Sunday, April 23, 2006
So what about the Game???
Have a quiet evening, so thought that I would get off my butt and post something to my blog. As I said last time, I would post regarding the 2006 soccer season and how the GBC team is progessing on our quest for glory and fitness.
We turned up on Saturday to face our bogey team from the last couple of years, South Hurstville Uniting on a re-surfaced Todd Park.
Unfortunately due to the lack of rain, inability to water and the extemely heavy traffic the ground has all week, it was already very dusty in a couple of places. Goodness knows what it will be like by the end of the season unless we get some rain. Team news we started with Aaron from Team Thunder on the park playing up front and the encouraging item that the Bocos brothers and Marcelo may be ditching the wedding mid-stream and come and play!
Game started off well for us, exceptionally well given that we are not necessarily known for our quick starts. The game was only minutes old when a through ball to Aaron on half way saw him with a nice turn of speed and skill in behind the Souths defense and showing them a clean pair of heels.
He zeroed in on the advancing keeper and clinically slotted the ball into the back of the net to the delight of the Team Thunder cheer squad behind the net and to the absolute delight of Gymea. 1-0 to us, what a start. Now before the game the talk was that Souths had lost some players and picked up some others. Certainly there were some familiar faces missing however the back 4 looked very familiar and this start jolted them into action. We held this lead despite some spirited attack from Souths. Souths were using the width of the field well however with a combination of good scrambling and skill, Andrew, Sam, Peter, Ross and Adam held them out. While this was
working, Andrew in the nice new BLUE shirt and new gloves was probably being called on a little too much. Sam and Adam were having particularly strong games in the backs as we defended hard. Whilst the focus seemed to be on defence, we were able to make some nice inroads into Souths half and onto goal however the back 4 were proving tough to get through, past and over. Sean was having a nice tussle with his opposite man and Bruce and Craig were doing everything to try and hold the mid field. Approaching half time, Souths received a penalty outside the box and off near the our left hand side line. The kick was good however the Souths player in the box ran
through and brushed Andrew's shoulder as he was going up for the ball and the end result was the ball ending in the net with not a hand on it.
Disappointing to level up close to half time however it was one of those goals that happen, though Souths always seem to be able to get those against us. 1-1 was the half time score and while I think the possession on the field was probably with Souths, we were certainly in the game with a 1-1 score line.
At half time the Bocos brothers had arrived and were playing ready, Marcelo was not able to get the approporiate leave pass from the wife, we understand Marcelo. Greatly needed reserves. My knee was not good so Jeff came straight on and Wally subed for Bruce about 10 minutes in who was still feeling the effects from last weeks strain to the groin. I can't recall whether Souths made any changes up front or it was just us starting to tell in the legs from the tough first half however Souths had 2 young
guys up front that were really starting to stretch our defense. Combined with this we seemed a little off the ball and Souths are a team that will take this advantage and really knock you off the ball. From the side it looked like they had plenty of time and people everywhere to control the ball and we were rushed and a couple of players down. The pressure Souths were exerting told when a long Peter Hinton goal kick was headed straight back to the young forward who was quickly able to get in behind our defense and with a quick snap, able to put the ball low and to the side of Andrew
for a score. 2-1 to Souths but with plenty of game to play. We continued to scrap hard for every meter of ground, determined not to let Souths get away. The next score was unfortunate. Peter Hinton had been very long all game with his goal kicks and just once, he miss hit one. The two young Souths forwards pounced and between them took advantage of the opportunity and with their speed and skill, were able to beat Peter and Andrew to score and make it 3-1 to Souths. To our credit we took the tough option. We could have dropped our heads and the score could have been anything however we put in as hard as we could to score and to keep Souths out. Sean, who I
found out later was not well, had an inspiring and determined half combined
with some good work from Wally, Jeff and Craig put some pressure on Souths.
A really nice move down the right saw a cross to Sean who put on a really good shot however the young Souths keeper pulled off a ripper of a diving save to deny the goal. Not long later, a good cross from Craig found Sean again and his header was just wide. The defense held tight with Ross Giles playing a full game and despite having the young legs running at him, showed that experience counts by often foiling the Souths attack. Despite our best efforts in attack, Souths are experienced in closing down games and the back 4 were giving us no room and were tough all game and the game finished with a 3-1 loss.
It was a disappointing loss however it is only the second game and I think out lack of match fitness showed a little on the bigger, wider ground at Todd. We just lost the legs a little and this made it hard to fully compete being a step behind. Certainly trying to run down the younger, faster Souths forwards told on our backs There were some encouraging signs and with more games, it will come together, though I would like to beat Souths just once!
Player of the match this week was another of the new boys, Sam Luccitti. A very quite man who doesn't say much however he knows his way around a soccer field. Played in the middle backs on Saturday was everywhere, with plenty of skill and determination. Stopped many a Souths raid however also has that ability to take the ball and look for options to set up a counter attack. Lovely skill in the air and on the ground making Sam a wonderful recruit. Has polled points in the first two games to show that he is a man with a lot to offer the team. Well done Sam.
