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2007 |
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30.04.07 LEAGUE RESULT 29.04.07 – Grey Lynn Athletic 1 – 3 O’Carrolls
OC’s maintained their 100% start
to the season yesterday with a 3-1 victory over second-from-bottom Grey Lynn Athletic.
It was, however, another less than convincing performance as OC’s Division 2
campaign continues to stutter along. Perhaps there were a few tired legs after
the exertions of Wednesday’s Chatham Cup game, but whatever the reason, we’ve
yet to produce a display in the league anywhere near what we showed in midweek.
Team: Richie took over from Matt in goal, while one change in the
backline from Wednesday saw Max start at left back in place of Jobba. The
Scouser was pushed into the right side of midfield while Dan B made his way
back into the centre to partner Gus. Gibbo was on the left and the gaffer opted
for the same strike partnership as midweek, Tom W and Ash, who both found the
net in the Cup fixture. On the bench: James, Martin, Dan G, Lobster & Chris.
Dave Walsh and Olly were sidelined with injuries.
While Grey Lynn have yet to get any points on the board this season,
with those few games under their belt they are certainly a better side than the
one OC’s beat 5-0 in a pre-season friendly. Their intent was clear as they
launched a quick attack right from the kick-off, forcing us to defend early and
concede a throw deep in our own half. OC’s started quite well too though and
after Grey Lynn’s early spell of possession, we took the game to the home side.
The wide players, Gibbo in particular, were seeing plenty of the ball and there
were a few low crosses that just fizzed across the opposition goal with nobody
managing to get on the end of them. With about 15 minutes gone, Gibbo went past
the Grey Lynn right-back with ease and raced away from everybody into the box
before lifting the ball over the onrushing keeper and into the back of the net
- great goal from the Brummie. 0-1.
Not long after and OC’s were unlucky not to go further ahead, but were
twice denied by the woodwork. A good run down the right from Tom saw him evade
a challenge in the box before drilling a low ball across the face of goal. A
Grey Lynn defender stuck a leg out and deflected the ball past his keeper only
to see it come back out off the foot of the post. The rebound fell to Ash and
he smashed his effort off the crossbar before Grey Lynn eventually managed to
clear the danger.
Despite going ahead, we failed to build on it and Grey Lynn began to
exert some pressure on the OC’s defense. In fact for the last 20 minutes, it
was very much the home team in control. They were beginning to find plenty of
space between the midfield and defence and sensing they were on top, they
poured forward in search of an equalizer. They dragged a couple of shots wide
before clipping the top of the crossbar from a corner. Breaking again from
midfield, they finally found the equalizer they were looking for after some
quick passing saw their player race into the left side of 6-yard box and shoot
for goal. Richie got down to the shot but it somehow got away from him and
despite some last-ditch defending from Biddy, a Grey Lynn player eventually
stepped in to stroke the ball into the back of the net. 1-1 and on the balance
of play, few would argue they didn’t deserve it. It was a disheartened OC’s the
trudged off with the halftime whistle.
James replaced Dan B for the second half and took up position on the
right, while Jobba moved into midfield. Grey Lynn began the second half as they
had begun the first, forcing us to defend and early corner. OC’s then
demonstrated the danger we possess on the break when Gus restored the lead
within fifteen minutes of the restart.
It was a strike similar to Tow Trucks against NZCS midweek. Gus picked
the ball up on the edge of the 18-yard box, and while all around him were
losing their heads, he glanced up and chipped the ball over the flapping keeper
whose fingertip touch wasn’t enough to keep the ball out of the back of the net
- you just can’t teach that! 1-2 and it waas just the confidence boost we
needed. Minutes later and the lead was further extended when Gibbo scored his
second of the game. James took a quick throw from the right and caught the Grey
Lynn defence napping. Tow Truck received the ball and drilled it across goal to
Gibbo, who took the ball in his stride and smacked it past the keeper. 1-3, and
the two quick goals were a real sucker-punch to a Grey Lynn side that up until
then, had every chance of getting something out of the game.
