Sydney Uni 1 - 2 Maroubra United

Super Leo drags Green Machine across the finish line

This was a must win game for the boys in green and we had a solid turnout in spite of Franks wayward directions!
Due to some washouts a ref was reassigned and arrived just in time for the start.
We were close to full strength and started well taking the game to Uni and creating chance after chance. However due to the short and narrow pitch, our forward were finding it difficult to get much space and most chances were snatched at.
We could have been 2 or 3 up if it wasn't for their excellent keeper who was having the game of his life!
Then, on the break, their attacking midfielder play a through ball down inside left chanel which the striker ran onto and smashed first time inside Karls near post. 0-1 down at the break
We brought on some fresh legs at the break and message to everyone was to keep playing football, they will tire and chances will come.
Patrick started the second half like a man on fire, first to every lose ball and closing down everything that came his way. Unfortunately this singled him out and when the opportunity came, the opposition hit him hard.
Patrick saw the challenge coming and raised his right hard to protect himself but the force of the body charge left him with multiple fractures to the wrist....
With Patrick making his way gingerly to RPA Emergency, Frank rejoined the fray but it wasn't long until he was smashed while challenging for a high ball, landing on the back of his head and needing to leave the pitch a bit dazed.
We continued to dominate with Pao marshaling the troops at the back and the team spreading the ball around looking for a way through.  Leo had obviously down a few espressos on his way to the game and was tormenting the Uni full back, turning him inside and out. With the sideline wondering if a cross would ever eventuate, Leo took the ball close to the sideline and drilled a cross low and hard inside the keeper to the back post, which it hit and went in ala Ned Zelic, 1-1, 20 minutes left, game on!
With time getting away from us, we quickly moved to our famed 3-5-2 formation, having to sacrifice a defender, Jason being the unlucky one.
With Yoshi and Rod now in control central mid, spreading the ball wide at every opportunity as Neil dragged defenders all over the field, controlling the ball near the left and feeding inside to Graham who smashed a 25 yarder towards the far corner of the net but once again, the keeper dives full length and turned around the post.
From the corner, Pao made contact but knowing he couldn't get enough power in the header to trouble the keeper, he intelligently headed back across goal where fox in the box, Leo poked home, 2-1 with 5 minutes left. We moved back to 4-5-1 and shut up shop as the minutes slowly passed but the ref continued to let play proceed even-though the clock had long passed the 45 minute mark.
Eventually, he blew and the result was secured, never in doubt!
With  Easts only managing a draw against Dunbar, we moved back up to 4th on goal difference with 2 games remaining.

Patrick was operated on Tuesday morning and we wish him a speedy recovery

Maroubra United 0 - 1 Redfern Raiders

Unlucky

This was an opportunity missed against a below par Redfern who were fortunate to take the 3 points thanks to an accidental hand ball in the area.

A fair and comprehensive report from Jonas (Redfern) so need for me to rehash, does he wear a stopwatch when playing to get the exact time of each incident?
http://redfernraidersfc.wordpress.com/

We should have made our superiority count in the first half, but one they got ahead it was always difficult. We created some half chances but it just wasn't our day...

Pagewood Botany 1 - 2 Maroubra United

Should have been more

Missing Graham, Darren and Selim who has now emigrated we had to reshuffle a little with Luke and Justin moving into central mid, Neil up front and Russell to right back.
Pagewood were struggling for numbers and had to rely on their 45s to make up the numbers.
We dominated from the off and as would continue for the whole game, we continually failed to make our superiority count.
Eventually Neil put us ahead with a quality headed finish from  a corner.
Soon after Pagewood advanced and the cross was met by Pao who for once had tracked back. Unfortunately the ball bounced up against his arm and the ref pointed to the spot.
The whole team lined up ready to pounce on the rebound but Wayne, the Pagewood winger had placed it perfectly in the right corner, 1-1.
For one our heads didn't drop but Pagewood came more into the game and almost had a second penalty when another awkward bounce came close to Francis' arm but thankfully ref was unmoved.
Once again we had some marginal offsides go against us - who remembers the olden days when the attackers got he benefit of the doubt especially when there are no linesmen?
Luke played a perfect through ball to Rod with the ball bouncing perfectly in front of him, he smashed but it sailed marginally over. However the keeper had made a massive dive to try and save it, injuring himself in the process and needing to be replaced.
Luckily Neil came to our rescue again finishing off a some good team work. 2-1 at the break
We started the second half with Jason upfront but unfortunately he hadn't brought his shooting boots and no matter how hard he tried he just couldn't hit the back of the net.
The score stayed as is leaving Pagewood with a chance to get back on level terms winning the odd throw and corner. Luckily for Maroubra they didn't have the height available to finish things off
In the last minute of the game, Philippe sliced a clearance and we all watched as it spun towards the corner of the goal in slow motion out of Karls reach, but luckily ending up outside the post.
So we survive to fight another day and other results went our way leaving us 2 points off 4th with 4 games to go

