New Media vs Old Media 5 a Side Football

Not since the 1830 premiere of Victor Hugo’s ‘Hernani’ has there been such a dramatic clash between old-guard media and bold new visionaries as the first MEC print vs. digital football match. But while the 1830 battle symbolized the triumph of brash European romanticism against stifling neoclassical mannerism, modern-day ‘new media’ were just a bit useless at kicking a ball around.

Most of New media arrived early keen to avenge their large but respectable loss that occurred last time. The cheap digs and poor jokes from Old media had been frequent in the build up to what was Paul Silver’s testimonial first leg. Old media had refused to agree that New Media were by far the better team in the second half of the last (warm up) game. Offers were put out to Old Media members who couldn’t make it to the last game, all of which were turned down, such is the lack of pride and morale instilled in playing for old media.

New media kept the same team, keeping faith in their battling soldiers, veterans from the last fixture. Old media turned up slightly past the hour, another weak attempt to try and unsettle the heroes of Interaction.

Referee Gareth Owen had been selected by the FA only days before the game. Having impressed in the lower leagues, the FA had since decided that he was ready for the next step up.

Once Gaz had selected the match ball the coin was tossed and Old Media kicked off. Soon after the whistle the first passage of play from the media of old was disrupted by some early pressure by Monty. Monty quickly squared it to the on running John John Morton who provided a delightful finish inside the near post.

Old Media didn’t take this lightly and scored two clever finishes in quick succession past the helpless Danny Hopwood. The ball then broke just past the half way line and was cut out by Matt Hallett who then leveled the scores after 5 minutes of play. The ball then spent much of the first half switching between the teams with Old Media enjoying much of the possession and scoring freely. Stephen Winstanly scored a couple of well taken shots and Pat Humphreys took advantage of the New media alternating keeper with some impressive long shooting.

The first half ended with Old media firmly in the driving seat with a 6 goal lead. Interaction had to improve and preserve what goal difference they could. Having only ever played together once before compared to Old Media who have spent many a night playing various leagues, they were putting in a brave fight. Interaction came out fighting in the second half, they were challenging for every 50-50, running for every lost cause and battling at every opportunity. John Morton proved to be the real dynamo of the team operating down the right flank with Monty and D-Hop providing first class crosses and through balls from the left and middle. Paul Silver chose to play his trade from the back, making crucial tackles and taking on and scraps from midfield combining with Alderson at one point to setup one more of Morton’s many goals. D-Hop proved impossible to dispossess in midfield and never lost a battle. Alderson traded places with Morton on the right finding similar success and along with Monty setting up numerous chances for the rest of the team.

The second half was tense with New media certainly performing the better once again, but like last time it was too late having gone down in the first half. Interaction were spurred on by some excellent support from Lauren Condliffe (also cheered them on in the previous fixture) and Laura Sweeting. They helped interaction raise their game and come out of the half only 8 goals down.

Old Media are certainly in the driving seat for the second leg, but new media will be welcoming Noel ‘the Cat’ Mellor into their squad for next time.