Second points and only just missing the top points this week in arguably the best game I've seen him play was Adam Lewis. Stood very tall in the right back position, particularly in the first half. With my knee going early in the game I couldn't offer Adam much support but that didn't worry Adam (probably did but he didn't say anything). Was tough on the ground, often having two Souths players on him and in the air, using his height to advantage. Was able to promote the ball up field as well in a strong display and Adam was key in the score only being 1-1 at half time.
Continued with the good play in the second half and thoroughly deserved the
points this week.
Third points this week and just to emphasise how tough in was in the backs was Ross Giles. Ross is a regular half game player however put in a full game this week and excelled. It's great to watch Ross defend, how he times his moves perfectly and just always seems to be in the right position. He had a speed man coming at him in the second half and except for a couple of times when he got away, had him under control. Excellent performance Ross and well done on the points haul.
Notable mentions this week. Sean was just pipped for points after a determined and solid display up front. Aaron after his first up goal got a little swamped as the game went on and Sean was battling away often by himself. Was doing everything to get Gymea going and was unlucky not to have scored at least once, with the keeper denying a great shot with a great save.
Peter Hinton is a player who goes largely un-noticed however his work is top shelf and we probably just expect it each week. Peter has so much experience in the backs and is able to intercept in the air or ground so often and in the first half he cut off a lot of Souths attack with tough play. Was unlucky to be involved in the third goal as he really had some length on the goal kicks on Saturday.
Greg Horth was another quiet achiever playing on the left of the field in the halves. Beat his man often with skill and a step and defended as hard as ever. Scored well in the points to show that people notice quality work.
Craig Abrahams, the sticky tape man was in the action the whole game again and is just a whole hearted, tough competitor, someone that every team needs working away in the middle.
Andrew Merchant turned out in the blue this week and with new gloves. I know (cause he took me home) he was dirty on letting all 3 goals through believing that he should have stopped them however there were also many other times when Andrew was diving at the feet of oncoming Souths players and stopping shots. WIll be better for the run as it was his first game and the second two goals of Souths were well finished so I wouldn't be that hard on yourself Andrew.
Captain Bruce was carrying the injury from last week and stood tall in the middle in the first half. Defended well in the air and ground and hopefully the two weeks off gets the leg a little better.
Wally was full of running in the second half as usual and was backing Sean up in attack and it was great to be able to sub him on in hte second half.
Jeff was also fully appreciated in the second half. One memorable moment later in the half when he beat two Souths Players with superb skill and when the third player came in, was able to step, skip and turn away from him as well. A very impressive piece of play and will be better for every run on the park.
We turned up on Saturday to face our bogey team from the last couple of years, South Hurstville Uniting on a re-surfaced Todd Park.
Unfortunately due to the lack of rain, inability to water and the extemely heavy traffic the ground has all week, it was already very dusty in a couple of places. Goodness knows what it will be like by the end of the season unless we get some rain. Team news we started with Aaron from Team Thunder on the park playing up front and the encouraging item that the Bocos brothers and Marcelo may be ditching the wedding mid-stream and come and play!
Game started off well for us, exceptionally well given that we are not necessarily known for our quick starts. The game was only minutes old when a through ball to Aaron on half way saw him with a nice turn of speed and skill in behind the Souths defense and showing them a clean pair of heels.
He zeroed in on the advancing keeper and clinically slotted the ball into the back of the net to the delight of the Team Thunder cheer squad behind the net and to the absolute delight of Gymea. 1-0 to us, what a start. Now before the game the talk was that Souths had lost some players and picked up some others. Certainly there were some familiar faces missing however the back 4 looked very familiar and this start jolted them into action. We held this lead despite some spirited attack from Souths. Souths were using the width of the field well however with a combination of good scrambling and skill, Andrew, Sam, Peter, Ross and Adam held them out. While this was
working, Andrew in the nice new BLUE shirt and new gloves was probably being called on a little too much. Sam and Adam were having particularly strong games in the backs as we defended hard. Whilst the focus seemed to be on defence, we were able to make some nice inroads into Souths half and onto goal however the back 4 were proving tough to get through, past and over. Sean was having a nice tussle with his opposite man and Bruce and Craig were doing everything to try and hold the mid field. Approaching half time, Souths received a penalty outside the box and off near the our left hand side line. The kick was good however the Souths player in the box ran
through and brushed Andrew's shoulder as he was going up for the ball and the end result was the ball ending in the net with not a hand on it.
Disappointing to level up close to half time however it was one of those goals that happen, though Souths always seem to be able to get those against us. 1-1 was the half time score and while I think the possession on the field was probably with Souths, we were certainly in the game with a 1-1 score line.