Tiredness and cramp set into a few Grey Lynn players at this stage, but
they didn’t roll over and die. They were almost in for a second goal when Max
misjudged a bouncing ball and their forward raced in ahead of him, but Tom was
quickly across to put the ball out for a corner. At the other end OC’s too
continued to create chances, Gibbo curling a free kick just past the post,
while Jobba sent a rather hopeful effort well wide of the target. Dan G, on for
Ash, produced a stinging drive, forcing the Grey Lynn keeper to beat the ball
away at his near post. Grey Lynn won a few late corners and free kicks but only
produced a few half chances at best.
Man Of The Match went to Gibbo; scorer of two and a perfect example of
the goal threat the wide man possesses. Thanks to Grey Lynn for the game, it
was a good battle and OC’s had to work hard for the win. And thanks, for the
second week in a row, to the referee – here’s hoping we have one next week for
the visit of Zimbabwe Warriors.
The Editor
27.04.07 6-A-SIDE RESULT 26.04.07 – O’Carrolls 13 – 1 AtleticoSX
In
my absence last night, Gus and Dan B have contributed today’s reports.
Gus
had this to say:
“I
got 4, I think Ash got 5?? Tancy 2?? Jobba, Bradley 1??
They were rubbish, we all played OK
apart from Jobba who was shite.”
And
Dan added this:
“O'Carrolls
ran out 13-1 winners last night against *Useless FC in a game that can
only be described as textbook football. There was a changed line up for last
nights game, playing along with the usual suspects of Richie, Jobba, Tancy and
Gus was Ash and Dan B filling in for the absent James and the injured Tom
respectively. The O'Carrolls lads indicated the kind of night that was ahead
for their opposition when they converted within around 30 seconds of the kick
off with a fine display of passing and finishing. There were too many goals to
be described in detail but goal scorers were Gussy 4, Ash 5, Tancy 2, Jobba 1
and Dan B scoring his first O'Carrolls goal. The only blip on the night was a
suicidal back pass by Dan B that led to *Useless FC scoring a
consolation goal nearing the final minutes. Richie was quoted as to saying he
would have liked to come out of goal for the 2nd half but the football that was
being played was to good to break up.”
* Not actual team name – we presently
don’t know what they were called.
The Editor
26.04.07 CHATHAM CUP FIRST ROUND RESULT 25.04.07 – O’Carrolls 2 – 1 NZ Celtic
Supporters
OC’s booked their place in Round
Two of the Chatham Cup yesterday with a 2-1 victory against Premier outfit NZ
Celtic Supporters. Having gone behind against the run of play, the home side
showed some great spirit and determination to come back and win the game.
There was a slight reshuffle in
the pack for yesterday’s game: Dan G, Hirdy and Stu were all ineligible to
play; Olly was out with the injury sustained against Waitakere last week and
James is still away. Matt was in goal, Tancell returned from his holiday to
partner Biddy in defence, with Tom and Jobba the fullbacks. Dave W pushed on to
midfield alongside Gus, Dan B switched to the right in Olly’s absence and Gibbo
was out on the left. Ash and Tow Truck formed the strike partnership that would
be prove to be very effective on the day. Martin, Chris, Max and Lobster were
all on the bench.
The instructions were to get stuck
in right from the off and that’s exactly what OC’s did. The opening 15 minutes
were all about the home team as we penned NZCS back and worked hard to try and
find an opening goal. There were plenty of decent balls being pumped into the
box as the wide players found themselves with plenty of time and space, and Tow
Truck and Ash were working their socks off up-front. None of the early attempts
on goal materialized, but it was nothing to be concerned about – the way we
were playing a goal was going to come.
Against the run of play though,
NZCS took the lead midway through the half. Their left-winger found himself in
possession on the right side of the OC’s 18-yard box. Tom quickly closed him
down and managed to see the ball out for a throw-in, but somewhere in the there
the ref saw a foul and awarded a free-kick much to the bemusement of… well…
everybody. NZCS took full advantage and curled the free-kick into the top
corner beyond Matt. 0-1. Disappointing to concede when you’re on top in a game,
but OC’s heads didn’t drop. We continued to pressure the NZCS defence and their
lead was to be short-lived.
