A win so epic it warrants two match reports. This one, replete with nice atmospherics, from the Hitman
Grim faces, light rain and a grey sky greeted us. Eye to eye there was a steely determination from the 12 maroons.
The first half saw us revisiting some of the great Maroon games last year. Plenty of passes to feet, plenty of people wanting the ball. From a defense view point, both wide backs had the space to push up into wide attack. We looked good going forward with the left flank providing some great moves through Ian, Dave C and Jon S. Gary J (Gay J) and Trev were chiming in beautifully with Yoga Dave. Paul E, sitting in behind, was pouncing on the loose ball and feeding off to eager recipients. For me the turning point was a beautiful step-over by Major Tom. This brought a roar from the crowd on the side line (thanks Whites!) and lifted us up a notch. We had at least 6 great shots on goal. Both Daves went over the top, I slammed one into the near post (yes I was as surprised as anyone to be near enough to have a swing!), Trev hit the top corner with a fantastic long-ranger, before Paul E pounced on a Dave C corner and nodded in. Goalie Pete had very little to do all half.
The mood at half time was bright but we weren’t going to make the mistakes of the last few weeks and back off. Fernhill seemed to come back on with a more aggressive attitude. Challenges were getting nasty. Their bald “wing-nut” stepped up to another level of whining agro. Yoga Dave was taken-out (ref was looking elsewhere), Jon copped a few chops, Philo got a knock to the knee, I ate some dirt a few times. Another great move down the left saw Dave shoot the ball across their goal with Gary J claiming the tap in. We started to lose a bit of shape as the half dragged out and they pushed forward. Some fresh legs may have helped here but we dug deep and battled it out. We’ll all be sore today. They went close on a few occasions, but with a bit of grit we shut them out. Late in the game, a brilliant ball from Paul E found Phil lurking on the right in their box. A quick trap then shot saw the post ringing again. Bad luck Phil.
It was a much improved performance. The addition of Jon and Trev made a great impact. All 4 defenders played 90 min and kept a clean sheet. Captain Paul E was everywhere and played a fantastic holding role. Everyone played well.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Maroons 2, Fernhill 0 (Part 1)
First up, big hearted big headed Paul Chesty Bonds E tries to capture a moment in time...
With numbers looking grim just on kick off 11 was us until Jon S arrives to all our relief 1 reserve.
We started strong playing well through the midfield the 2 Daves up front making massive inroads.
With no reward the crossbar was hit on several occasions Trevor's excellent left from distance and Gary H cracker very unlucky. An excellent corner was netted in by a head that covers the goal line to the six yard box how can it miss, no names needed.
We go in at half time realising we should be more than 1 up, our weekly capitulation after half time is discussed.
The second half we start back where we left it but are not able to finish, we go for a period through the second half where we fell away, until Dave C put through an excellent cross and Gay J who will claim it put in the net, maybe an own goal but who noticed. We then finish off strong with numerous chances Phil almost opens his account. Strong effort by all 12, Pete in goals and back 4 under control just ask Tommy step over,thank you Jon S and Gary J made a difference and Trevor first game after injury very composed. Whites and Maroons wins same weekend a long time coming hopefully a few more are on the way.
With numbers looking grim just on kick off 11 was us until Jon S arrives to all our relief 1 reserve.
We started strong playing well through the midfield the 2 Daves up front making massive inroads.
With no reward the crossbar was hit on several occasions Trevor's excellent left from distance and Gary H cracker very unlucky. An excellent corner was netted in by a head that covers the goal line to the six yard box how can it miss, no names needed.
We go in at half time realising we should be more than 1 up, our weekly capitulation after half time is discussed.
The second half we start back where we left it but are not able to finish, we go for a period through the second half where we fell away, until Dave C put through an excellent cross and Gay J who will claim it put in the net, maybe an own goal but who noticed. We then finish off strong with numerous chances Phil almost opens his account. Strong effort by all 12, Pete in goals and back 4 under control just ask Tommy step over,thank you Jon S and Gary J made a difference and Trevor first game after injury very composed. Whites and Maroons wins same weekend a long time coming hopefully a few more are on the way.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Whites 2 Jamberoo 1
The whites have accumulated more points in 5 games this year than all of last year. A free flowing game that could have had a much higher scoreline, Jamberoo came with an attacking attitude which the Whites matched.
This will be short again, 10 minutes till tea and goin to see Mr Shuffles tomorrow so no chance to do it then. Mr21 and The Lost A bagged the goals both sides of halftime, Phil could have had goal of the year if not for the crossbar and Kirk definitely has miss of the year so far, a metre out with no one in front and misses the ball.
