Ascension : Come-back Kings VC Milan win Flipper Trophy Final after extra time and penalties
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Internet Editor) 02.10.2008 (Article Archived on 16.10.2008)

The 7th running of the annual Flipper Trophy Final, run as a dedication to the memory of Andrew “Flipper” Bennett, began with the players and officials being presented to Penny Bennett and Gussie Augustus

VC Milan 1 v 1 The Retards (3 each after extra time, VCM 4 v 1 Retards on penalties)

Flipper Trophies Winners - VC Milan

The 7^th running of the annual Flipper Trophy Final, run as a dedication to the memory of Andrew “Flipper” Bennett, began with the players and officials being presented to Penny Bennett and Gussie Augustus before standing around the centre circle to observe a minute’s silence with the large crowd in Andrew’s memory.

The Retards after their trade mark noisy arrival began the better of the two teams with Carlyn Yon doing well in mid-field; however VC Milan looked to have the quicker players during the little possession they had, with Gavin Parr and Neil Lawrence combining well.

The first real chance came when Gavin crossed from the right and Anthony George the Retards Keeper and Captain cleared the ball from Neil’s head; Neil ended up in the net, Anthony out wide and the ball came back into the area but was cleared by the Retards defence.  Next for the VC, Eugene Bennett broke free but his cross was too far ahead of Gavin.

Nicky John beat two VC defenders in their box and laid the ball off for Ryan “Backhouse” who hit his shot over the bar.

At this point Penny tried to deafen those about her with the hand-wound siren, its loudness reminding me of “Squid” for some reason!

On the pitch William Johnson was booked for a foul on Gavin wide on the left but the free kick was cleared.

Martin Bagley came a long way out of his area to beat Nicky John to the ball, only for his clearance to find another Retard, which sent him racing back goal-ward.

Robert Bedwell took a long throw for the VC which was headed on and then cleared.  Gavin took a shot which was palmed away by Anthony, next Gavin found himself one-on-one with the Retards Keeper but fired his shot straight at Anthony.

For the Retards Anthony “Nails” Thomas produced some good work in midfield and passed to Jeremy Constantine whose shot was high.

Another Bedwell throw in reached Gavin in the box whose shot went over the bar.  Bedwell then conceded a free-kick by pushing Nicky John.  Carlyn took it but blasted the ball straight at Martin Bagley.  Denny Leo took a corner for the Retards which was cleared but only to Martin Joshua whose first shot was blocked and second one went wide.

The scoring was opened for the Retards by an own-goal from Robert Bedwell after a goal-mouth scramble during which Martin Bagley fell; initially I wasn’t sure if Ref Martin Andrews had whistled for a foul or the goal.

                                         
                                                              Flipper Trophy runners-up - Retards

VC tried to reply before half time when Anthony Young’s long range attempt went high.

The second half began with “Chocolate” taking Eugene Bennett down.   From the free kick Gavin was given a long ball to chase but the Retards Keeper, Anthony, beat him to it.  Eugene had a good run on the left but he crossed the ball behind his fellow VC attackers.  Errol Thomas then took a free-kick for the VC from wide on the right which went into the side-netting and Gavin “Anelka” Parr hit another shot high and wide.

For the Retards “Nails” threw the ball in, Nicky John took it into the area but “Backhouse” failed to connect with Nicky’s cross.  Denny took another Retards corner which was met by Jeremy whose header was collected by Martin.  Nicky John went close again before being substituted by “Kenny” who’s first contribution was to cross the ball to “Nails” who hit his shot wide.

Chocolate was booked for a foul on Cardinal Green.

Just when a goal looked as likely as the FCO finding 7 puppets for their council and the Retards looked set to win 1v0, Neil Lawrence equalised for VC Milan getting on to a free kick at the far post and taking the game into extra time.

The Retards started extra time having already used all three of their subs replacing Nicky, Denny and Carlyn.  Despite this they regained the lead when the ball ricochet off Errol Thomas passed Martin and trickled along the line before going in.

VC Milan replied immediately when Eugene Bennett scored with a fine volley.

The Retards took the lead for the third time when Nails headed the ball from close in and the ball looped over Martin.  The VC equalised for the third and final time midway through the 2^nd half of extra time when Neil stabbed the ball in after a cross from Man-of-the-Match Gavin Parr had caused goal-mouth confusion.

And so to penalties;

Gavin hit the VC’s first high into the net beyond Anthony’s outstretched arm.

Martin saved Mario’s penalty on his knees.

Errol sent Anthony the wrong way and placed the ball in the right corner for the VC’s 2^nd.

Jeremy Constantine scored his penalty for the Retards 1st.

Cardinal made it 3v1 by scoring bottom left.

“Chocolate” hit his penalty high and wide before feigning tears on his return to the centre circle.

Eugene Bennett put the Final beyond the Retards scoring his penalty bottom right.

So ended a long game (and article); thanks to the staff of C&W for continuing to make the Flipper Trophy such a popular success and fitting tribute to Andrew.

Geoff