No more than ten minutes later
OC’s were rewarded with the goal they deserved. A penetrating run down the
right by Tom saw him knock a ball into the box, which was cleared back out to a
NZCS defender. He hesitated in possession and Tom was in quickly to poke the
ball back to Gus. He picked out Dan B who in turn laid it off to Tow Truck. His
shot ricocheted off an onrushing defender but it fell for Ash who half-volleyed
a shot to the keepers right. 1-1 and no less than the OC’s early pressure
deserved. We came close to taking the lead late on when a flurry of attempts
saw Gus, Ash and finally Tow Truck all denied by the keeper in quick
succession. All square going into the break and OC’s could be very pleased with
the first half performance.
OC’s got the second half off to a
dream start when Tow Truck gave us the lead with little over five minutes gone.
A goal kick from NZCS fell short to the feet of Dan B, his first time ball
found Tow Truck in space and he looped the ball over the keeper whose
fingertip-touch could only help it into the back of the net - 2-1 and a
magnificent strike from the front man.
The remainder of the half was a
wonderful spectacle of football from both sides. NZCS responded to going behind
and for a twenty-minute spell OC’s were forced to defend deep as the opposition
poured forward in search of an equalizer. The centre-halves were solid at the
back and Biddy was first to every ball that came his way. Chances were at a
premium and it was end-to-end stuff and a very nervy closing fifteen minutes.
Matt was forced to tip over a dangerous strike from the NZCS forward, while at
the other end Ash was denied only by the crossbar. Gus saw a volley from eight
yards flash wide of the post and when OC’s were awarded a free-kick about 30
yards out, Dave Walsh’s curling effort looked in all the way but for a smashing
save from the NZCS keeper.
With the prospect of extra-time,
OC’s certainly didn’t want to surrender an equalizer – Tow Truck was about the
only player confident of going for another half hour. Every player had run and
tackled hard for 90 minutes and nobody was more relieved than Tim when the
final whistle went - apparently he was a bag of nerves on the sidelines! Devoted OC’s supporter Shelley called it “a well-deserved win (even
if the ref did seem to blow the whistle, then play eenie-meenie-miny-mo with
who he awarded the decision to!!)”
Man Of The Match went to Tom in defence, but three others deserved it
just as much yesterday – Gus, Biddy and Tom W all put in MOTM-worthy
performances. Every player involved deserves credit for a terrific display.
Thanks to NZCS for a cracking game, it was played in great spirit and
best of luck for your league campaign. Maybe we’ll meet again in the Cup.
The Editor
23.04.07 LEAGUE RESULT 22.04.07 – O’Carrolls 3 – 2 Waitakere Rangers
OC’s took all three points
yesterday after a less than convincing display against Waitakere Rangers. Two
penalties from Dave Walsh and the opening goal from Gus secured the victory but
it was a nervy finish as Waitakere, having twice come back from a two-goal
deficit, pushed three up front in search of an equalizer.
There were only three changes from last weeks starting line-up against
the Roofers; Matt made way for Richie in goal, Tom W replaced the absent James
up front and with the late notification that Hirdy was unavailable, Biddy was reinstated
at centre-half alongside Dave Walsh. No need for us to supply a referee this
week, an official was appointed to the game after last week’s complaints. In
hindsight, Waitakere will probably be wishing one of us had reffed!
It was a slow start from the home side as Waitakere looked to impose
themselves early on. Their team possessed one of the top scorers (if not the
top scorer) from Division 2 last season so we were well aware of their goal
threat. The plan to keep things tight for the opening 15 minutes didn’t exactly
work out as OC’s were forced to defend deep for the opening spell. Aside from a
couple of corners however, Waitakere never really made their early possession
count and OC’s soon forced the opposition back into their own half and went in
search of the opening goal.
