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2006 |
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01.09.06 3rd/4th/5th
DIVISION CUP FINAL AUG 27 – O’Carrolls 10 - 1 Oratia Old Fellas
Better
late than never…
From
Korea...!!? And so it came to pass... the game that we'd all been waiting for -
the Cup Final against Oratia at Crum Park; the game that would either lead us
to the double or a dreadful anticlimax.
It was an emotional day... the sun beat down on a pristine like
football pitch... OK, that's a lie. Yes the sun was shining, but the pitch was
unfortunately a bog - the previous evening's heavy showers making the pitch
puddle-like in places. But no matter, the boys were ready. Everyone, even
Bidcom, managed to put on a tie as OC’s really made the effort. We all knew
what a massive game this was. It was also a farewell of sorts... but more of
that later.
The gaffer's team was Richie, returning from a European
sojourn, in goal with a back four of Bidcom, Tancey, Woody and Tom. In the
middle were Dave and captain Gus while the lovable Brummie Gibbo also made
a welcome return as he and Olly made up the flanks. Dan Green and
Ashley up front completed our best XI. On the bench were the usual
suspects of Alfie, Lobster, Bazza, Neville, Dan Bradley, Pompey Matt, Tim, Amy,
Kerry, Anna, Verity... etc... etc... but no Stuart Dye... interesting!
Once the referee finally got the game started, we soon
got on top. The ball wasn't getting across the pitch very quickly, but we
were winning first, second and third balls. Even within 20 seconds of kick-off
a quick break saw Green with a chance but Oratia defended well.
It was no surprise when we took the lead... Woody finished low
in the corner after a scramble in the box with captain Gus involved. The most
memorable moment was Woody's celebration, as he slid on his knees in ecstasy -
carpet burns a result! 1-0 and we knew we could quickly get on top. It
didn't take long for a second goal, as Gus and Dave dominated midfield,
allowing the wingers to get forward. Ashley and Dan up front were too much for
Oratia to handle. (Sorry if the order of goals is wrong) It was Olly who forced
in the second off his knee to put us two up and then the first-half
floodgates opened. Dave Walsh got on the scoresheet, calmly finishing while all
around were losing their heads. Olly scrambled in another one and rounded off
his hat trick with a superb left foot finish after beating a defender. But the
goal of the half fell to Gibbo, who rifled a shot into the top corner after a
top quality five-man move. With Dan Green also finishing with aplomb, that
gave us first-half scorers of Olly (3), Walshy, Gibbo, Dan Green and
Woody. Both DG and Ashley had worked tirelessly up front, alwats creating
space, even if the two front boys only managed one of the seven goals.
At the back, the ever-reliable Tancey and Woody were comfortably
dealing with any scares. Richie was rarely tested - one 20 yarder lightly
grazing his palms. Bidcom marauded forward as usual, although his final ball
wasn't of a high standard... unlike him!! While Thomas was up and down the
flank, tackling back and getting forward when he could. With Olly moving
gracefully down the right, and Gibbo never afraid to take a man on, our real
strength was being illustrated. Bidcom-Gibbo and Tom-Olly on the left and right
give us a true advantage over our opponents. All four players are technically
excellent and way too good for Divisions 5,4,3 and 2, I believe. Div 1 could be
tough, but we'd still win it.
The score was 7-0 and we were quite happy at the break! It was
back into the changing rooms, but the gaffer didn't really have much to say,
other than keep going. Despite the conditions, we had totally dominated
proceedings.
The second half saw the boss pull off hat-trick hero Olly, and
replace him with Alfie, who was playing his last game for the club... an
emotional moment indeed.
The second half was much more competitive as Oratia
got into the game. They were also quite physical and not afraid to stick
the boot in; after a ball was played into the box, OC’s struggled to clear and
a low shot past Richie bought one of the biggest cheers of the afternoon, as
the Oratia fans finally had something to shout about.
