The next fixture in the RAF Men’s Senior Squad’s build-up towards next years Inter-Services Championships saw them face an Icarus side in a ‘friendly’ match played as Uxbridge. The RAF team had a youthful face about, barring a few of the ‘older’ members, 2 of whom were playing in unfamiliar positions as the RAF adopted their usual 3-5-2 formation. The side was made up in the main by those players who had featured in last season’s inter-region competitions, and was captained by Cpl Feeley.

The game was played in slightly overcast conditions, with a stiff breeze blowing straight down the pitch, and the pitch, as with the last game against the Navy, not looking in the best of conditions. Despite the playing surface, the RAF side started the match very well, coming out with the intention of trying to play football, and use the expansive nature the formation, and their wing backs, allowed them. Within the first minute the RAF forced a corner, and this set the tone for the early part of the half. It wasn’t long, the 3rd minute in fact, before the RAF took the lead. A long ball forward was flicked on by Cpl Kaye, making his first appearance for over a season after recovering for a shoulder injury, and was finished extremely well by Cpl Morris with the smart turn and volley from outside the penalty area.

This great start was built upon 2 minutes later when a good ball in for the left and met by the head of Cpl Kaye, who managed to beat the on-rushing keeper to the ball to make it 2-0 to the RAF after just 5 minutes. Icarus tried to get back into the game almost immediately, with OC Fisher attempting to pull the strings from their midfield. The RAF however continued to press forward, and Flt Lt Jackson in the Icarus goal pulled off a very good double save from SAC Jeffrey. However, he was beaten again the 12th minute from a very well taken free-kick from 25 yards by Cpl Shallicker, playing in an unfamiliar role in the back 3, as the RAF took full control of the game, with SAC Jeffrey and Cpl Stewart dominating proceedings in the middle of the park.

In the 31st minute the RAF made it 4-0 when yet more good build up play and slick passing saw Cpl Morris gain a yard of space in the box and he finished well despite the despairing efforts of Flt Lt Jackson. The remainder of the half had the RAF playing some good, controlled football, with only the occasional attack from Icarus who, despite being 4-0 down, continued to try and play the passing game and didn’t let their heads drop. The second half started with the RAF replacing Cpl Aldred with SAC Richardson, who took up position on the right hand side. Icarus pushed forward early on to try and reduce the deficit, and were unlucky when a shot from Flt Lt Coleman struck both posts, ran along the line and was then cleared by the RAF defence!

To rub salt into the wounds, the RAF extended their lead after 57 minutes when an in swinging corner by SAC Dale was not cleared, and Cpl Stewart struck a venomous shot from the edge of the area to find the back of the net. One minute later and the score was 6-0 when a through ball from SAC Jeffrey found Cpl Morris clear in the channel, and he finished very well for his hat-trick. To their great credit, the Icarus side continued to try and attack, and a well hit shot from OC Turner was saved well down to his right by Fg Off Bowden in the RAF goal, who was determined to keep a clean sheet.

The RAF continued to play a slick passing game, and a loose ball in the Icarus defence was pounced upon by SAC Clarke, who finished well to make the score 7-0. The only yellow card of the game was issued minutes later to Sgt Mutch, after a rash challenge on the Icarus winger on the right hand touchline. The hour mark saw Icarus continue to press, and a series of corners provided the RAF rearguard with a stern test which they resisted to leave their goal intact. After 70 minutes the second and final RAF substitution was made, with Cpl Whitelam making a very rare appearance up front as he came on for Cpl Shallicker, who had had a very good game in the back 3. The final 20 minutes saw the game being to peter out towards its inevitable conclusion. However, Icarus continued to work hard and try and play football, but the RAF senior side’s technical ability was superior across the park.

The final goal to make the score 8-0 came in stoppage time when SAC Jeffrey scored a well deserved goal from 20 yards out. FS Christie, the RAF manager, was full of praise for both sides, complimenting the Icarus team on their endeavour, whilst being pleasde with his own side for keeping their shape and continuing to pass the ball around despite the unhelpful conditions. The RAF man of the match, after a discussion with the very modest crowd, was given to Cpl Morris, and a special mention must be made of the RAF kit man, Sgt Ian Gair, for his uncanny ability to recover lost footballs from even the most dense of vegetation!

Team: Jackson, Turner, Arnison, Lewis (Tiernry 45), Shutie, Portaluri (Martins Tonks 60), Fisher, Whieldon, Hodgkinson, Coleman (Rutherford 65), Hetherington