Out on the wings Olly & Gibbo weren’t getting as much service as
they’d have liked so the game was very much a battle in midfield as Gus &
Dan looked to feed the ball up to the front men. When the ball did find its way
out to Gibbo, his pace was clearly too much for the Waitakere defence to handle
and the keeper was called upon a couple of times to smother at the feet of the
Brummie. Tom W and Ash were holding the ball up and linking well with the
midfield and chances were beginning to come. The opening goal came with about
twenty minutes on the clock. A free kick was awarded outside the 18-yard box
and, having quickly fed Gibbo out on the left, Gus collected the return pass,
done his trademark shimmy past two defenders and struck the ball across goal
into the bottom corner. 1-0.
Waitakere looked a constant threat on the attack and they were
frustrated time and time again as the referee pulled them back for offsides. We
know it’s a risk to play the offside trap at this level but the centre-halves
were confident and it was working to our advantage. On the one notable occasion
Waitakere did beat the offside, the numbers they piled into the box caused the
defence problems and after a little head tennis the ball was eventually launched
clear by Gus. At the other end, Tow Truck’s pace caught the Waitakere defence
napping and when the keeper rushed from his line and bundled him over, the
referee didn’t hesitate in awarding the penalty. Dave Walsh calmly stepped up
and, having had his first effort wiped for failure to wait for the whistle, he
picked the same spot for his second effort - low to the keeper’s left. The
keeper’s attempt to psyche Dave out drew a few chuckles from both sides as his
starting position was lying on his stomach in the middle of the goal. Full
marks for originality!
Olly was forced off late in the half with a knee injury after a
crunching 50-50 challenge, so Martin came on in his place for the remainder and
OC’s took the 2-0 lead into the break. We weren’t electric in the opening 45
minutes by any means, but we were solid and reasonably happy with the
performance. Martin switched to left back for the second-half and Jobba took up
position on the right wing.
The second half was, as with last week, a lot more competitive.
Waitakere were pumping long balls into our half and the defence was called upon
a number of times to shepherd balls over the line. The opposition won a number
of corners, free-kicks and throw-ins but even with their height advantage
failed to really test Richie on goal; the closest effort saw a corner drift
over the bar, clipping the top on it’s way. It was an error from the home team
that allowed Waitakere back into the game. A goal kick from Richie failed to
get any distance and it fell to one of the opposition, who struck the ball
early and caught Richie off his line. The Irishman will be disappointed to
concede like that, but credit to the Waitakere player, it was a fine strike.
The goal restored hope for the opposition and they would very much have felt it
was game on… until the referee awarded a rather (I’m sure nobody will mind me
saying) dubious penalty to the home side.
Max, on for Ash, picked up the ball on the left and embarked on a mazy
run across the edge of the 18-yard box, evading at least two challenges in the
process. The keeper rushed out to meet him on the right side of the box and
looked to take the ball and then the man. The referee saw it the other way
round though and OC’s earned their second spot-kick of the game - full credit
to Max for not giving up! Dave won’t get an easier penalty as the keeper
refused to stand in for it in protest of the decision. 3-1. With plenty of
support from the midfield and even the defence, OC’s continued to create
chances. Jobba, like Gus in the first half, was denied only by the woodwork,
his effort crashing back off the crossbar.
Waitakere, while clearly disappointed to concede again, kept plugging
away and a long ball and a little luck saw them pull another goal back with
little over 15 minutes to play. Dave & Biddy were well placed when the ball
was pumped up field but Dave’s/Biddy’s clearance ricocheted off Biddy/Dave
(with two Waitakere forwards in the mix also it was hard to see) and fell
nicely for the opposition player who made no mistake blasting it into the back
of the net - another good strike and not a lot that the keeper could have done.
At 3-2 it made for a tense final few minutes as Waitakere poured forward
looking for the equalizer. They won a number of free kicks and a late corner
but OC’s repelled every attack and saw the game out to take the three points.
Man Of The Match on the day went to me (Tom). Biddy reckons I won it for
‘wandering’ – I prefer ‘penetrating runs’! Tim reckons it was one of our worst
performances so that takes some of the shine off the MOTM award, but hey, like
Stu, I’ll claim anything!