Maroubra United 0 - 2 Dunbar Rovers

Chances not taken

We went into this fired up and ready for battle but things didn't go as planned...
An early freekick conceded on the right was pumped into the box where their tall timber nodded back across goal for their winger to poke home 1-0.
We got into the swing of thing and were starting to dominate midfield when Dunbar punted forward and the ball drifted harmlessly towards Karl with Philippe sheltering through to him.
Then the ref blows and from his eagle eye position 50+ metres away somehow through the mass of bodies, decided Karl had handled outside the area when the ball was clearly inside the line..
The ref then awarded an indirect free-kick which anyone with a knowledge of the game would know was another incorrect decision as it should have been direct. Anyway, the Dunbar player touched the free-kick to his striker to smashed into the unguarded right corner of the net, 2-0.
Some of our players were by now very upset with the ref and it was affecting their game and some bookings followed
We continued to pin Dunbar back and a quality cross from Terry was chested down by Rod at the back post with nothing but the motionless keeper to beat but he struck it too close to said keeper who somehow turned it around the post.
We tried to regroup at halftime and refocus.
In the second half we continued to dominate but the Dunbar defense held strong with multiple blocks and last gasp clearances.
Both Neil and Terry had opportunities but again they went begging.
With about 15 minutes left, Darren accidentally handled and let out a few expletives but nothing particularly vulgar. Rather than warn him, the ref took the opportunity to issue a second yellow and reduce us to 10 men
Even a man down we still dominated but the game petered out.
A very disappointing result considering the opposition didn't create a single chance from open play

Coogee United 0 - 5 Maroubra United

Job Done.

To say it was a windy afternoon would be an understatement indeed with some passes missing by 50 yards due to the gale force winds
We were without striker Luke so Neil moved upfront with Graham back in the middle with Russell and Jimmy.
It was tough going with Coogee just hacking everything away and we were finding it difficult to judge the final ball in the conditions and their keeper was having an excellent game
Finally after 25 minutes  Neil prodded one home soon followed by Terry and Graham just before the break to make look respectable at the break
Karl was having difficulty keep warm and was regularly standing on the halfway line with the game being played in the Coogee box
Midway through the half Neil latched onto a perfectly weighted trhough ball from Leo and smashed home a low drive from 20 yards. Quality goal, 4-0.
In fareness to Coogee, they never gave up with the midfield continuing to work hard and break forward whenever possible. Midway through the half they won a free kick on the edge of the area and their taker placed it perfectly around the wall and it was heading for the corner until Karl dives across and pushed around the post to preserve his clean sheet.
Neil finally completed his hat-trick late in the game with another solid effort the retreating defender could do nothing to prevent it ending up in the net

Easts 2 - 1 Maroubra United

Not our day

Once again Easts were struggling for players but come 3pm, they all 11 ready to start. Without a keeper, they had one of their better players in goal
We struggled to get a toe hold in the game early doors. Easts scored after 5 minutes and looked well offside.

Luke volleyed his chance well late in the half following a sweeping cross field pass from Rod. On the balance the sides were becoming fairly even. They just seemed to have more a little potency from their midfield when they got forward. Perhaps we were lucky to be on terms at half time with a rash tackle adjudged outside after initially giving a penalty.

Second half they took control and we were lucky not to concede with several penalty and free kicks around the box, we lost it in midfield and the balls just kept coming back which wasn't helped by the wind.
Karl did everything he could to keep us in the game and they didn't look like scoring from open play.
He saved the second penalty but the ball rebounded to the taker who slotted home 1-2.
We seemed to regain it the last 20  with a more balanced side on the pitch and did try for the equaliser, Luke was unlucky with some of his misses.
Selim came close stretching for a header from a cross from Rod, Jimmy had a free kick that was also tipped over the bar by the keeper, an excellent save.
But alas, it wasn't our day.
We now need 4 wins and a couple of draws to secure finals football - how badly do we want it?

