8 Goal Thriller
Once again this was our yearly trek to Mission Fields and as always a number had difficulty following the clear concise directions provided by the manager.
We had a solid squad to choose from but the main issue was that there was no ref allocated due to the late
change in kickoff time.
Maccabi suggested they ref one half and we coud do the other, then their captain gave a lecture about playing fair etc.
Things started ok but after only a few minutes, a Maccabi throw in wasn't cleared and with the ball looking like going behind for a goal kick, it was flicked back in and the onrushing midfielder stabbed it home
In fairness to the ref, he came and asked Karl if the ball had gone out but no one could say for sure and the goal stood. 1-0.
After this we played a bit better and the game opened up. After half an hour, Tom received the ball on the edge of the box and took his man on who checked Toms run - foul, penalty, goal -thank you very much! 1-1.
Steve and Yoshi were now dominating the midfield and on the stroke of halftime, Steve put Tom in the clear,
leaving the defense motionless, one touch, keeper beaten and with ball rolling towards the empty net, the ref blows halftime...
Well it was now time for Maccabi to show their spirit of fair play as discussions became heated indeed.
The ref apologised, claiming he was looking at his watch and goal stood 1-2 to Maroubra, civil war averted.
The guys were now fired up and started the second half flat out. Within 10 minutes we had added another when Yoshi teased the defender one way, then the other and finished with a shot to the corner, 1-3 to Maroubra.
The next goal was going to be decisive but with our midfield now tiring, Maccabi came more into the game.
From a corner, which was half cleared, the ball fell to their player towards the back post who just stabbed it
towards the corner. However our defender on the post had vanished and the ball evaded Karls outstretched hand 2-3.
Maccabi sensed blood and started to go for it with all out attack but not always making the right options.
With 15 minutes left, a ball over the top put their pacey winger away who finished with a shot across goal in off the post 3-3.
Maroubra were now on the ropes, tanks empty wishing for the final whistle. Again Maccabi attached, this time down the left, floating in a cross that was tapped home 4-3 to the home side. Some after another attached yielded a shot on goal but this time it cannoned back off the post in to Karls arms.
Could the Green Machine rescue something for a game that seemed theirs 30 minutes earlier?
We somehow summoned enough energy for one last sortie down field. Frank received the ball and moved
forward, playing it to Tom on the left side who crossed it in, Terry gets a flick on but ball falls towards the Maccabi defender who smashes clear...... fortunately for Maroubra, his GPS had malfunctioned and he actually volley the ball to the top corner of his own net - quality finish 4-4.
And there it ended, another high scoring thriller against Maccabi with Maroubra again somehow rescuing a point.
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Maroubra United 1 - 1 Pagewood2
Solid Performance
For our last home game of the season, an eager crowd had gathered well before kickoff
We were fortunate to have a number of players back from injuries as well as Pete back from his European
adventure.
The first task was to find a ref as ESFA hadn't allocated one, Frank tried the O45s who declined so things weren't looking good. Leo then had a go and found a ref from Queens Park which was a relief.
We started with our usual defense of late with a midfield trio of Rod, Steve and Yoshi, Nap right and George left, Tom up front. There was a strong crosswind and it was slightly against us in the first half.
The opening exchanges were evenly match with both teams working hard to get on top. Maroubra were putting in a very disciplined performance,neutralising any attacks that Pagewood could throw at them. At times we put together some quality flowing moves.
Midway through the half, Nap drove towards the Pagewood goal, drawing a foul right on the edge of the penalty box. Yoshi and Steve both stood over the ball and once the ref gave the ok, Yoshi bent it over the wall but unfortunately it failed to drop enough to be on target.
With the half drawing to a close drawing to a close, a Pagewood sortie to edge of the box was followed by an attempted cross, however with the strong wind assistance, the ball was swept past Karl. 0-1 at the break.
The mood was still good at the break, helped by the jelly snakes on offer.
