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Sadly, the demeanour of RISSC (London) was not matched by their hosts, whose belated arrival bore the resemblance of the less than savoury psychological mind games associated with their parent organisation. The South London venue offered grey but clear skies on a cold crisp afternoon.
Manager Paul Franklin selected an unchanged starting eleven from their previous successful encounter with London Scottish. Prior to the belated kick-off, RISSC entered into their now familiar huddle and pondered the final words of encouragement from Captain Karl McGee. Not surprisingly, the game commenced at a swift pace with the usual high tempo intimidatory style of the hosts being more than matched by a RISSC side unwilling to be subdued by such tactics. There was little to choose between the teams during the initial stages but as the game developed, RISSC midfielders Donnie Mullen and Gary Stockwell began to dominate.
After some twenty minutes of the half, controversy erupted. An on target shot from RISSC was saved by the athletic hand of a defender, a fine stop indeed but a penalty, and indeed a red card, surely?. No, the referee missed the incident and waved play on. Despite the setback RISSC maintained their discipline and continued to be the dominant side. With skipper McGee in fine form and his back four colleagues performing with composure and diligence, the RISSC defence, with the exception of one poorly defended corner which drew a splendid point blank save from Darren Nolan, was in command.
RISSC made a deserved breakthrough some ten minutes before the interval. Full back, Martin Flannery delivered an excellent pass into the path of Mick Coffey and the prolific striker lobbed the oncoming goalkeeper. Midfielder, Tim Nagle followed up but the initial lob was on target. The league leaders were clearly rattled and RISSC were unlucky not to increase their lead when a Coffey shot just cleared the crossbar as half time approached.
The pace and vigour of the first half continued throughout the second period of the match. The league leaders sought desperately to secure the equaliser but the RISSC defence held firm. The home team did manage to put the ball in the net but the effort was clearly offside. The confident manner in which their defensive colleagues were playing enabled the RISSC midfield to create some openings for the strikers. Jon Carey and Adrian Ward delivered some fine balls from wide areas but the clinching second goal just would not come.
As the game entered the final ten minutes, the tension impacting on both sides was evident. Then, disaster befell RISSC, when from an unlikely situation on the right hand side of the penalty area, a tackle by Mark O’Connor cleared the ball but contact was made with the attacking player and the referee awarded a penalty. Despite the best endeavours of goalkeeper Nolan, the home side equalised from the kick.
Manager Franklin, introduced Mauricio Carrillo up front for the final stages but the team was unable to retrieve the situation. The final whistle brought mixed emotions, with the home side clearly uplifted by their late good fortune while the lads from RISSC were hugely disappointed that their dominance during the game did not provide the three points they deserved.
The RISSC lads will now have a well merited seasonal break and will resume their chase for the Championship when they entertain London Scottish at the LPR Ground, Sudbury Hill on Sunday the 8th January 2006. The match against third placed Scottish will kick off at 2.00pm. The team remain nine points adrift of Manchester United Supporters Club but still have three matches in hand. The second half of the season promises to be both eventful and exciting as the lads seek to close the gap at the top. Franklin and his charges remain confident of their ability to achieve the necessary points and goals to win the title.
The manager and all of the squad extend their best wishes for a good Christmas and a Happy New Year to all club members.