At half time the Bocos brothers had arrived and were playing ready, Marcelo was not able to get the approporiate leave pass from the wife, we understand Marcelo. Greatly needed reserves. My knee was not good so Jeff came straight on and Wally subed for Bruce about 10 minutes in who was still feeling the effects from last weeks strain to the groin. I can't recall whether Souths made any changes up front or it was just us starting to tell in the legs from the tough first half however Souths had 2 young
guys up front that were really starting to stretch our defense. Combined with this we seemed a little off the ball and Souths are a team that will take this advantage and really knock you off the ball. From the side it looked like they had plenty of time and people everywhere to control the ball and we were rushed and a couple of players down. The pressure Souths were exerting told when a long Peter Hinton goal kick was headed straight back to the young forward who was quickly able to get in behind our defense and with a quick snap, able to put the ball low and to the side of Andrew
for a score. 2-1 to Souths but with plenty of game to play. We continued to scrap hard for every meter of ground, determined not to let Souths get away. The next score was unfortunate. Peter Hinton had been very long all game with his goal kicks and just once, he miss hit one. The two young Souths forwards pounced and between them took advantage of the opportunity and with their speed and skill, were able to beat Peter and Andrew to score and make it 3-1 to Souths. To our credit we took the tough option. We could have dropped our heads and the score could have been anything however we put in as hard as we could to score and to keep Souths out. Sean, who I
found out later was not well, had an inspiring and determined half combined
with some good work from Wally, Jeff and Craig put some pressure on Souths.
A really nice move down the right saw a cross to Sean who put on a really good shot however the young Souths keeper pulled off a ripper of a diving save to deny the goal. Not long later, a good cross from Craig found Sean again and his header was just wide. The defense held tight with Ross Giles playing a full game and despite having the young legs running at him, showed that experience counts by often foiling the Souths attack. Despite our best efforts in attack, Souths are experienced in closing down games and the back 4 were giving us no room and were tough all game and the game finished with a 3-1 loss.
It was a disappointing loss however it is only the second game and I think out lack of match fitness showed a little on the bigger, wider ground at Todd. We just lost the legs a little and this made it hard to fully compete being a step behind. Certainly trying to run down the younger, faster Souths forwards told on our backs There were some encouraging signs and with more games, it will come together, though I would like to beat Souths just once!
Player of the match this week was another of the new boys, Sam Luccitti. A very quite man who doesn't say much however he knows his way around a soccer field. Played in the middle backs on Saturday was everywhere, with plenty of skill and determination. Stopped many a Souths raid however also has that ability to take the ball and look for options to set up a counter attack. Lovely skill in the air and on the ground making Sam a wonderful recruit. Has polled points in the first two games to show that he is a man with a lot to offer the team. Well done Sam.
Second points and only just missing the top points this week in arguably the best game I've seen him play was Adam Lewis. Stood very tall in the right back position, particularly in the first half. With my knee going early in the game I couldn't offer Adam much support but that didn't worry Adam (probably did but he didn't say anything). Was tough on the ground, often having two Souths players on him and in the air, using his height to advantage. Was able to promote the ball up field as well in a strong display and Adam was key in the score only being 1-1 at half time.
Continued with the good play in the second half and thoroughly deserved the
points this week.
Third points this week and just to emphasise how tough in was in the backs was Ross Giles. Ross is a regular half game player however put in a full game this week and excelled. It's great to watch Ross defend, how he times his moves perfectly and just always seems to be in the right position. He had a speed man coming at him in the second half and except for a couple of times when he got away, had him under control. Excellent performance Ross and well done on the points haul.
Notable mentions this week. Sean was just pipped for points after a determined and solid display up front. Aaron after his first up goal got a little swamped as the game went on and Sean was battling away often by himself. Was doing everything to get Gymea going and was unlucky not to have scored at least once, with the keeper denying a great shot with a great save.
Peter Hinton is a player who goes largely un-noticed however his work is top shelf and we probably just expect it each week. Peter has so much experience in the backs and is able to intercept in the air or ground so often and in the first half he cut off a lot of Souths attack with tough play. Was unlucky to be involved in the third goal as he really had some length on the goal kicks on Saturday.
Greg Horth was another quiet achiever playing on the left of the field in the halves. Beat his man often with skill and a step and defended as hard as ever. Scored well in the points to show that people notice quality work.
Craig Abrahams, the sticky tape man was in the action the whole game again and is just a whole hearted, tough competitor, someone that every team needs working away in the middle.
Andrew Merchant turned out in the blue this week and with new gloves. I know (cause he took me home) he was dirty on letting all 3 goals through believing that he should have stopped them however there were also many other times when Andrew was diving at the feet of oncoming Souths players and stopping shots. WIll be better for the run as it was his first game and the second two goals of Souths were well finished so I wouldn't be that hard on yourself Andrew.
Captain Bruce was carrying the injury from last week and stood tall in the middle in the first half. Defended well in the air and ground and hopefully the two weeks off gets the leg a little better.
Wally was full of running in the second half as usual and was backing Sean up in attack and it was great to be able to sub him on in hte second half.
Jeff was also fully appreciated in the second half. One memorable moment later in the half when he beat two Souths Players with superb skill and when the third player came in, was able to step, skip and turn away from him as well. A very impressive piece of play and will be better for every run on the park.
