Pagewood B 1 - 1 Maroubra United

BOYS IN GREEN STUMBLE TO A DETERMINED PAGEWOOD B OUTFIT

With a semi final spot up for grabs, today was an opportunity to make a statement by securing 3 points and keeping the competition heavyweights in check. The Boys in Green however stumbled against a determined Pagewood B team but fortunately we were able to snatch a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw and a competition point which could be vital at the end of the season. 

Once again, we conceded an early goal which seems to be a regular pattern this season and I am positive this has to do with our unstructured warm up which we really need to focus on improving. I don't think we have had a strong first 20 minutes this year and this is something we need to address asap before the season slips away and it would be a refreshing change to be playing from in front early and put the pressure back on the opposition. 

Our first half was not exactly spectacular and we were hampered early with our left back Dennis trying to turn back the clock to his youth to execute an audacious back heel to Frankie. If this was performed at the Olympics, I would rate the idea a 10 but the execution a paltry 2.5 considering Dennis hobbled of with a hamstring injury...and I am certain this was karma coming back to bite him considering his midweek taunts of several players who were battling their own fitness issues. We created several chances  with Rod hitting the crossbar from a free kick and Glenn lobbing the keeper from distance which sailed wide of the right post and although we were building some momentum we were not able to sustain the pressure as we were giving away cheap position. 

Second half was better with more creativity, flair and making inroads into the Pagewood defence but once again the final pass or options in the last 3rd were coming up marginally short. Like the first half we created several chances including a shot from 30 odd yards from Geoff running on to a long throw in from Russell which gave the Pagewood Keeper heart palpitations briefly before sailing over the bar. If it did go in, it would have brought a tear to this Gaffer's eyes as it was shades of a training drill that we had worked on a few months ago. 

Our Goal:

Our goal came courtesy of another inspirational coaching move by taking yours truly off (more like crawling off) the ground to be replaced by Brett. The goal was a blur to me from distance as i was gasping for air but all I saw was a swarm of bodies around the goal line with the ball bouncing around like a pinball machine. Nevertheless, Brett "the poacher" Tennant was on hand to tuck home the ball into the ol' onion bag on the last kick of the day to deflate the Pagewood B team and potentially re-invigorate the Boys in Green for another tilt for a semi final spot. 

Special thanks to Glenn from the 45A's for making himself available and for his contribution and was not far off from scoring a goal as well - Thanks Glenn! Also special mention to our walking wounded including Nelson who was struggling with the flu but kept running until the end, Justin for his determination and fighting a troublesome calf injury (if i am correct?), Keith with his dodgy hamstring and Napoleon with his niggling ankle injury working overtime in midfield, Scottie still going strong in goals with a knee injury came up with a string of fine saves to keep us in the game, Dennis for his cameo performance before injuring his hammy.....actually I better stop as this is getting depressing - probably best to talk about the players that are NOT carrying an injury!! 

 

Is there anyone not injured??

Big thanks also to Russell for bringing the shirts and beers 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.

As for this Wednesday, there is training so please make the effort to be there at 6.30pm so we can have a good workout. 

Team Sheet:

Scott, Dennis, Rod, Geoff, Jason, Frankie, Napoleon, Keith, Frank, Glenn, Nelson, Subs: Con, Leo, Russell, Brett