As StriveAid charity matches go, this year's was one of the most chaotic as a goal-frenzy led to Team Gilberto beating Team Lindley on Saturday (October 3rd). The crowd at Worthing FC's Sussex Transport Community Stadium were treated to an entertaining affair with social media creators proving their worth on the pitch.
Project replace Roberto Carlos unfolded just days before the match after Striver's World Cup-winning mentor was unable to make the game. We found the perfect replacement in Andy Lindley, who oversees Baby Loss United FC, an amateur team that supports men and fathers affected by the loss of a baby.
Lindley captained his team against Gilberto Silva while having another Arsenal legend Sol Campbell on hand to give advice. He learned just why StriveAid is becoming one of the most must-see charity matches in the UK.
A Frenetic First Half as Team Gilberto Turn Things Around
The game swung into action from the get-go and Team Lindley nearly took an early lead through former AFC Wimbledon striker Kyle Hudlin but for Mac Chisholm who did well to deny the formidable forward.
Hudlin made it one-nil with a neat finish, showing his composure, to hand the Yellows the lead. The frontman then turned provider, sending a perfect through ball to Jelani who beautifully dispatched.
A mix up at the back allowed Zayn Farooqui to make Team Lindley pay, slotting into an empty net to get Team Gilberto back into the game.
Jelani came up with a slick piece off skill and thought he had set up Hudlin for his second of the day but the offside flag came to Team Gliberto's rescue. Just seconds later, they were level when Dan Muinio managed to find the back of the net.
Team Gilberto raced forward and Zayn magicked up his side's third goal with a clever finish that hit the post before going in. Campbell complained about an offside in the process but his fellow Invincible had taken the lead.
Big Beno produced a moment his numbersake Roberto Carlos would be proud of his, locking in, he fired home with a lethal left footed strike to make it 4-2 to Team Gilberto.
Team Lindley nearly got themselves back into the game only for JDBFootball to clear off the line. Moments later they were back on the scoresheet, Lil Jr timing his run to net his side's third.
A back-and-forth game almost led to an equaliser before Big John bagged Team Gilberto's fifth of the day, producing a big finish and dancing with delight in celebration.
On the half hour mark, the Blues pulled further ahead when Big John put it on a plate for number eight who scored just moments after coming onto the pitch.
Perhaps the best save of the game came a minute later when Chisholm stopped Jelani from point blank range to earn Gilberto's nod of approval.
Team Gilberto Run Riot as Zayn and BigJohn Do Damage
It didn't take long for another goal to arrive in the second half and it came through Zayn who hit a Cristiano Ronaldo-like 'Suii' after grabbing a brace. Poor defending led to StriveAid's all-time top scorer cutting inside and giving Team Lindley goalkeeper Jason Davenport no chance.
Team Gilberto were running away with it once Big John netted, taking his time to put his side eight-three up. But Hudlin certainly lived up to expectations and buried the ball home to make the game interesting and show off his dependency in front of goal.
Big John didn't quite replicate this when given a golden opportunity on the counter, sending his effort high over the bar. Luke Nuttall thought he was playing rugby after holding onto Iman and he was booked. That nearly led to a Team Gilberto goal but for an excellent save from Davenport.
A moment of magic then led to Big John being played through who cut the ball back and Zayn was on hand to fire home and make it nine-four.
It was then 10 and the goal of the day from Zayn to mark a memorable hat-trick. He lobbed the ball over Davenport and that truly was the icing on the cake for Team Gilberto.
Team Lindley pulled one back through Lil Jr when Team Gilberto couldn't clear their lines and Hudlin caused more issues.
A penalty was awarded late on when Big Beno had been adjuged to have brought Jensen down. No doubt Angry Ginge would've been screaming over the contentious decision.
Jensen must have clicked the wrong button as he sent his spot kick high and over the bar. Team Gilberto countered and the game's eleventh goal arrived in similar fashion to that of Troy Deeney's famous Championship play-off goal.
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