Now this wasn't good enough... OK, still 7-1 ahead, but we knew
we had to raise things again. Nevchenko came on for Dave in the middle, and
Bazza came on for Dan Green up front. Walshy and Ziggy had been excellent
again... congrats to Ziggy for the topping the scorers list for the second
season in succession.
While much of the action came from the right in the first half,
in the second half Gibbo took centre stage. He was getting a fair bit of
physical attention, but was never afraid to get up and have another go at the
fullback, who he had in his pocket. Bidcom also got forward more in support,
and it was no surprise when Gibbo fired in his second and OC's eight goal.
Again, Oratia's heads didn't drop and they tried to force their
way back into things - Richie had to be particularly brave at the feet of an
oncoming attacker. But they were never going to score again.
Nevchenko was working his tail off in midfield... at one point
he had an interchange with Alfie on the left, took two players out of the game,
switched play and barrelled forward. He challenged well in the air and was an
able replacement for Walshy. He was even involved in "the penalty
incident"... the ball was struck and the ball obviously hit an Oratia
defender's arm. The referee hesitated, but knew he had to give the spot kick,
as Nevchenko and Alfie screamed at him. So who was going to take it...!!?
Well, Richie was an early suggestion, but he's already had one
go, and we know what happened then. So Dan Bradley gave Tim the nudge and Alfie
was given the chance. Believe you me, he was sh***ing himself, as the
opposition tried to psyche him out. But up Alfie stepped and struck a firm,
low, unstoppable penalty into the old onion bag... a fantastic farewell for the
veteran midfielder.
Substitutes Max and Bazza were also having an impact and in the
last 10 minutes. Bazza worked tirelessly up front... one mazy run in particular
almost resulted in a penalty. Also Alfie dinked a lovely cross to the far post
(not a shot), but Nev was unable to head home from about two yards. But the
piece de resistance was left to Gibbo, who rounded off his hat trick with a
blistering left-foot free kick... well, it was on target anyway. And the
referee blew time on the OC’s 2006 campaign and the result – OC’s 10 - 1
Oratia.
A fantastic performance from a fantastic team. It was then back
to Bay Olympic for the presentation and just a couple of beers!! In OC’s, Gibbo
announced he was marrying the lovely Fi, and everyone had a few more beers. I
won't go on and on and will just leave you with some rankings. It's been
emotional guys and undoubtedly the most fun I've ever had in a football team...
take care... Alfie.
Richie Gloves - Not much to do but what he did do, he did well! Didn't have
to shout too much, which was a relief. No chance with the goal - 7/10
Thomas O'Sullivan - Has been injured of late but came back and wasn't far off Man
Of The Match. Tackled hard, got forward and was a pleasure to play with -
8.5/10
Paul Tancell - For me, Tancey has been outstanding the second half of this
season. Was knocking people over with ease and winning headers constantly -
8/10
Woody - Our best new signing this season, had another solid game at
the back. Swept up, intercepted and bagged a sweet goal. Shame about the carpet
burns. Player of the year candidate - 8/10
Bidcom Carlos - So much like Roberto, he just loves to get forward. Dealt
with everything that was thrown at him in awful conditions. A natural athlete -
7.5/10
Gibbo - First half was hard work for the Brummie, conditions shite
and the ball mainly on the right. Enjoyed a great second half though and scored
a hat trick. Such a key player - 8/10
Walshy - Has moved into central midfield this year no problem at all.
A lovely passer, he didn't get much chance on Sunday, so instead worked his
bollox off. A great reader of the game - 8/10
Gussage - Star man, again!! although there were a few candidates.
