Tuesday 22 February 2011 at RAF Cosford
Tension, nerves, anticipation, are just a few words that spring to mind when Air Force Blue forms up against Army Red before any Inter-Services fixture. On this occasion it was the Men’s Development Squad of the RAF and Army ready to challenge for the Inter-Services Trophy at RAF Cosford.
The fixture began at a frantic pace with each side conceding free-kicks within the first 60 seconds. It was a foul committed by the RAF which resulted in a long punt from the half way line by the Army falling to Pte Woods, who fired through SAC Chorley’s legs, only to be denied by Cpl Williams’ clearance off the line. It didn’t take long for the RAF to demonstrate their attacking prowess. On the 3rd minute, a defence splitting pass by LAC Boyle found SAC Smith racing clear of the Army defence before beating Sap Love in the Army goal, only to be denied by the post. It was clear from the outset that both sides were here to attack. This entertaining approach developed an end to end structure to the game, with crunching tackles from both sides only adding to the spectacle.
The RAF were beginning to gain the upper hand, firing over the bar three times from close range, when on the half hour mark Sap Love’s outstretched left arm denied LAC Boyle opening the scoring after receiving a raking long pass from LAC Morgan-Hyatt. Then just before the break, a swift counter-attack led to the opening goal. Cpl Williams striding out from the back found SAC Smith with space to drive at the Army back four. Gliding passed two defenders, and exchanging a neat one-two with LAC Boyle, SAC Smith coolly clipped the ball past the Goalkeeper and into the roof of the net. The RAF bench erupted with delight, and the meaning of scoring in an Inter-Services fixture was visible to all. The score remained 1-0 until the half time whistle.
After each team received their team-talks and well earned 15 minutes rest, it was obvious to see the Army had returned to field of play intent upon attacking. Chf Tech Wilkinson must have sensed this and shaped his side in a more traditional 4-4-2, rather than the offensive 3-4-3 which had been so effective in creating numerous scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes. Although the Army had the territorial advantage for the start of the second half they could not create a clear cut chance. This led to the introduction of a double subsitition from the Army. Within 5 minutes of the change Cfn Silver was beginning to use his fresh legs to good effect. His pacy burst allowed a cross to be delivered, only for the ball to bounce over Pte Woods’ head.
Despite this increased pressure, a quick exchange of passes on the edge of the Army box, between SAC Brownhill and SAC Bayliffe, led to the later forcing a good stop from Sap Love. All looked to be going well for the RAF, until the 70th minute, when Cfn Silver’s effort from 25 yards forced SAC Chorley into a save, parrying the ball down in front of him. The RAF defence were caught napping and Cfn Rowell reacted quickest, taking a touch around the Goalkeeper before being brought down. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. SAC Chorley correctly dove to his left, but the Cpl Baily’s spot kick was dispatched with precision. This time it was the red bench that erupted with joy in the knowledge that one more goal would crown them Inter-Services Champions 2011. However, the RAF had other plans and quickly responded by pressing forward in order to restore their lead. SAC Smith was once again causing problems for the Army back four, this time breaking through, but hesitant in delivering the killer blow, attempted to beat the keeper only for Pte Oxbrow to perfectly time his tackle. Appeals for a penalty were screamed by all in light blue, but the referee made the right decision. As legs were tiring, a mix up between Pte Oxbrow and Sap Love almost allowed SAC Ward to steal the win for the RAF in the dying moments but the Army cleared their lines.
The final whistle sounded and the spoils were shared. 1-1 was probably a fair result, both sets of players gave everything they had and it would have been cruel on either side to have lost. On reflection the young men of both Services demonstrated that they are not only talented football players, but they are also highly disciplined and determined individuals – providing a perfect example of what Service football is all about.