Maroubra United 5 - 3 Waverly Old Boys

Supersubs do the business

It was a cold windy afternoon at Coral Sea but never the less we had a solid squad turnout
With Terry away we had a slight reshuffle with Russell moving to centre mid and Daz taking up right back with Rod in front of him.
We started really well and went ahead after 10 minutes when Neil was taken down in the box and Luke duly converted. After 20 minutes Justin, aka the Pao, came on to give Russell a break and it wasn't long until he bundled home a corner after some ping-pong in the box. 2-0 and cruising or so it seemed.
With our midfiled tiring, their better midfielder made a sortie forward attepting a shot on goal which defence
blocked. Unfortunaltely, the ball fell kingly back to him and he smashed home, 2-1.
This sprung Waverly into life and they started to attack, especially down their right flank with their talented no11 causing havoc. He eventually made some space and whipped in a quality cross which their striker couldn't miss. 2-2 and almost half time.
A Yoshi inspired substition saw Frank return to the field for the remaining minutes of the half. Quickly he
intercepted a clearance and drove forward playing a through ball down the inside-left channel to Luke. He spun his man, cut the ball back, which was then fed across to Rod on the right who smashed it across goal towards the back post where Luke met to prod home, quality goal. 3-2 halftime.

The halftime chat concentrated on closing out the game, keeping our focus and limiting substitions for the sake of them. It was also noted that we needed to keep our mouths closed as they ref was getting card happy and obviously hadn't yet met his weekly targets.
For once we started the second half well controlling midfield and creating chance after chance with wasted opportunities and goal line clearances the order of the day.
Midway through the half Leo returned to the fray and was getting space on the right side allowing him to push forward and it wasn't long before he pounced on a pushed save from the keeper to double his season tally. 4-2
It was now up to the defense to hold firm and close out the game and they continue to work well as a unit.
when a Waverly midfielder raced towards a lose ball inside the Maroubra half, Philippe engaged the throttle,
pressed the nitro button, hitting warp speed as he advance towards the ball. However the Waverly player made it just before him, getting a touch, leaving Phil no option but to go straight through his man. Yellow card.
All the troops got back and were well organised however, the taker had different ideas and from close to 40
yards, place it perfectly just under the crossbar with Karl getting his fingers to it but not enough to tip it over.
4-3, not again....
We freshened things up again and maintained our dominance soon scoring again through the big man Justin.
5-3 allowing Francis a gloat at the striker he was marking. But it wasn't over yet, Neil was held back in the box but the ref was unmoved so Neil issued a few trade mark expletives but the ref took it personally, stopping play and issue a second yellow. Down to 10 men with 6 minutes left
The bench wanted to make some defensive changes but we resisted as we felt the unit was working well,
shutting down all sorties forward as a team..
Finally the full time whistle sounded and we had recorded our second win of the season.
The season is now at the halfway point and we sit in 5th, 1 point off 4th, although Dunbar still have to play
Waverly in a catchup. With only 1 loss in 8 games, its a solid start but our win ratio needs to improve to make the top 4.

Lokomotiv Cove 2 - 2 Maroubra United

Another Solid Result

We had an enthusiastic bunch out bright and early for this 9am away kickoff
Neil passed a late fitness test and Terry jetted in just in time for kickoff
Rods right peg returned to the side after an extended period of playing second fiddle to his ever improving left.
We started well and quickly figured out Loko's game plan, allowing us to start intercepting their through balls
and layoffs. Their burly striker was getting no space and the quick movement of our midfielders was causing
them problems.
Midway through the half, the defence broke down another attack and fed the ball forward quickly which was
switched to Rod storming down the right flank who crossed to the back post and somehow Neil, advancing at a rate of knots, rose brilliantly to head home. 1-0.
Of course we now needed to hold firm as Loko looked to get back on level terms but we started dropping too deep, conceeding space and after the ball had seemingly bounced around the 6 yard box with 4 defenders looking on, it was half cleared towards the edge of the area. A Loko player took possession with his back to goal and there seemed little threat but he was then fouled from behind, resulting in a penalty.
The Loko striker stepped up and delayed his run up, out psyching Karl with the ball going to his right as he dived left. 1-1 halftime.

Once again after half time we seemed to drop in effort allowing Loko to come back strong into the game with their no4 starting to control things. He latched onto a through ball and got himself into a 1on1 with Karl who closed down the angles well but he somehow still squeezed it in at the near post. 2-1 to Loko

Midway through the second half, the jetlag caught up with Terry and he went off for a quick nap.
With the game seemingly getting away from us, we battled on, rotating the midfielders to keep things fresh
Another quick break forward saw Neil and Burcin working well to feed the ball to Leo approaching from the right who smashed a first time shot into the corner 2-2.