The defence was rock solid, Jamberoo didnt score till the 85th minute and took a cracking header from a corner to beat Dennis, an absolute standout in goal. There wasnt a bad player on the park, Noodles and Goalie Glenn solid in defence, Handball workman-like, Big Al challenged hard, the eco-warrior responded to internal team abuse and new striker Jono impressed and had a great chance to open his account, just took that fraction of a second too long in a one on one.
On to figtree next week, looking for another 3 points. If anyone wants to add anymore, be my guest.
This will be short again, 10 minutes till tea and goin to see Mr Shuffles tomorrow so no chance to do it then. Mr21 and The Lost A bagged the goals both sides of halftime, Phil could have had goal of the year if not for the crossbar and Kirk definitely has miss of the year so far, a metre out with no one in front and misses the ball.
The defence was rock solid, Jamberoo didnt score till the 85th minute and took a cracking header from a corner to beat Dennis, an absolute standout in goal. There wasnt a bad player on the park, Noodles and Goalie Glenn solid in defence, Handball workman-like, Big Al challenged hard, the eco-warrior responded to internal team abuse and new striker Jono impressed and had a great chance to open his account, just took that fraction of a second too long in a one on one.
On to figtree next week, looking for another 3 points. If anyone wants to add anymore, be my guest.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Hogs1 Whites 0
this will be short, but not as short as Kevs. I dont think we were crap, but we still lost.
At the start I expected the table topping hogs to be good, but we quickly realised they arent special. They have a good defence, not much else. Their goal was from a obvious hand ball, had a penalty count 9-1 in their favour, and for the last 30 minutes they played right back content to sit on their lead. Whenever we thought we were a chance for a shot, there was someone to make the tackle. As I said, their defence is well organised.
We didnt play badly, everyone gave their best, just wasnt our day.
At the start I expected the table topping hogs to be good, but we quickly realised they arent special. They have a good defence, not much else. Their goal was from a obvious hand ball, had a penalty count 9-1 in their favour, and for the last 30 minutes they played right back content to sit on their lead. Whenever we thought we were a chance for a shot, there was someone to make the tackle. As I said, their defence is well organised.
We didnt play badly, everyone gave their best, just wasnt our day.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Wolves 2 Uni 1
Looking resplendent in a red wolves strip found in the change room, the whites put their biggest winning streak together with a scrappy 2-1 victory against Uni. Backing up after the euphoria of last week was always going to be hard, especially against a team playing an 8-2 formation with no intent of attacking and hoping to score on the counter.
No other way to describe it, we were flat as buggery in the first half. Camped in the Uni half for most of the time, we just couldnt get a flow going, the passes werent sticking and our shots were wide and soft. More frustrating than anything else, personally I was glad to get to half time 0-0 so we could regroup and get our minds on the game. Dennis hardly touched the ball in the first half, so there was no issue about Uni opening the floodgates in the second half, we had to be patient and play our own game.
The second half got underway, and the tempo had been picked up by the Wolves. More urgency and getting first to the 50/50's gave us even more possession, leading to SteveB opening the scoring in emphatic fashion. Nice build-up work on the left by Phil,AB and a one two between Mr21 and Steve saw a 25 metre piledriver give the goalie no chance in the left hand corner.
The match meandered on, then out of the blue a penalty was awarded to Uni, local historian being the culprit with a vicious elbow to the back of the only uni forward. Dennis pulls out a fine save, only for the penalty to be retaken for encroachment in the box. Given a second chance the ball goes in. 1-1 with 20 minutes left.
Accused of not talking up my brace last week, here we go. Pressing forward again, Andres threads a neat pass to AB lurking on the corner of the square. Controling it with my right, a stepover and a ghost to the right to fool the two defenders, then a left foot cracker across the goalie cannoning into the right post and settling in the onion bag.
We pretty much closed it out from there. Not pretty, but after last year, we will take any win. A few special mentions. Thanks to Max for refereeing, I think he quite enjoyed giving a few penalties against dad Trev. Done a fine job. Thanks to Les who spent all morning organising the match and ground, and Rod for doing a line. Showing some great team spirit gentlemen. Also Keith, in my opinion head and shoulders man of the match. Ran hard with tonnes of enthusiasm.
Next week the hogs at home. Tough.
No other way to describe it, we were flat as buggery in the first half. Camped in the Uni half for most of the time, we just couldnt get a flow going, the passes werent sticking and our shots were wide and soft. More frustrating than anything else, personally I was glad to get to half time 0-0 so we could regroup and get our minds on the game. Dennis hardly touched the ball in the first half, so there was no issue about Uni opening the floodgates in the second half, we had to be patient and play our own game.
