...as the hottest day in British history. But for football fans throughout the country, it will be remembered as
the day that La Chiesa Del Corno were seen in public for the first time.
After the shenanigans that surrounded the formation and naming of the club, something ran smoothly
at last when top local education organisation 'The Coopers Company and Coburn School', who allow only those of
the best breeding to pass through their gates (none of the LC/DC squad passed the entry exam), agreed to the
use of their grounds for the team's home matches. A million miles away from the grotty surroundings of
(dare I say it) shared council pitches that certain other minnions kickabout on, a real coup for La Chiesa. Another plus point
for the Boys from the Church of the Horn was the sponsorship deal agreed with adidas to supply the team kit, a far cry from
the 'Pro Star' & 'Stanno' kits sported by less stylish Corinthian outfits.
Unfortunately, Coopers were on six weeks hols, and the posts were not up, so La Chiesa hired the
stadium of local non league side Aveley for their much hyped debut. The opposition, Norfolk & Chance, were an
outfit thrown together by a workmate of Chiesa's Boss. All that was known of them was they hadn't played for a year, and weren't
in a league. Chiesa were half way through an intesive six week training scheme devised by fitnees coach Ad Jeffers, but no
amount of conditioning could have prepared them for the intense heat that beat down upon them that August afternoon.
Chiesa manager Samuel Knowles walked into the home dressing room after greeting the visitors to be hit
by a wall of chatter and noise from the psyched up members of LC/DC resplendent in their red and black kits...
"Everybody, I'd like to say something... Excuse me everybody can I get your attention?
I'd like to say something, keep it down..."
...the appeal for calm was eventually answered.
" Ok, I'm really glad you could all make it, I never realised that I had
so many friends that believed in this football idea...
When I first had this idea of putting on this shindig, I didn't know if anyone would
come... (voice cracks) but... look... you're all here, pitching in... (gulps)
I promised myself I wouldn't cry... (wipes away tear) PARTY ON!!!!!"
The battle cry had been given, but Chiesa went on to lose by five goals to one in the searing August
heat. A second friendly against the infidels at Gidea Park provided an more impressive display of football, but aso
ended in defeat. These were minor setbacks, however, and just a week later Knowles opened his post box to
find the Corinthian League Magazine for August 2003 adorned with the
fixture we had all been waiting for...
14.09.2003 Woodford Hammers v La Chiesa Del Corno ( T.Tilcock)
... Hold tight ! The rollercoaster ride is about to begin!