Again Loko came back strong with Karl and the defense working tirelessly to keep them at bay. Another defensive clearance fell to Luke on the halfway line who spun his man and was about to set off when he was cut down. The defender had already been book so he was sent from the field.
With only a few minutes left, we pushed forward but Loko had all but 1 now playing defense.
A corner was won and Rod delivered the perfect ball which was met with a glancing header from Neil but unfortunately he couldn't get enough contact to get on target and it went the wrong side of the post.
That was just about the last chance of the game.

Overall, another very solid squad performance against one of the top teams in the division but we need to
get more ruthless and not allow teams back into games.

Maroubra United 1 - 2 Sydney Uni

Second half to forget

We returned to our bumpy goat track (as Redfern respectfully referred to it) on a warm sunny Sunday morning.
The team layout was pretty clear in advance with everyone in familiar roles
Midfield was strong from the start and defence was limiting the oppositions chances on goal. Any corners conceeded with dealt with
The planned changes were made with Pao going upfront for Luke which quickly paid off with Justin putting the ball through for Graham to chase as the keeper hesitated. Graham busted a gut, getting there first and putting the ball over the keeper into the top right corner, just reward for his efforts
Player for player, we were bettering them all over the pitch with re-enforcements coming at the right time before the break to ensure we saw out the half.
The half time talk clearly laid out what was required for the second half but then we went out and completely ignored it.
Their best player was given the freedom of the park and he duly punished us. We started to foul in desperation which played into their hands with their dead ball expertise. We were fortunate that one of the training ground routines that ended up in the top corner was ruled out for offside, most refs wouldn't have disallowed it. But another needless foul 30m out caught us napping as they played it short to their star player who put it in the top corner.
After that we finally woke up and took control again but try as we might, nothing would fall for us and goal mouth scrambles were somehow cleared one after another.

Lets put this down to a learning experience and get it out of our systems Wednesday night.

Redfern Raiders 2 - 2 Maroubra United

Tragic finish. We deserved to take the points today.

With Turruwul closed, the game was moved to Coral Sea. We had a reduced squad with a few people away and with Russell and Daz out injured. Rod and Yoshi made themselves available eventhough both were still carrying knocks.

The squad got there early allowing a solid warmup and we started the game at a great pace, taking control.
Our front trio of Luke/Neil/Selim combined well throughout the first half, creating numerous chances and of course the first goal.

We managed to hold out until half time with the defense playing well and limiting any clear cut opportunities with Francis and Philippe both excelling.
Unfortunately Neil couldn't return after the break so Rod put down the zimer-frame and hobbled on in his place. While we started the half reasonably well, Redfern got a lucky break when a cross come shot went in off the back post.
At this stage Redfern thought the game was theirs and assumed they would go on to get a few more but the defense held firm and our midfield worked hard to close down space.
Midway through the half Jimmy surged forward through the middle with the ball, leaving the defense a little worried about the space he was leaving behind him, but never fear, he laid it into Luke's path who crossed it into the middle for the onrushing Selim to flick into the top corner with a classic headed finish.

In response Redfern subbed half their team, even taking off their talismatic striker but we continued to work hard for each other with every man giving his all for the cause. Leo must have managed at least 20 minutes!
With the clock running down and only minutes left (Dennis' watch was saying time was up  but I think he bought it at Paddy markets), one of their fresher midfielders made a burst through the middle and executed a perfect chip-shot from 25 yards that Karl could do nothing about 2-2
They even managed to create another chance before the final whistle but fortunately their striker put it the wrong side of the post but it was so close...

We were fantastic for long periods. The training and getting there early is really catching our opponents and we looked very good for the first 30 minutes. Our 2 goals were great team goals and the finishes were Division 1 quality, really magnificent.

That was the first goals Redfern have conceded this year. We fell short by 45 seconds from taking the 3 points. There were some tired legs but we defended like Spartans and attacked like Panthers on the counter.
Rod got some needed game time and got into it when they tired. In fact, everyone played more than normal

2 years ago if you remember Redfern used to have a bit of a laugh at our expense and just thought they would turn up for the points. This year we have given them the fright of their season so far. They won the GF last year, so we now have a good yardstick of where we are at.


Even though we were playing at home, the odds were stacked against us - Rod and Yoshi playing on 1 leg each for most of the game, Neil injured just before half time so the boys really dug in deep for that second half which was enjoyable to play in (with the exception of the last 5 minutes). And let’s not forget the foul on Luke – he was in the box, it was a penalty but he rolled outside so a free kick was given instead!

Onwards and upwards boys - see you all Wednesday!

Maroubra United 2 - 2 Pagewood

Another commendable squad performance

Lads, another hard-working display on Sunday and although disappointing that we conceded two goals and let the oppo back in, the facts are that we remain undefeated this year, have the biggest, fittest, bravest and strongest squad (not sure about the handsomest) and are getting better week on week. 

