Maroubra United 2 - 1 Pagewood "B"

Gutsy Performance Downs Pagewood

Congratulations Team on another great victory against a determined Pagewood B Team. Today was going to be a test of character for us to see how we would back up after a loss and i thought we came through brilliantly so well done all!!

Once again, the victory was built on another strong defensive effort but more importantly we are continuing to develop our passing game which is improving each game so let’s keep that going.

Today was truly a team effort (including Tom for his 2 minute cameo appearance), the determination and desire to win was there and this was evident with the ferocious tackling and creativity often posing plenty of questions for their defenders especially in the second half.

As the game was slipping away for Pagewood, their stress levels increased with several players visibly not happy with what was happening. Our ability to frustrate teams out of the game, while we keep our cool is a great asset so let’s remember this when the opposition try to wind us up in tight matches - let’s keep our cool and stick to our simple structures and plans which are working.

Special thanks to Keeper John for making himself available at the 11th hour to replace an injured Scottie ( personally i think Scottie was concerned of the potential backlash he may have received from his midweek comment about the gaffer's playing ability !! :) ) Anyway, John has been a colossus in his 2 matches for us and on both occasions was 10 minutes away from getting a clean sheet - thanks John!!

Also like to thank Yoshi and Bernie from the O45 teams for coming along to offer their support on the sidelines during the game. We are always happy to accommodate them in our team when required so thank you for your continued support and it is great to know that you are there to offer your services when required.

Our Goals:

We scored 2 top shelf goals today. Our first was a wonderfully taken free kick from Keith - curling the ball around the well-built wall while the keeper was left stranded on the spot admiring the view as the ball was coming his way. Needless to say, the Maroubra supporters were in raptures not only applauding the skill and technique of the goal but several of the players on the sidelines started shouting "Bend it Like Keith".

Our second came from an inspirational coaching masterstroke* to switch Peter to right back from left back at the start of the game. With our attacking free kick, Rod stepped up to drive a rocket into the Pagewood wall which deflected to yours truly only to strike it again into the Pagewood defender. 

The ball deflected into the path of Peter who took control of the ball and struck an audacious shot that at first appeared to be heading for the trees but as the ball approached the posts, the keeper back peddled and clutching at thin air to make a save, was beaten as the ball hit the back of the net. To say Peter was delighted is an understatement and as I was the first to help him celebrate his wonder strike, Peter came up with a hug that I think broke a few of my ribs!! As a result, I will be forwarding this week's medical bill to Peter as I will be checking to see if my ribs are still intact.... 

Big thanks also to Napoleon for bringing the shirts and beers today and as per normal has the difficult task of selecting the 3,2,1 Players Player of the Year votes. When you have done so, please email our Team Auditor Wayne only to keep record.

Training is on Wednesday so please make the effort to be there at 6:30pm or text Wayne or me if you are not available.

Well done all and enjoy the 3 points this week.....

Team Sheet:

John, Dennis, Geoff, Russell, Peter, Rod, Keith, Wayne, Frank, Nelson, Napoleon, Subs: Jason, Con, Leo, Tom

Look forward to reading and hearing your thoughts and comments.

* Based on feedback from Peter and Dennis

Leo