After our sugar fix, we bounced back onto the field immediately taking the fight to Pagewood. They did however win a freekick in a good position on the edge of the box and there was concern from the sidelines. But there was no need to worry, the Pagewood player skying his shot.
I'm not sure how many snakes Kevin consumed but the guy was in hyper-mode in the second half, bombing
forward from fullback and putting in a quality pass to the back post to Terry which held up nice in the breeze as Terry rose to meet it. Unfortunately he couldn't quiet get over it to keep on target and his effort cleared the bar.
Then the ref blew and ponited to the spot for a push in the back on Terry, so upsteps Tom, short runup and bam - 1-1.
The Pagewood defender was incensed and continued to argue with the ref, it looked like he was going to talk himhelf into a red. From there on, Maroubra played some quality football, continually finding space on the flanks but clear cut chances were at a premium
We did tire in the last few minutes, allowing Pagewood a number of half chances but we hung on for a very
deserved draw - Well done everyone!
For our last home game of the season, an eager crowd had gathered well before kickoff
We were fortunate to have a number of players back from injuries as well as Pete back from his European
adventure.
The first task was to find a ref as ESFA hadn't allocated one, Frank tried the O45s who declined so things weren't looking good. Leo then had a go and found a ref from Queens Park which was a relief.
We started with our usual defense of late with a midfield trio of Rod, Steve and Yoshi, Nap right and George left, Tom up front. There was a strong crosswind and it was slightly against us in the first half.
The opening exchanges were evenly match with both teams working hard to get on top. Maroubra were putting in a very disciplined performance,neutralising any attacks that Pagewood could throw at them. At times we put together some quality flowing moves.
Midway through the half, Nap drove towards the Pagewood goal, drawing a foul right on the edge of the penalty box. Yoshi and Steve both stood over the ball and once the ref gave the ok, Yoshi bent it over the wall but unfortunately it failed to drop enough to be on target.
With the half drawing to a close drawing to a close, a Pagewood sortie to edge of the box was followed by an attempted cross, however with the strong wind assistance, the ball was swept past Karl. 0-1 at the break.
The mood was still good at the break, helped by the jelly snakes on offer.
After our sugar fix, we bounced back onto the field immediately taking the fight to Pagewood. They did however win a freekick in a good position on the edge of the box and there was concern from the sidelines. But there was no need to worry, the Pagewood player skying his shot.
I'm not sure how many snakes Kevin consumed but the guy was in hyper-mode in the second half, bombing
forward from fullback and putting in a quality pass to the back post to Terry which held up nice in the breeze as Terry rose to meet it. Unfortunately he couldn't quiet get over it to keep on target and his effort cleared the bar.
Then the ref blew and ponited to the spot for a push in the back on Terry, so upsteps Tom, short runup and bam - 1-1.
The Pagewood defender was incensed and continued to argue with the ref, it looked like he was going to talk himhelf into a red. From there on, Maroubra played some quality football, continually finding space on the flanks but clear cut chances were at a premium
We did tire in the last few minutes, allowing Pagewood a number of half chances but we hung on for a very
deserved draw - Well done everyone!
Mascot 4 - 2 Maroubra United
We certainly made things difficult for ourselves!
Due to injuries and commitments, for the second week in a row, we started the game with 10 men.
The pitch was in very poor condition, while dry, very bumpy and most of the penalty area just sand
Unfortunately it wasn't long until we conceded with Mascot pushing forward in numbers and one of
their midfielders firing home from the edge of the box with a well placed shot
After that we managed to keep them at bay with Leo joining the fray after 20 minutes and Kevin available soon after.
Jimmy and George had also come along to lend their support which was much welcomed.
The defensive structure was again working well with good communication, helping to limit the number
of Mascot chances. However the pitch helped at time with them unable to get their shots on target.
Just before halftime, Mascot worked a throw in from the right and getting in a shot which Karl blocked
but the ball landed and stopped dead in the sand, half a metre in front of Frank. He went to clear it but
his standing leg gave way in the sand and both Karl and him looked on helplessly as the ball was smashed home. 2-0 at the break.