Another sterling effort by Karl in nets and he made several brave and acrobatic stops to keep parity. All agreed his confidence is up and he's flourishing- 'can you imagine how good he could be if he came to training?' someone (anon) was heard saying afterwards!! 

Defence had another tough and challenging game and had to deal with many crosses, high balls and over the tops and did really well to keep a clean sheet until well into the second half. Much better and organised on set pieces incl. corners and kept possession better. I thought Francis was the pick of the bunch and was a goliath in defence. The OG was terribly unlucky and the second was probably my fault by not tracking back. I still think we sat too deep at the back and this causes undue pressure!

In Midfield Jimmy gave a 'best on pitch' contribution and demanded positive and constructive comments as well as calm amongst the increasingly excitable Maroobs Masters! (No names mentioned NP and DB!!) There were some excellent in-swingers that we didn't take advantage of but we looked threatening and on another day there would have been a few goals. 

In the centre of the park I think we had a better, tighter second half but there is still done work to be done on the formation. Selim had a cracking game and and is frighteningly quick for a 65 year old!

Big thanks again to Luke who did what we expect him to- scored multiple goals! Decent looping header from Dazzas cross and a lightening snapshot that flew into the top of the net before 'fatty in nets' could react!

Someone mentioned that Graham had a shot on goal but I think we all missed that one.....

Solid squad performance throughout a tough game and hopefully everyone enjoyed it. Thanks to Frank for logistics, Yoshi for reffing & beers and the sideline contribution and support of Den and Rod!

See you on Wednesday!

LGC

P.s Liverpool are still the best team in the EPL!

Maroubra United 7 - 1 Coogee United

Great Squad Effort

Lads,

Great effort once again and a huge squad performance.

There were many highlights and a few areas that required finesse.

Again our defence did extraordinarily well and kept the enemy to 1 goal. Karl was dominant and the back line aside from some possessional discrepancies were safe! 'Make sure your last pass hits a Bra Boy!' Thanks Justin.

Midfield was like my wife's Tarte Tartin, upside down but mostly exquisite! We need to have slightly more organisation but we were delicious for the most part. When he wasn't beating people up Frank was interrogating the oppo and disrupting them and had a stormer. 

The front three did their job and put the ball in the back of the onion net (when I say three I mean Dazza as well as he can't help himself even though he was midfield!)

4 for Saleem and a maiden hatrick for the captain of the night LGC! By the way Happy Birthday Leo and 90 minutes for you on Sunday!!!

Viva la MUFC!!

P.S was I the only one who was secretly pleased that the Keeper kept out Terry's top corner screamer???

Dunbar Rovers 3 - 3 Maroubra United

Great Comeback!

Lads

Really solid Squad performance. Great turn out and with a few injuries it clearly demonstrates we have the depth to last the season.

I thought a few highlights were:

Justin stepping into centre half and exerting a calm and controlling influence

Luke's pin-point accuracy and fox-in-the-box awareness that seen him bang in a brace and

Dazzas return. The energy, the random Cruyff turn and Ronaldo over-step, the ripper cross-bar-shattering first effort and the goal to get us back in it!

As always we have a few things to work on but it's early in the season. Solid start and see you on Wednesday for round 3!

Points on the board

Well guys, a baptism of fire but we survived and took a point

For last 20 mins of first half we were completely overrun but somehow limited clear cut chances with our central defenders and Karl doing an excellent job

We did produce the best chance of the first half with Terry unluckly not to hit the target.

In the second half with the wind at our backs we took control with one well taken goal and should really have had a couple more

With about 15 mins left the lions won a corner which was only half cleared and their winger smashed a shot between Jimmy on the post and Karl.

With Den on the sideline making some astute adjustments to shore things up we held out and I think both side were satisfied at the end

Special thanks to Den and Daz for marshalling the line and providing constructive coaching and advice.

On reflection, I think a draw was a fair result. I know it felt like a defeat but that's not a bad thing as it illustrates our hunger and passion for winning as well as our high expectations!!

3 positive points to note
1. Keeper had a stormer and is generally coming for the ball - gives everyone confidence
2. We generally looked fitter than the opposition
3. We were almighty on the counter attack and were dangerous every time (just like the mighty Reds)

3 constructive points to note
1. We must allocate a designated free- taker/goal kicker in the back-line. Far too often we didn't reach our target and put pressure on ourselves
2. We need an agreed strategy/plan for midfield (4,5, diamond???) and we need to stick to this and let the opposition chase us not the other way round!
3. Strikers, head over the ball!!