Classic matches
Topsy turvy victory places Renaissance on brink of history
Renaissance 4 - 3 Venezuela
26th October 2006
Colin Presly
n one of the most epic football battles ever to take place at Haverstock Hill, Renaissance have taken all three points in an 4-3 thriller. With the score at 3-2 to Venezuela with the clock running down, Renaissance showed true hunger and desire to hit back with two late strikes and claim ultimate glory.
Knowing that Renaissance faced a dogged and determind outfit in Venezuela, it was imperative that the blues started well. Bit part player Michael Stranks returned to the side following The Realist's unfortunate knee injury. Along with the rest of the team, Stranks left his imprint on an unforgettable team performance.
As expected, the game started at a frantic pace. Renaissance were positive from the get-go, and went straight for the jugular. However, against the run of play it was Venezuela who took the lead. A midfield pass caught the Renaissance back line by surprise. The ball fell kindly to a Venezuela forward, and he put the ball into the net -- although it did look like the player had strayed into the area at the point of impact.
Renaissance bounced back with a well worked goal. Following a good move forward, Michelangelo received the ball and deftly played in Brunelleschi. His cool finish was a mirror image of last week's effort. 1-1. Buoyed by this, Renaissance continued to boss the game as they sought a second goal. After chasing a seemingly dead ball in the corner, The Artist got the better of an encounter with a Venezuela defender and played the ball back to Stranks. An unstoppable shot from the Renaissance 'cavalry man' made it 2-1.
One hoped that Renaissance would see this lead out till half time. This was not the case and with about thirty seconds of the half to go Venezuela grabbed an equaliser. With the ball in the danger area, Brunelleschi and The Artist dallied instead of clearing. A Venezuela forward capitalizing on this, turned on the ball and hit a great strike into the net. 2-2 H/T.
Once again it was up to Renaissance to step up their game. A strong run from Stranks led to a shot outside the area. But this effort was comfortably saved by the keeper. Moments later an audacious chip from Brunelleschi lacked the required dip to beat the goalie. Soon after, Renaissance criminally gifted Venzuela a third and potentially fatal goal.
Hoping to start another move from his area, Mark Bradbury misplaced his throw to The Artist. Instead, it was picked up by a Venezuela forward who gleefully made Renaissance pay for their error. 3-2. Following this, Renaissance gave everything they had to get a sixth goal in an already high scoring affair. Despite a few half chances and some decent build up Renaissance could not find that all important equaliser.
It soon came though. After Michaelangelo had been fouled deep into Venezuela territory, Renaissance were given a free kick. From the wall's rebound, the ball fell at the feet of Michaelangelo. With the advancing Venezuela hoards bearing down on him, the twenty five year old hit a beauty of a strike low into the corner. 3-3.
Sensing victory and knowing that a draw simply wouldn't do, Renaissance pushed for the winner. After another imposing run forward, Stranks unleashed a cracking drive which gave the Venezuela goalkeeper no chance. Pandemonium ensued as the ground rocked to the jubilant cries of Renaissance players and fans. This goal came with two minutes remaining, and after what seemed like an eternity the referee finally called time on a truly memorable game of football. Final score 4-3.
Renaissance are now only one victory away from winning the league. Their fate is in their hands, and next up in the final game is the faltering Recreativo. Once more into the breach dear friends...
© 2007 Renaissance | site by: chingo
Renaissance glossary
button moon
(more popularly known as heighting, rainbow, and sombrero)
used when the ball is deftly dinked over an opponent's head and collected with minimal fuss on the other side.
taken from an 80's Thames TV production where a home-made Heinz rocketship arches over the moon.
whale of a time
used to describe individuals having so much of a good time that they're fit to burst.
emphasis on the "whale".
(e.g. "Those fellas are gonna have a whaaaaaaaaale of a time!")
Check out more definitions from the Renaissance Glossary.