So the break was about reorganising and have a welcomed rest.
The second half didn't start any better than the first with Mascot winning a free-kick outside the box.
Karl called for a wall but players were slow to get back allowing the Mascot player a direct shot on goal
which he capitalised on with pleasure - 3-0
We continued to soldier on, dominating the game at times while still very disciplined at the back
Again the Mascot striker was put through in a offside position and got his shot away as the ref blew and
Karl blocked the effort and picked up the ball. Ref shouts play on so Karl thumps it down field (we are now playing down the hill) over the defense, Justin runs onto it, draws the keeper and neatly slots home.
Goal stands, 3-1, Mascot incensed!
We continued to play and press with the ref affording Yoshi some special protection in the middle,
fustrating the Mascot midfielders - every time Yoshi fell over, he got a free kick :)
We were given a free kick in our own half when a mascot player handled with Rod taking the kick.
Well, what can you say, ever ambitious Rod decides to go for goal and he gets it perfect with the Goalie floundering on the sandy surface, doing his best David Seaman impersonation as the ball sails
over his head into the corner. It all seemed to happen in slow motion. 3-2.
Rods familiar howls of delight could be hear for miles around
We had a great chance to level things when Terry connected with a cross with the outside of the left
boot but unfortunately it skimmed the top of the bar
Mascot kept playing and with the Green Machine pushing for the equaliser, some holes were appearing
in defense. In the dying minutes, a good move out wide on their left and low cross allowed the fast arriving midfielder to slot home and seal the result.
On a still night you can still hear Rods howls echoing through the eastern suburbs
Due to injuries and commitments, for the second week in a row, we started the game with 10 men.
The pitch was in very poor condition, while dry, very bumpy and most of the penalty area just sand
Unfortunately it wasn't long until we conceded with Mascot pushing forward in numbers and one of
their midfielders firing home from the edge of the box with a well placed shot
After that we managed to keep them at bay with Leo joining the fray after 20 minutes and Kevin available soon after.
Jimmy and George had also come along to lend their support which was much welcomed.
The defensive structure was again working well with good communication, helping to limit the number
of Mascot chances. However the pitch helped at time with them unable to get their shots on target.
Just before halftime, Mascot worked a throw in from the right and getting in a shot which Karl blocked
but the ball landed and stopped dead in the sand, half a metre in front of Frank. He went to clear it but
his standing leg gave way in the sand and both Karl and him looked on helplessly as the ball was smashed home. 2-0 at the break.
So the break was about reorganising and have a welcomed rest.
The second half didn't start any better than the first with Mascot winning a free-kick outside the box.
Karl called for a wall but players were slow to get back allowing the Mascot player a direct shot on goal
which he capitalised on with pleasure - 3-0
We continued to soldier on, dominating the game at times while still very disciplined at the back
Again the Mascot striker was put through in a offside position and got his shot away as the ref blew and
Karl blocked the effort and picked up the ball. Ref shouts play on so Karl thumps it down field (we are now playing down the hill) over the defense, Justin runs onto it, draws the keeper and neatly slots home.
Goal stands, 3-1, Mascot incensed!
We continued to play and press with the ref affording Yoshi some special protection in the middle,
fustrating the Mascot midfielders - every time Yoshi fell over, he got a free kick :)
We were given a free kick in our own half when a mascot player handled with Rod taking the kick.
Well, what can you say, ever ambitious Rod decides to go for goal and he gets it perfect with the Goalie floundering on the sandy surface, doing his best David Seaman impersonation as the ball sails
over his head into the corner. It all seemed to happen in slow motion. 3-2.
Rods familiar howls of delight could be hear for miles around
We had a great chance to level things when Terry connected with a cross with the outside of the left
boot but unfortunately it skimmed the top of the bar
Mascot kept playing and with the Green Machine pushing for the equaliser, some holes were appearing
in defense. In the dying minutes, a good move out wide on their left and low cross allowed the fast arriving midfielder to slot home and seal the result.