Wednesday sees us face NZ Celtic Supporters in the preliminary round of
the Chatham Cup. They currently lie second in the Premier Division with
identical stats to us. We will need to up our game a notch if we want to go
through to the first round of the competition.
The Editor
16.04.07 LEAGUE RESULT 15.04.07 – O’Carrolls 4 – 0 Waikaraka Roofers
We kicked off our Division 2
campaign on Sunday afternoon with a richly deserved 4-0 win against Waikaraka
Roofers at Seddon Fields. While we were made to work hard for the three points,
the game could have been wrapped up by halftime given the number of good
chances we created in the opening forty-five. Instead we went in at the break
with a slender 1-0 lead and had to wait until midway through the second half
for the all-important second goal.
With captain Biddy pulling out of the game late on with a groin injury
(picked up playing for another team on Saturday… humph!) Dave Walsh was handed the
captains armband and joined Hirdy at centre half. Matt was between the sticks
while Tom & Jobba were on the right and left respectively. Gibbo, Dan B,
Gus & Olly were across the middle and James & Ash were paired together
up front. Richie kindly took control of the whistle for the opening game of the
season.
After a patchy opening ten minutes with neither side really taking the
game by the neck, it was OC’s that began to look the team most likely to break
the deadlock. The wingers were enjoying plenty of possession and with the
midfield duo of Gus & Dan pushing on in support, the forwards were getting
plenty of service in and around the 6-yard box. A number of good chances went
begging before Gibbo popped up with the opening goal. Some great work from Gus
found Ash with space on the right side; he whipped in a cross to the backpost
where Gibbo was on hand to smack one home with his right boot.
With the lead secured OC’s looked for the second goal, but despite all
the pressure it just didn’t look like it was going to come. James was guilty of
missing a couple of gilt-edged opportunities (shall we put it down to a late
night partying?), while efforts from both himself and Gus were kept out only by
the woodwork.
Roofers rarely threatened the OC’s goal first half; the wind ensured
that their attempted long balls got no further than the midfield. Hirdy and
Dave mopped up most free kicks and corners that were delivered into the box,
while Matt comfortably dealt with the handful of attempts on his goal. The
keeper found himself in a heap early on after a late and dangerous challenge
from a Roofers forward, but after a few choice words he picked himself up and
dusted himself off.
We know that 1-0 isn’t the safest of leads, and after the glut of
chances missed to double the lead there was that nagging worry if maybe it
wasn’t going to come. The instructions were just to keep doing what we were
doing (well, Biddy had a few words of advice for Dave on calling his line), and
the pressure finally paid off in the second half.
Our intentions were clear after Ash struck the post not long after the
restart. Roofers enjoyed more possession second half and it was very much
end-to-end stuff for a little spell. Roofers had two very good chances to get
themselves back into the game but Dave put enough pressure on their forward to
put him off his header, while a loose ball on the edge of the 18-yard box was
blazed over. That was enough of a warning that the second goal was needed and
the gaffer made a couple of changes on the hour mark that proved to be
decisive. Olly made way for Stu and Tow Truck replaced luckless James; and it
was Stu with his first touch that delivered goal No.2!
Gus, who had produced a midfield display well worthy of his Man Of The
Match award, picked up possession about 20 yards out. With one touch to set
himself he struck a shot that looked destined for the back of the net only to
see it come back out off the crossbar. Stu was first to react to the rebound
and his effort wriggled in under the keeper and over the line. OC’s rarely (if
ever) surrender a 2-0 lead. The substitutes combined for the next goal as Stu
picked out Tow Truck with a long diagonal ball; his first effort was straight
at the keeper and when his follow up rebounded off the post, Ash was on hand to
stroke the loose ball home for the third goal. A great final contribution from
Ash as he made way for Dan G.
By now the Roofers had resorted to contesting every decision made by the
ref regardless of whether it was wrong or right and the petulant comments from
their sideline did little to help the mood of the game. As was pointed out to
their captain, it wasn’t down to refereeing decisions that they found
themselves 3-0 down, but it fell on deaf ears.
