Bangkok Casuals Football League Div 1
Pattaya City kicked off their league season with a well contested battle against a powerful Londoner side at the Arsenal Centre of Excellence in Bangkok last Saturday. But City were left ruing a woeful penalty miss by last season’s player of the season, Tommy Rooney.
City, losing 1-0 in the 2nd half, had a glorious chance to equalize, but Rooney (100% in penalty takes so far this season) stubbed his spot kick weakly into the arms of the Londoner goalkeeper.
The day started with a multitude of problems as City stalwart Rod Torrie couldn’t make the game as he was suffering from a severe bout of Ombrophobia. Many people think that Ombrophobia is a made up disease (fear of rain) but the symptoms are very clear. People who suffer from Ombrophobia have an “Inability to think or speak clear, uncontrollable feelings of panic, anxiety or dread, have an inability to track back in defence, and like to moan at people for a bad pass.”
Pattaya City line up before their match against Londoner in Bangkok, Saturday, Oct. 4.
City left back Shane said “To be honest I thought Ombrophobia was a load of rubbish, but it must be true – Rodders suffers from all the symptoms – I think we should get him some counseling.”
Manager Terry commented, “Now I’ve heard of Ombrophobia, I am thinking it is contagious, as I am pretty sure all the team has got it!”
Pattaya, despite the setback of Rod Torrie, started the game in bright fashion. Luke Turnill smashed a 30-yard pile-driver that narrowly missed. At the other end, Harry was in impeccable form making a couple of sharp saves against Londoner’s speedy striker.
Richie Ruthless was in imperious form at the back as he tightly marked winger Scholley, even though he had a yellow card for tugging the Londoner flyer.
Unfortunately for Pattaya, Londoner managed to get a winner in the second half through good work from the centre forward Beale. It was the first time he escaped from man of the match debutant Chris Wilmott all afternoon and slotted from a tight angle.
It was a terrific display of determination shown by City. Bobby typified this by courageously playing through an injury he sustained from a vicious kick by a 12-year old in a mid-week game. Manager Terry went onto say, “Bobby showed terrific mental strength even lacing up his football boots today, as not many lads would get over the embarrassment of getting beaten up by a school kid. I know he pulled out of a few challenges today, but let’s face it – he is from Yorkshire!!”
When questioned about the choice of penalty taker, Wilcox went onto say, “I’ve never seen Tommy Rooney move so fast, apart from when it comes to running away from his bar bill. He wasn’t meant to take the penalty, but unfortunately we are paying him 5 baht per goal and he wasn’t going to let anyone else have it.”
Pattaya City would like to thank Pattaya Rent a Car, I- Rovers, Gecko Properties, Thai Visa, KPK foods, Asia Backpackers and Puma for their sponsorship in this year’s league. If anyone is interested in playing football at an amateur standard, please contact out Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pattayacityfootballclub.