On a still night you can still hear Rods howls echoing through the eastern suburbs
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
Maroubra United 0 - 1 Pagewood A
So Close
Between holidays and injuries, we ony had 10 players turnup for this encounter
The opposition were in no better state with also only 10 men so it was going to be a long game in the sun
We tried to raise some 45Bs but could only get Jim who had to go home to get his gear
With Karl away, Nap volunteered for Keeper duty
Also we were short of defenders so Johnny moved to CB for the first time in his career
As expected Pagewood started strongly but our organisation and commitment, along with some luck, we managed to hold them at bay for over 20 minutes
After half an hour, they finally worked an opening with their central midfielder overlapping in the corner, creating a 2v1 and allowing then to get in a low cross to the near post where their striker managed to get in front of Johnny and finish past Nap, 1-0.
We continued to play well, winning some corners which Yoshi whipped into the back post. Steve made a lunge at one of these and unfortunately pulled his hammy.
The mood was good at halftime as everyone was putting in a solid shift and working for the team.
We did tire in the second half with Steve now unable to run but still managed to create a few chances but nothing that could beat the keeper.
Maybe if we took more risks we could have got something but with their pace up front they were able to break quickly so we always had to keep defenders back
Still, we've come a long way to be able to match and contain a team of this calibre.
Between holidays and injuries, we ony had 10 players turnup for this encounter
The opposition were in no better state with also only 10 men so it was going to be a long game in the sun
We tried to raise some 45Bs but could only get Jim who had to go home to get his gear
With Karl away, Nap volunteered for Keeper duty
Also we were short of defenders so Johnny moved to CB for the first time in his career
As expected Pagewood started strongly but our organisation and commitment, along with some luck, we managed to hold them at bay for over 20 minutes
After half an hour, they finally worked an opening with their central midfielder overlapping in the corner, creating a 2v1 and allowing then to get in a low cross to the near post where their striker managed to get in front of Johnny and finish past Nap, 1-0.
We continued to play well, winning some corners which Yoshi whipped into the back post. Steve made a lunge at one of these and unfortunately pulled his hammy.
The mood was good at halftime as everyone was putting in a solid shift and working for the team.
We did tire in the second half with Steve now unable to run but still managed to create a few chances but nothing that could beat the keeper.
Maybe if we took more risks we could have got something but with their pace up front they were able to break quickly so we always had to keep defenders back
Still, we've come a long way to be able to match and contain a team of this calibre.
Maroubra United 0 - 3 Redfern Raiders
Quality finishing makes the difference
This was our fifth attempt this season to play Redfern and finally the rain Gods allowed the game to proceed.
There was concern that we would have enough players for kickoff as number were running late but everyone made it and we started with a strong side.
We started well and were passing ok despite the wet ball from the dew. Redfern were up to it and also had a solid squad. It was obvious game plan was to put the ball in front of the Falcon for him to run onto and he was caught offside a couple of times early on.
Unfortunately after les than 20 minutes, Rod jerked his back and had to go off with Jimmy coming on to hold midfield. Soon after Dennis wasn't feeling right and went off with Jimmy now moving to the back.
We had a letoff when a shot deflected off Jimmy but Karl was alert and dived full stretch to push it behind
These changes upset the side balance and a very simple through ball to the Falcon allowed him skip clear of a stationary defence and fire past Karl, 1-0.
We countinued to play reasonably well marking a number of good changes from neat passing moves but all went the wrong side of the posts. But we were now soft in defensive midfield and Refern were able to come forward on numerous occasions. We had a let-off when one of their midfielders skyed his shot from 6 yards when a goal seemed certain - kudos to Karl for standing big and not committing
At halftime we were rather relaxed and confident while the Redfern squad yelled at each other.