Tow Truck was causing the defence all sorts of problems with his energy
and pace since his introduction and having been denied a blatent penalty (the
referee explained his reasons and it was probably for the best), he produced a
piece of individual brilliance to wrap up the scoring, leaving a couple of
defenders in his wake and coolly finding the back of the net.
Job done and we kick off the season with three points. Next week we face
Waitakere Rangers at Seddon at the same time of 3pm. They were involved in a
5-5 draw with
The Editor
08.04.07 6-A-SIDE RESULT 05.04.07 – O’Carrolls 7 – 0 FAcups
I’m sticking to the facts on this one because it’s
Easter Sunday and I’ve a BBQ to go to. A very comfortable 7-0 win against
FAcups saw us win 10 in a row for the first time in indoor competition. A hat
trick from Gus, and a brace each for James and Jobba secured the victory. Tom
has officially joined the indoor brotherhood by missing a penalty as well as
getting a straight red card with little over two minutes remaining. Short and
sweet!
The Editor
04.04.07 FRIENDLY RESULT 03.04.07 – Uni Mt Wellington 1 – 2 O’Carrolls
An excellent display of football
Tuesday night saw OC’s overcome Uni Mt Wellington 2-1 at
The first half was all OC’s and
ours were the only voices that could be heard on the pitch. The football was
simple and the communication was excellent. The first threat on goal came from
OC’s within the opening ten minutes, and while the opportunity went begging, it
set the tempo for the half as the away side pressed and pressed for the opening
goal. Gibbo was making his usual rampant runs down the left and time and time
again he looked to whip a dangerous ball in – and that’s how OC’s took a
deserved lead. The Brummie picked out James free in the box, his initial effort
was blocked by the keeper but he was quickest to react to the loose ball and he
stroked it home for 1-0.
Aside from a couple of corners
and free kicks, Matt was relatively untroubled in goal. The opposition were
resigned to pumping long balls into the OC’s half, but these were dealt with comfortably
by the centre-halves. Still, the defense had to be on their toes at all times,
the grass was quite long and there was enough moisture on top to ensure that
any lazy pass would be punished. OC’s took a slender 1-0 lead into the break,
it really should have been more though as we were guilty of missing some
gilt-edged opportunities.
No changes at the interval as an
astounded Gus queried Olly as to how he had managed to make the second half!
UMW were quicker off the mark second half and they subjected OC’s to an early
spell of pressure, testing Matt for the first real time in the game and forcing
OC’s to defend deep into their half. We rode the storm though and gradually
forced the play back into the middle of the park.
It was certainly more of a
competitive second half, but, as in the first half, the away side squandered a
number of opportunities to put the game beyond doubt. When James earned a
penalty after the hour mark OC’s had the chance to get the cushion of a two
goal lead, but Olly failed to even test the keeper, blazing it high and wide.
You had to wonder would all these misses prove costly as UMW looked a little
more dangerous with every attack!? Olly however soon made amends for his
penalty miss by showing great determination and commitment to double the lead.
Having had his initial effort saved, his persistence in chasing in paid off as
the keeper failed to control the shot. Olly nicked the ball away from him and
with a defender breathing down his neck, he coolly slotted the ball into the
back of the net. 2-0.
UMW continued to chase a goal and
they were rewarded with about 75 minutes on the clock. A throw-in found one of
their forwards in the box and just as he was about to pull the trigger, Tom
nipped in with the block that saw the ball fall nicely for Matt to claim. In
the process though, the ref felt that Hirdy had cleaned out the forward and he
immediately pointed to the spot. Matt came within a fingertip of making the
save, but credit to the UMW player, it was a terrific penalty – low, hard and
right in the corner – very few keepers would have gotten to it.
The penalty offered UMW a chance
back into the game, but OC’s gathered themselves and soaked up all the pressure
that was put on them to see out the final minutes of the game. Substitute
Martin had a late chance to regain the two-goal lead after finding himself one
on one, but he placed both his initial effort and the rebound straight at the
keeper.
