Queens Park Lions 1 - 1 Maroubra United

MAROUBRA STUMBLE AT FINAL HURDLE

On a chilly Wednesday night and the final game of the regular season, the Green Machine had everything to play for against a Queens Park Lions team determined to finish their campaign on a high note. For Maroubra O35s, the equation was simple, a victory would leap frog the team over Redfern to secure 4th spot and a semi final clash with Waverley Old Boys.

It was time to be more adventurous and the Gaffer made a series of positional changes with a view to adding more speed down the flanks. The first half was lively and open as Maroubra were focussed on getting the ball wide to their wingers and opening up the Lions defence, while the Lions were creating several openings from a series of interchange passing through the Maroubra central midfield. 

As the seconds were running down to halftime, the Green Machine suffered a shattering blow as the Lions pierced the Maroubra defence to take a 1-0 lead. Despite the blow, Maroubra spirits remained high at half time and came out with an aggressive frame of mind for the second half and with a few positional changes taking place, the midfield started to dominate and create more running opportunities for our front line. 

With approximately 15 minutes to go, Maroubra pushed forward and through a series of passes down the left eventually found Keith in an attacking position and with defenders holding back was able to put in an audacious shot from the edge of the box which sailed over the keepers head and into the right side of the net. 

The score locked at 1-1 and the crowd swelling on the sidelines urging the side on, the boys in green pushed forward ensuring the Lions were camped in their own half but as has been the case for the second half of the season, could not find that elusive final pass in the final 3rd to reward the great lead up play. 

As a result, the final score remained 1-1 and officially ended the Maroubra juggernaut and hopes of a semi final birth. Never the less, the 2012 campaign was a rewarding and prosperous one for the team, ending the season with 28 competition points and I am sure if we can keep the team together next season we will be bigger and stronger.  

Special thanks to Glenn for making himself available to play and provide that extra firepower upfront and almost came away from the match with a goal. Thanks Glenn and good luck in the Finals Series in the O45s!!

Big thanks to Con for bringing the shirts 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.

Team Sheet:
Scott, Peter, Russell, Rod, Dennis, Napoleon, Keith, Geoff, Jason, Nelson, Justin Subs: Con, Frankie, Leo, Glen

Waverley Old Boys 4 - 1 Maroubra United

Waverly Strikers give lesson in finishing

It was a cold and chilly Wednesday night more conducive to staying home by the fireplace watching the Olympics! However the Maroubra O35's were going for Gold of their own with 3 vital competition points up for grabs and one step closer to semi final football. 

Maroubra stepped out onto Coral Sea Park 1 against a strong breeze with a 4-5-1 formation with a view to strangling the Old Boys midfield out of the game. Unfortunately, Waverley were ready for the match and controlled play for long periods with excellent passing, movement off the ball and keeping our keeper Scotty on his toes by shooting from distance at any chance.   

Despite conceding an early goal, Maroubra stuck to their structure and continued to fight and as the game wore on were creating some issues for their defensive line. This was highlighted when an attacking cross down the left wing bobbled into the path of our O45's reinforcement Con to slot in the equaliser and send the Boys in Green into the break with spirits high. 

With the advantage of playing with the wind, Maroubra started the second half confidently and eager to press on and find the elusive second goal, however the Old Boys had plans of their own. After a positive opening to the second half, the Maroubra engine began to stall around the 60th minute mark as the Old Boys stepped on the gas and took control and powered away to a 4-1 final score. 

Despite the loss and 2 season proper games to go, we are still in with a hope of securing the 4th spot but will need to find the killer instinct in front of goal to give us a greater chance of doing so. 

Special thanks to our O45's reinforcements Con & Trevor for making themselves available to play for us tonight. Thanks guys, I hope you enjoyed the kick around. 

Team Sheet:
Scott, Peter, Geoff, Russell, Trevor, Frankie, Rod, Napoleon, Brett, Con G, Nelson, Subs: Con H, Jason, Leo, Dennis,