The second half got underway, and the tempo had been picked up by the Wolves. More urgency and getting first to the 50/50's gave us even more possession, leading to SteveB opening the scoring in emphatic fashion. Nice build-up work on the left by Phil,AB and a one two between Mr21 and Steve saw a 25 metre piledriver give the goalie no chance in the left hand corner.
The match meandered on, then out of the blue a penalty was awarded to Uni, local historian being the culprit with a vicious elbow to the back of the only uni forward. Dennis pulls out a fine save, only for the penalty to be retaken for encroachment in the box. Given a second chance the ball goes in. 1-1 with 20 minutes left.
Accused of not talking up my brace last week, here we go. Pressing forward again, Andres threads a neat pass to AB lurking on the corner of the square. Controling it with my right, a stepover and a ghost to the right to fool the two defenders, then a left foot cracker across the goalie cannoning into the right post and settling in the onion bag.
We pretty much closed it out from there. Not pretty, but after last year, we will take any win. A few special mentions. Thanks to Max for refereeing, I think he quite enjoyed giving a few penalties against dad Trev. Done a fine job. Thanks to Les who spent all morning organising the match and ground, and Rod for doing a line. Showing some great team spirit gentlemen. Also Keith, in my opinion head and shoulders man of the match. Ran hard with tonnes of enthusiasm.
Next week the hogs at home. Tough.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Clattenburg seals it for Makos.
Before I start, the views expressed here are solely those of the author and in no way (necessarily) reflect the views of the club. I fully expect to be requested to edit this match report pronto!
As the game began, we had the bare 11, and Shane had already stated he would rather not play. The Makos were well on top, but our boys were battling really hard, limiting them to a few sporadic shots. After about 20 minutes or so a long punt appeared to be rolling over the dead ball line for our goal kick, unfortunately for us, one of their players managed to just get his foot to the ball before it crossed the line. His attempt to keep the ball in play saw the ball roll across our goal into the far corner - probably the one spot he could have put the ball into the net.
Heads dropped a bit, but not for long, Ant slipped a delicious ball into the path of Dave whose ferocious shot beat their keeper all ends up. 1-1 - and the tide began to turn in our favour. Their forwards were seeing little of the ball and suddenly a quickly taken free kick by Fergus saw Dave (I think, may have been Shaky) return the favour for Ant to put us 2-1 up. It was probably a merited lead due to the effort everyone was putting in.
Now at this point, with three minutes to go before half time, I should mention that I'm a Spurs supporter, as such I have.....less than fond memories of Mark Clattenburg, the referee that failed to notice that Pedro Mendes shot from the half way line, against Manchester United, crossed the goal line by about a zillion feet.
Well today Mr Clattenburg (having been demoted to refereeing an over 35's comp in Wollongong) managed to continue in the same vein. Earlier in the game, he'd awarded us a corner as the ball went out of play some 10 feet away from him. The linesman on the opposite side of the pitch, some 70 yards away intimated it was a goal kick and he changed his decision. Quite how you manage to believe the eyesight of somebody 60 feet further away from the event is beyond me, but I guess it was a sign of things to come.
Another hopeful punt saw Dave (who had finally turned up) running back towards our goal, with a Makos player in pursuit behind him. Dave stumbled and the Makos player went over the top of him. Mr Clattenburg, who had a fine view of the incident from his position in their half of the field, trotted over, saw both players lying in the penalty area - and promptly awarded them a penalty! Despite managing to get a hand to it, I couldn't keep it out and we went into the break at 2-2.
Into the second half, Shayne's ankle had given way and we down to no substitutes. Given how hard we'd been working, it was going to be hard work keeping them at bay. A shot from them was tipped up over my head and I turned around to catch it. I am reliably informed by a passing spectator that the ball was a good two feet over our goal line - although I must admit I actually thought I'd kept it out. With the linesman some way distant play was waved on and it would seem Mr Clattenburg had repeated his error at Old Trafford.
Eventually a cross into the box and a well placed header - again agonisingly coming off my fingertips - put them 3-2 up.
Shortly after, Graeme made a great run across their box and was blatantly upended. The resultant penalty seemed a sure way to get us back into the game at 3-3. Except there was no resultant penalty, Mr Clattenburg, despite being perfectly positioned waved play on? Did he book Graeme for diving? No, of course not - and of course they steamed up to our end and stuck the ball in our net. What should have been 3-3 was now 4-2.
From that point on we collapsed - although having a few chances, several players were feeling the pace and they had time to knock the all about. I managed to drop the ball leading up to their 6th, but their 7th was sublime. With lots of time to pick his spot, the Makos player chipped the ball over my head. All I could do was applaud his effort.