We’re very happy with the
performance as the team continues to look stronger and stronger in the build-up
to the 2007 season. Thank you very much to Uni Mt Wellington for the game and
the use of your excellent facilities, best of luck for your season ahead.
There’s a weekend off this Easter weekend before the season kicks off on the
15th; we’ll be fare-welling Jonesy as he heads off to
The Editor
02.04.07 FRIENDLY RESULT 01.04.07 – O’Carrolls 6 – 1 Block 23
OC’s ran out comfortable 6-1
winners in our fifth pre-season friendly (how many other teams have played as many?)
against Division 3 side Block 23 yesterday at
There were changes galore in the line up: Martin, Hirdy, Captain Biddy
& Max started in defence; Stu, Jobba, Dan B and Gibbo lined up in midfield
while Ash and Dan G renewed the 35-goal partnership of the 2006 season. The
notable absentees were Dave Walsh (downing Guiness in
It wasn’t the sharpest of starts from OC’s, there were a few stray
passes and we struggled to get the ball down and play the kind of football we
usually produce. Block 23 however offered little to take advantage of OC’s
sluggish start and in effect, neither team really controlled the opening ten
minutes as the ball pin-balled about in the midfield with the occasional threat
of an attack that mostly failed to deliver. The threat of an OC’s goal was
beginning to build though, with both wings starting to get some decent balls
into the box. The net was eventually bulged after a fortunate effort from
Hirdy; a cross from the left found him unmarked at the back post and his
layoff-come-shot somehow found it’s way past the keeper and a couple of
defenders and went in off the post. Tim gave him little time to celebrate as he
ordered him back up the pitch to rejoin Biddy in defence.
With the lead secured OC’s took control of the game and it wasn’t long
before the lead was increased. Some tidy defending from Max on the left set
Gibbo off down the flank and his squared ball found Ash free to double lead
from just inside the box. Not long after and another cross from Gibbo caused
concern to the opposition defence and a penalty was awarded for handball. Dan G
stepped up and smashed the spot kick high and right – great penalty.
Block 23 had managed to get in behind the OC’s defence on a couple of
occasions in the half, but led by Man Of The Match Biddy, they comfortably
dealt with almost everything. Richie was called into action to smother the ball
at the feet of a Block 23 forward and he was quick off his line to do so in
what was probably the best opportunity they had to find the net. With little
over 5 minutes remaining, Ash got his second of the game, a great individual effort
as he skipped past a couple of defenders and placed one past the despairing
keeper. 4-0 and half time.
Richie took over the whistle for the second half and Matt took up
position in goal. The gaffer made a number of changes with Tom, Tom W &
Olly introduced for the kick off and Tancell, James, Colin & Lobster
introduced throughout the half.
With vital contributions for two of the first half goals, Gibbo
demonstrated why he’s so dangerous on the left with two stunning, and almost
identical strikes, within the first quarter of an hour to give OC’s an
unassailable 6-0 lead. Both were trademark Gibbo and both were unstoppable. The
second strike in particular was superb, a left footed volley that was drilled
low and hard into the far corner – you’ll see few balls struck sweeter than
that this season. Tom W came close on a number of occasions to further
extending the lead, but he just couldn’t find that finishing touch as he saw
numerous efforts flash past the post and one great turn-and-strike tipped over by
the keeper.
Block 23 created a lot more in the second half but aside from a few free
kicks awarded in and around the area, there was little to concern Matt. That is
until Hirdy upended their left-winger just inside the box. Said winger stepped
up and struck the spot kick down the middle of the goal. Matt made the save but
couldn’t hang onto it, and unfortunately the penalty taker was the quickest to
react and he stabbed home the rebound for a late consolation goal. We really
should have been quicker to react to the loose ball after the keeper had made
the initial save. Next time!
So that was that, 6-1. The pre-season is going very
well for us, with five wins from five, all from higher division opposition. Our
next test comes on Tuesday against Uni Mt Wellington at
The Editor