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
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