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!