Elves vs Muppets

Last Saturday on a cold, sunny winters day, an end of year friendly game was played on the field of dreams.
Normally match reports aren't written for friendlies, but this one stands out for several reasons. (Scottish Reindeer impersonators aside)
The players were divided up, mostly by age - so a classic young versus old game ensued, and served its purpose both as fun and training.
The younger players almost named themselves - as they mainly arrived wearing elf hats - so they were the Elves. The Muppets was obvious as a name, as there were many who fulfilled the roles of Statler and Waldorf.
The umpire on the day (who shall remain nameless) fulfilled the role while standing in the very center of the pitch/not moving and giving advice to all - any questions of his parentage or visually impairments being quickly dismissed as necessary for the role,with so many grumpy auld fellas on the pitch. Not surprisingly, he was one of the better umpires we saw this season.
The game itself was relatively even with each team getting a goal a quarter until Q4, The Elves scored and it would have been equitable to finish 4-4 but for Moose's generosity to the younger generation.
With one-on-one shuttles used for practice instead of short-corners, Moose graciously put his effort wide and to add to the youngsters seasonal gifts, he later hit the post with a penalty stroke (deliberatley, he claims!!!). The cheeky Elves scored again, so the grumpy folk were like Grinches at this stage, even though they did score an audacious consolation goal, that brought a smile to all but the goalkeeper.
On to the Christmas break and the 2nd half the season, young versus old in training will have a keener edge in the new year.