Streets of London 2 - 2 Folsom United

Tuesday night's match between the Streets of London and visitors Folsom United was going to be anything but a normal game given the events leading up to kick-off.

Initially Kevin "the Guvnor" O'Brien had implied that he would be fielding a strong team for the evening. Despite his intentions, he hadn't accounted for the dire weather conditions - and neither had the visiting side.

Two hours before kick-off the groundskeeper checked the field for playability after the torrential wind and rain that had been beating on Folsom all day let up slightly. Although wet, the game was on and by kick-off the rain had let up to nothing more than a light drizzle every now and then, although the strong wind remained.

As the Streets warmed up for kick-off it was evident they would be short of players. The teams token German, Vadim Winkler, who was the highest scorer of the season so far was scheduled to arrive. Evidently his Bosch spark plugs weren't able to overcome the damp conditions and he ended up being a no-show for the evening.

The late news that defender Tom Hillesland wouldn't be able to make the game after unsubstantiated reports that he was dealing with a leaking roof was also a blow to the team.

By the time the team was ready for the starting whistle, the Streets only had 9 players on the field. O'Brien elected to go with 3-3-2 formation.

The only comforting news about the day to this point was that Folsom United were also short on players, starting the game with 7.

As the game got underway with the Streets playing into the oncoming wind, it was Folsom United who appeared to be the stronger side. They quickly moved the ball around and left the Streets pretty much in a chasing mode for much of the first half.

The Streets would gain the upper hand however, after some very short efficient passing set up a golden opportunity.

Mike Lefebvre, making his comeback after his hamstring injury took him out of the running a few weeks back, cut a fine ball out to Ed Gatjen on the right wing. Gatjen carried the ball 15 yards before setting up O'Brien with a perfect pass. O'Brien's diagonal run onto the ball was enough to round the keep and drive the ball home.

The play was something out of a text book and definitely set the fans on fire after the open minutes appeared to be going in favor of the visitors.

It wouldn't be long, however, before Folsom United pulled one back. The defensive line of the Streets was sitting very deep in their own half. As Streets left back Fred Farler closed on the left towards the Folsom midfielders, the visitors pushed a ball between Jon Taylor and Andy Nelson. Nelson, who was pushing for the offside was wrong footed as the Folsom United striker split the gap between Taylor and Nelson.

With just Don Bradshaw to beat, the United striker had an easy task and finished with a shot to the bottom right hand corner of the goal.

The Streets again looked shaky under pressure, but would reap the benefit of some controlled football once they had settled back down.

Farler started the next attack with a ball to Mike Daly in midfield. Daley looked up, saw Lefebvre making a run and put the ball directly into his path. O'Brien was again on scene to provide the final touch. Lefebvre dropped the ball into the path of O'Brien who rounded two defenders and the keep to gently touch the ball home.

With less than 5 minutes to go before the break the Streets were again caught sitting deep. A through ball meant that there was only Taylor to chase down the United striker. Some pushing and shoving right at the edge of the area found Taylor in violation and he picked up a yellow card for his troubles.

With only 2 minutes left on the clock, the Streets set up the wall to defend form the free kick. With Farler, Jeffrey Martinez and Nelson in the wall, Lefebvre, who had been instrumental in both the Streets goals, did a favor for the opposition.

Just as the ball was about to be struck Lefebvre walked away from the wall to the right thinking that Bradshaw would be able to have a better look of the ball. Bradhsaw had actually followed Lefebvre walk and the resulting kick found the bottom left corner of the net - and there was nothing Bradshaw could do to correct the mistake.

All tied up 2-2 at the half and both teams had everything to play for - unfortunately the second half wasn't any more inspired than the first.

Bradshaw made amends in the second half for his mistake in the first with some fine saves. And with the wind to the Streets backs there was every opportunity to take advantage of the extra assistance that nature was providing.

The Streets failed to capitalize and became increasingly frustrated with each other as the game progressed.

The field started to open up between midfield and defense creating a big void and also making the midfielders work harder to cover more ground. Folsom United took advantage of the gap and used it to constantly run at the defensive line.

Fortunately for the Streets they were able to hold off the attacks until the final whistle.

O'Brien was clearly frustrated after them game. "We didn't take advantage of the wind, we sat too deep in defense, we didn't keep the ball passing easily and cleanly. In fact we didn't do a lot of things that we should have done tonight. We had every chance to take these guys to the cleaners and we wasted it," he said.

On the subject of their being a two week hiatus before the next game O'Brien added "Maybe the break will do the lads good. We need to get in some practice and some much needed rest for a couple of our players that are currently doing double duty".

The Streets now miss two weeks before their next game against league leaders Sierra Stripping on Tuesday, November 3rd. If Tuesday night's game was anything to go by , they will be happy the next fixture isn't any sooner.