that the Paddy Field fulfilled its destiny and became the undisputed champions of Guangzhou.

Thirteen players proudly wore the green shirts as the deadly derby rivals were put to the sword.

Alex was simply AWESOME in attack. He scored three, he might have had ten. He was unstoppable.

At the other end Valery produced a string of stops that made sure the four time champions did not get a sniff of retaining their crown.

In between, every man did a shift, worked hard for each other, supported each other, battled for each other.

Ben so cool at right back.

Hugues and Shane, giants in defence.

Cyril, never lets anyone down.

John, the only man in the league who can play as a star in any of the eight positions.

Steph, slightly built but a big heart.

Goran, a bull who cannot be stopped.

Christian, the galloping gourmet who will fight for every ball.

Loic, more later on this magician.

Jerome, who scares the life out of every defence with his pace and control. When bhe learned to find the net (20 goals this season) the Paddy Field became a force.

Even the old man of the team found the energy to thread a through ball that Jerome coolly converted to calm nerves when the score was 3-1. At 4-1 there was definitely no way back.

(I am claiming two assists for the inspired substitution that saw Alex score with his first touch to make it 3-0, Fergie eat your heart out)

But this win was about much more than the 13 players who were on the pitch throughout last night. It was about the history, the ethos, the spirit of the Paddy Field. Brahim and Pierre were not playing but they were there. Gareth, such a central figure in the team’s history was determined not to miss the big night. Mary was on the touchline, a reminder of Paddy, the first captain and inspiration.

Other names were talked about. John Christie and Brian, early stalwarts. Andy Dallas, back home with his beloved Pompey (and Julia). Kishore, no longer in Guangzhou, Nick Ball, who was so key to turning the fortunes around last season. Pete Scott and the mighty Greg, missing through work commitments. Kevin, waiting anxiously at the airport for news of the game, Darren and Michelle, getting text updates back at base camp.

Three players on the field were in the original Paddy team, the amazing Cyril, the league’s best player Loic, and yours truly. We all remembered losing 11-0 to the E and C, we all knew about the Paddy Field being seen as a kid brother you could kick around.

But from day one some things have never changed. Join the Paddy Field, you join a family. Join the Paddy Field, you buy into the spirit.

There was never any doubt how we would celebrate last night. Stinking of sweat, still in our kit, we descended on our HOME, we partied together.

TOGETHER.

That is the word for the Paddy Field. We lost together, no matter, we were a team. We started to win together, a strange sensation at first, enjoyable but it never changed us. Now we are CHAMPIONS together. AMAZING.

This has been the best league since it was created a couple of years ago. The competition has been fierce, but the camaraderie on and off the pitch has been great. Credit to the E and C for the way every man came to shake the hands of the new champions as the celebrations began.

What will happen next year, who knows?

The one thing is certain. The Paddy Field will remain a team built on mutual support, trust and love.

This is not my usual match report, this is my message of thanks to you, my team mates, my FRIENDS.

I worked out last night that not one of you was born when I last won a trophy, Arpil 1976, the Frew Trophy for Rawdon C of E Infants School.

On Sunday, when we lift the trophy, it will be with a huge sense of pride in what we have achieved and where we have come from.

Merci, cheers, ta very much.

ALLEZ LES VERTS

May the Paddy Field always be……..TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!