So in closing, Mr Clattenburg at one point offered Fergus his whistle. Fergus should have taken it as he couldn't have done any worse than the incumbent. I know it's not an easy job refereeing and can be a thankless task (I've done it a few times myself), but I often wonder why they put themselves in a position to get 90 minutes of abuse flung their way when their level of incompetence more or less ensures it will happen. I actually thought our players restrained themselves remarkably well.
That's not to say the referee was the cause of our defeat, Makos are a decent side, but personally I'd rather have had a Makos player refereeing it and doing his best than have an, at best, incompetent referee, at worse a cheat of one.
As the game began, we had the bare 11, and Shane had already stated he would rather not play. The Makos were well on top, but our boys were battling really hard, limiting them to a few sporadic shots. After about 20 minutes or so a long punt appeared to be rolling over the dead ball line for our goal kick, unfortunately for us, one of their players managed to just get his foot to the ball before it crossed the line. His attempt to keep the ball in play saw the ball roll across our goal into the far corner - probably the one spot he could have put the ball into the net.
Heads dropped a bit, but not for long, Ant slipped a delicious ball into the path of Dave whose ferocious shot beat their keeper all ends up. 1-1 - and the tide began to turn in our favour. Their forwards were seeing little of the ball and suddenly a quickly taken free kick by Fergus saw Dave (I think, may have been Shaky) return the favour for Ant to put us 2-1 up. It was probably a merited lead due to the effort everyone was putting in.
Now at this point, with three minutes to go before half time, I should mention that I'm a Spurs supporter, as such I have.....less than fond memories of Mark Clattenburg, the referee that failed to notice that Pedro Mendes shot from the half way line, against Manchester United, crossed the goal line by about a zillion feet.
Well today Mr Clattenburg (having been demoted to refereeing an over 35's comp in Wollongong) managed to continue in the same vein. Earlier in the game, he'd awarded us a corner as the ball went out of play some 10 feet away from him. The linesman on the opposite side of the pitch, some 70 yards away intimated it was a goal kick and he changed his decision. Quite how you manage to believe the eyesight of somebody 60 feet further away from the event is beyond me, but I guess it was a sign of things to come.
Another hopeful punt saw Dave (who had finally turned up) running back towards our goal, with a Makos player in pursuit behind him. Dave stumbled and the Makos player went over the top of him. Mr Clattenburg, who had a fine view of the incident from his position in their half of the field, trotted over, saw both players lying in the penalty area - and promptly awarded them a penalty! Despite managing to get a hand to it, I couldn't keep it out and we went into the break at 2-2.
Into the second half, Shayne's ankle had given way and we down to no substitutes. Given how hard we'd been working, it was going to be hard work keeping them at bay. A shot from them was tipped up over my head and I turned around to catch it. I am reliably informed by a passing spectator that the ball was a good two feet over our goal line - although I must admit I actually thought I'd kept it out. With the linesman some way distant play was waved on and it would seem Mr Clattenburg had repeated his error at Old Trafford.
Eventually a cross into the box and a well placed header - again agonisingly coming off my fingertips - put them 3-2 up.
Shortly after, Graeme made a great run across their box and was blatantly upended. The resultant penalty seemed a sure way to get us back into the game at 3-3. Except there was no resultant penalty, Mr Clattenburg, despite being perfectly positioned waved play on? Did he book Graeme for diving? No, of course not - and of course they steamed up to our end and stuck the ball in our net. What should have been 3-3 was now 4-2.
From that point on we collapsed - although having a few chances, several players were feeling the pace and they had time to knock the all about. I managed to drop the ball leading up to their 6th, but their 7th was sublime. With lots of time to pick his spot, the Makos player chipped the ball over my head. All I could do was applaud his effort.
So in closing, Mr Clattenburg at one point offered Fergus his whistle. Fergus should have taken it as he couldn't have done any worse than the incumbent. I know it's not an easy job refereeing and can be a thankless task (I've done it a few times myself), but I often wonder why they put themselves in a position to get 90 minutes of abuse flung their way when their level of incompetence more or less ensures it will happen. I actually thought our players restrained themselves remarkably well.
That's not to say the referee was the cause of our defeat, Makos are a decent side, but personally I'd rather have had a Makos player refereeing it and doing his best than have an, at best, incompetent referee, at worse a cheat of one.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Yayyyyyyy!!!!!!!!
there will be no gloating, just a quiet feeling of euphoric satisfaction. After 23 matches, 368 days, 2160 minutes of football, the mighty whiteys have finally won a match. The 14 warriors (including 1 eco-warrior SteveH) who played in yesterdays historic match will be forever remembered as Coledale White Immortals. 3-2 the score, won on the final play of the day.
