Et tu, Goulde?

Some betrayals cut deeper than others. Gould starting for GT5 was a dagger to heart of all true Milner Street fans.

What makes it worse is that it could have so easily been avoided. Had James Gallagher’s transfer policy been sharper, a simple deal could have been arranged to keep Gould at Milner Street: a hefty pay rise, more playing time, plus the sale of Bryson to raise additional funds to pay Gould’s wages. In extremis, Gal should have cut back Beurre’s caviar and fur coats allowance to keep such a talent at the club. In prioritising a narrow clique of aging players, and his other half’s exorbitant lifestyle, Gallagher came terrifyingly close to tearing the fabric of the club apart.

Fortunately for Gallagher, the rest of the team were on hand to save him from his own hubris. Within 30 seconds of kick-off, Gould had been flattened by Beech. Indeed, the defender was barely dissuaded from returning to his ancestral roots and performing a kneecapping there and then, on Vauxhall’s sacred turf. Further cynical fouling from the recidivist prevented Gould from displaying his talents to the full or making the scoresheet. Sportsmanship died this week, murdered by Beech.

After a turgid first half, Milner found their groove. George Neville had the game of his life, repeatedly punishing GT5 on the break. Four goals were his just reward, but the stats don’t do credit to the performance. Neville was everywhere, covering ground, harrying, then effortless carving GT5 apart on the counter. One goal summed up tonight’s artistry. Picking the ball up on the halfway line, Georgie Nev beat four men before calmly rolling the ball in. Before anyone thinks this was a selfish performance, they should take time to contemplate the quality of Neville’s passing. Bryson repeatedly squandered chances that Neville served to him on a plate, although eventually contributing two goals.

Credit must also go to JJ, selfless as always, whose goal and beautiful assists were instrumental in the victory. Tom Grew showed why he is St D’s most eligible bachelor: magnificently physical, skilful and brave, his link up-play was the beating heart of Milner’s 9-2 win.

Milner stay top and stay bereaved. Rumours of Gould’s return in May do nothing to ease the anguish in the short-term. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder.