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| Perfect end for a perfect forward |
John-Erik Wall probably played the final fourtenn minutes of his career last night, coming on as an 80th minute substitute for Manchester United XI. Having had no part to play in United's second consecutive title win, Wall was brought on as a farewell gesture in the club's final home game this season.
With the score at 6-0 at half time, manager Sir Brown Knight could have given the veteran forward an entire half to play, but opted to keep his word and wait until ten minutes from time to exhaust his two remaining substitutions.
Wall, who had almost singlehandedly powered United to their first ever league title last season, replaced Johnnie Rogers as the sole forward to a standing ovation from a packed Old Trafford. The forward's thirty-five goals and seven assists in eightteen previous appearances for the club last season are still unmatched, and what he did for United will always be fondly remembered by fans as the greatest contribution by a single player for the club.
"He's a legend. And all the fans here today are proof of how much love and respect we have for him." said the manager. "Tonight is a tribute to him. And we may bid him farewell but he will always have a special place in every fan's heart."
And as usual, Wall did not disappoint. With only ten minutes to play, and the game, and with it the title already in the bag, one would imagine the veteran would take things easy. On the contrary, the 35 year old pressed into the opposition's half and was brought down just inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot, and who better to step up to convert the 91st minute penalty than John-Erik Wall himself.
As his manager had predicted, Wall didn't need a whole half to get on the scoreboard. The crowd jumped to their feet to celebrate the forward's thirty-sixth and final goal in a red shirt. A perfect end for the perfect forward.
The sellout crowd missed out on the chance to see both Wall and United's current number 10, Anders Jubera together on the field. Midfielder Jubera limped off early in the second half after having started the game in defense, a move clearly aimed at keeping Rexshock FC defender Kurt Dingler off the X11 and at the same time allowing another United player pickup the X11 Captain's band.
"We were hoping that Magelang FC would pickup a suspension or an injury today, and Rexshock will get a walkover like we did. But that didn't happen, and Magelang will have ten players ready for Rexshock next week. Dingler will be on the X11 again and we will have to concede the silver medal for MVP."
"That disappointment is nothing compared to the missed opportunity of watching both John-Erik Wall and Anders Jubera on the pitch together. Two of the greatest players this club has ever seen. They could have created magic together. I guess some things are only the stuff of dreams."
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2017-06-14 13:31
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2650 Views |
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Reporter:
Gago_94
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