A few points to savour:
the back four of local historian, handball, stiffarm and GG had mighty games. All played the whole 90, and from the sideline (where I spent a lot of time), the talk and encouragement was a standout between the four.
goalie Dennis had a blinder. Growing in confidence every game he will be a great assett.
The midfielders gave their all. Clever use of the subs ensured everyone was used to their best ability.
Alex and big Steve toiled all day and were rewarded. We will miss Alex for the next 3 games. Steve opened the scoring with what I was told was quite a deft chip (wasnt watching).
Have no doubt this is a big win. Shell City Im told were playing Masters 1 not long ago, and are big and skilful. For a team with such a lot going for them, their constant whinging to the ref and ease of ending up on the ground is baffling.
Finally the football gods were with us. Special mention to Shane K for yelling "encouragement" all game from the sideline. To next week, away to Uni, with plenty of fresh players returning. Im not saying a word........
A few points to savour:
the back four of local historian, handball, stiffarm and GG had mighty games. All played the whole 90, and from the sideline (where I spent a lot of time), the talk and encouragement was a standout between the four.
goalie Dennis had a blinder. Growing in confidence every game he will be a great assett.
The midfielders gave their all. Clever use of the subs ensured everyone was used to their best ability.
Alex and big Steve toiled all day and were rewarded. We will miss Alex for the next 3 games. Steve opened the scoring with what I was told was quite a deft chip (wasnt watching).
Have no doubt this is a big win. Shell City Im told were playing Masters 1 not long ago, and are big and skilful. For a team with such a lot going for them, their constant whinging to the ref and ease of ending up on the ground is baffling.
Finally the football gods were with us. Special mention to Shane K for yelling "encouragement" all game from the sideline. To next week, away to Uni, with plenty of fresh players returning. Im not saying a word........
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Maroons dominate late kick-off game v Hogs
A flowing move, culminating in Irish Dave, playing as a make-shift striker, finished off with aplomb put the Maroons 1-0 up. Moments later, Ian cut in from the left and sent in a perfect cross, only for Dave to show why he normally plays at the back, his clearing header soaring over the bar when it seemed easier to stick the ball in the net (OK it wasn't that easy a chance). The Maroons then saw out the final few minutes to record a second victory.
Wait on...the game started 80 minutes earlier??? No one told us. What, we were 3-0 down when Dave scored? How come, none of us saw their goals. Truth is, for 80 minutes the Maroons had barely shown up. 1-0 down at the break and the common held view was that the Hogs couldn't play as well again in the second half and we couldn't play as badly. Ant had had one shot when through (unfortunately too close to the keeper) and I'd had a header loop in the general direction of their goal, but we hadn't really threatened them at all.
So, expecting their performance level to drop and ours to increase we started the second half still well in the game. Instead, they got better and we got worse.
First to the ball, winning 40-60 tackles, playing it on the deck, anyone would have thought they were in maroon and we were in yellow and black. And to make matters worse, they played fairly and the game generally was played in good spirit. Maybe that was half our problem - no mongrel.
To be fair, we were missing Tony, Fergus, Shakey, John and Gary (both of them) and possibly our midfield missed their bite, but all over the pitch we were decidely second best.
As predicted Uni were on the wrong side of an 8 goal drubbing, which possibly puts our 2-1 win v them into context. We need to (and definitely can) improve markedly for the next game.
Wait on...the game started 80 minutes earlier??? No one told us. What, we were 3-0 down when Dave scored? How come, none of us saw their goals. Truth is, for 80 minutes the Maroons had barely shown up. 1-0 down at the break and the common held view was that the Hogs couldn't play as well again in the second half and we couldn't play as badly. Ant had had one shot when through (unfortunately too close to the keeper) and I'd had a header loop in the general direction of their goal, but we hadn't really threatened them at all.
So, expecting their performance level to drop and ours to increase we started the second half still well in the game. Instead, they got better and we got worse.
First to the ball, winning 40-60 tackles, playing it on the deck, anyone would have thought they were in maroon and we were in yellow and black. And to make matters worse, they played fairly and the game generally was played in good spirit. Maybe that was half our problem - no mongrel.
To be fair, we were missing Tony, Fergus, Shakey, John and Gary (both of them) and possibly our midfield missed their bite, but all over the pitch we were decidely second best.
As predicted Uni were on the wrong side of an 8 goal drubbing, which possibly puts our 2-1 win v them into context. We need to (and definitely can) improve markedly for the next game.
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