Redfern came out strong and again our lack of a Defensive midfielder was helping, allowing Redfern time to shoot from outside the box with one effort finally on target and skipping past Karl on the wet grass into the corner
Redfern then started to self conbust with their midfileder booked for a bad tackle and then talked himself into a red.
There was still 20 minutes left and possibly a chance to get something out of this.
Redfern pull all but one back and defended in numbers, shutting down all attacking avenues
With a few minutes left they managed another throughball to the striker who got a lucky touch to take the ball past the defender and finish 3-0
Disappointing result for a game that was evenly balanced for 60 minutes but still all to play for
This was our fifth attempt this season to play Redfern and finally the rain Gods allowed the game to proceed.
There was concern that we would have enough players for kickoff as number were running late but everyone made it and we started with a strong side.
We started well and were passing ok despite the wet ball from the dew. Redfern were up to it and also had a solid squad. It was obvious game plan was to put the ball in front of the Falcon for him to run onto and he was caught offside a couple of times early on.
Unfortunately after les than 20 minutes, Rod jerked his back and had to go off with Jimmy coming on to hold midfield. Soon after Dennis wasn't feeling right and went off with Jimmy now moving to the back.
We had a letoff when a shot deflected off Jimmy but Karl was alert and dived full stretch to push it behind
These changes upset the side balance and a very simple through ball to the Falcon allowed him skip clear of a stationary defence and fire past Karl, 1-0.
We countinued to play reasonably well marking a number of good changes from neat passing moves but all went the wrong side of the posts. But we were now soft in defensive midfield and Refern were able to come forward on numerous occasions. We had a let-off when one of their midfielders skyed his shot from 6 yards when a goal seemed certain - kudos to Karl for standing big and not committing
At halftime we were rather relaxed and confident while the Redfern squad yelled at each other.
Redfern came out strong and again our lack of a Defensive midfielder was helping, allowing Redfern time to shoot from outside the box with one effort finally on target and skipping past Karl on the wet grass into the corner
Redfern then started to self conbust with their midfileder booked for a bad tackle and then talked himself into a red.
There was still 20 minutes left and possibly a chance to get something out of this.
Redfern pull all but one back and defended in numbers, shutting down all attacking avenues
With a few minutes left they managed another throughball to the striker who got a lucky touch to take the ball past the defender and finish 3-0
Disappointing result for a game that was evenly balanced for 60 minutes but still all to play for
Dunbar A 10 - 0 Maroubra United
Dunbar exact revenge
This was our first game at NCIE and the biggest challenge was finding out how to get in - for those who actually found the venue
With a decimated squad and one returning home to get their socks, this was always going to be a difficult fixture, especially as Dunbar were out for revenge following their defeat to us early in the season.
The game soon developed a pattern -
1. Ref gave Dunbar a penalty for Jimmy breathing on Dunbar player while challenging for a hearer (no one called for it)
2. A gentle backpass from Jason that caught Karl sleeping and bobbled into the top right-hand corner of the goal
Only sour point was Dunbar player elbowing Francis in the face which Ref didn't see. The Dunbar coach did come and apologise but not the offending player (whose name we won't put in print)
It was a no alcohol venue so Rod had to cart home the beers
This was our first game at NCIE and the biggest challenge was finding out how to get in - for those who actually found the venue
With a decimated squad and one returning home to get their socks, this was always going to be a difficult fixture, especially as Dunbar were out for revenge following their defeat to us early in the season.
The game soon developed a pattern -
- Maroubra get the ball
- Maroubra then kick ball away
- Dunbar get ball
- Dunbar pass ball to player on their team (repeat)
- Dunbar score
1. Ref gave Dunbar a penalty for Jimmy breathing on Dunbar player while challenging for a hearer (no one called for it)
2. A gentle backpass from Jason that caught Karl sleeping and bobbled into the top right-hand corner of the goal
Only sour point was Dunbar player elbowing Francis in the face which Ref didn't see. The Dunbar coach did come and apologise but not the offending player (whose name we won't put in print)
It was a no alcohol venue so Rod had to cart home the beers
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