For a country steeped in footballing tradition the pre-season season friendly between Guludo Village F.C. against the guests of the Guludo Beach Lodge did not disappoint. Alan Hansen described the match as ‘phenomenal’; unfortunately Lineker was too busy topping up his tan on Rolas to take note.
Controversy surrounded the opening of the game as it was discovered that the Guests team’s French sweeper was not only filled to the brim with Gaelic flair but was in fact female. The controversy was quickly dispelled as she went on to boss the opposing forwards across the park with a number of heavy challenges to let them know she was not there to bring on the half-time papaya.
She was not the only one to do a sterling job to keep out the wily Village attack. Dave ‘Seaman’ (a 450 Mts transfer from Sunderland F.C.) produced a number of top-corner saves to prove exactly why Steve Bruce had been so keen to hang on to him.
The Guests player/manager Neal Carter-James found himself against a formidable defender in the shape of the veteran mango tree, a long standing friend to the Village teams back four. He eventually found a way through with a floating corner that found its way on to a towering back post header to send the Guests on their way to a conclusive 3-1 victory. The final result may have had Eusebio turning in his grave but few could complain of the atmosphere the hosts created. The spectators were all at their passionate best to ensure a fantastic afternoon was had by all involved.