Battled hard and worked his socks off. Didn't score, but didn't need to. Player
of the year candidate again - 9/10
Olly - Gifted, luxury, Le Tissier-like, graceful, smoker... all
these words apply. For me didn't have his best game, but still scored a
hat-trick. The most skilful player in the team, if only he could run - 8/10
Ashley - What an import - no one knows where he came from but who
cares. Worked tirelessly again but didn't get on the scoresheet. Key man,
player of year candidate - 7.5/10
Dan Green - The ginger took his goal well and set up a hatful of
others. Another good season, key man for next year. His partnership with Ashley
has been key to OC’s success - 8.5/10
Nevchenko - In and out of the side, but never complained, never looks for
glory, just works for the team. Still, he's Nev of the year, he's lazy and he's
not as good as Stu... but played well on Sunday!! - 8/10
Alfie - Was delighted with his own performance!! no matter what
anyone says. Lost 10 months of playing through injury - may never recover from
that. Delighted to score. Netted four goals in total this season... pretty good
return!! - 8/10
Bazza - OK he's a shoe bomber, but a good player. Again, always
willing to play and work hard. Played very well during his cameo role. Will be
missed when he gets deported - 7.5/10
Max - Haven't seen so much of him this year, but let's hope the
jester makes more of an appearance next season. Improves with every game -
7.5/10
And I think that's it...
cheers fellas...
Alexander Bell
(O’Carrolls FC 2005 – 2006)
21.08.06 3rd/4th/5th DIVISION CUP
SEMI-FINAL AUG 20 – HNK Western Tornado 0 - 9
O’Carrolls
Billed as the biggest game of our two-year
history, yesterday’s cup semi-final clash with our old 5th Division rivals and
the ASFA Forums favorite sh*t-stirrers, HNK Western Tornado, didn’t quite turn
out to be as competitive as we would have expected. Weather was fantastic as
OC’s assembled at Seymour Park in preparation for the game, and all augured
well with a few HNK players arriving shortly after to put up nets and corner
flags. Nevertheless, this display of organization was short lived and HNK were
a few players shy come the 12pm kick off time.
With
this fixture having been postponed last week, the gaffer had the
luxury/headache of a couple more players to choose from with both Olly &
Stu returning from holidays. Matt was in goal today with Tancell and Woody in
front of him. Tom started his first game since early July on the right side
while Max was out on the left. Both Olly & Stu got the nod on the right and
left midfield respectively; captain Gus and Dave Walsh paired up again in the
centre while up front were the 32-goal strike partnership of Dan G and Ash. On
the bench this week – Bundy, Alex, birthday-boy Barry, Colin & Nevchenko.
Plenty
of support for both sides today, all the WAGS had turned out and even SKY TV’s
Dennis Katsonas was there to cheer on his lot. You’ve heard me say it before,
and I’m sure Dennis will agree, sometimes it’s harder to play against eight
men, and OC’s proved the case in the early exchanges. It could possibly be down
to the fact that we believe we should immediately go a few goals up against a
side with fewer players, so when it doesn’t happen a little frustration creeps
in. Whatever the reason, the opening 15 mins weren’t our finest moments but we
gradually took hold and started to exercise our advantage. HNK have got some
players with talent, no doubt, but a lack of communication and a desire to beat
3 or 4 players every time wasn’t going to help their cause today. OC’s began to
carve out chances and Stu was getting in some good positions down the left
side. It was from one of these runs that he broke into the HNK box only to be
felled by a defender – the ref had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up
stepped Dave Walsh – never any doubt in my mind (we’ve seen him in action at
training), sending the keeper the wrong way and slotting the ball to the right
– 1-0.
Soon
after this the remainder of the HNK squad turned up and on about 20 minutes it
was 11 v 11. Game on, and OC’s started to play some football. Minutes later and
the lead was doubled with, for me, one of the goals of the game. Another
marauding run from Stu down the left, he whipped in a terrific ball that was
met by the head of Dan G and brilliantly dispatched. 2-0. OC’s were playing
some flowing football by now and the lead was further extended when Stu headed
a Dan G cross back across goal for it to be turned in by a HNK defender. 3-0.
HNK’s most notable efforts of the half were hopeful at best. Matt may have
conceded more than Richie this season, but you’ll struggle to beat the Pompey
man from the halfway line. He was called upon to tip over for a corner late in
the half; that, and a good chance headed wide, was as close as HNK came to
scoring. HNK heads were dropping and Dan G further compounded their misery with
a cool finish from the edge of the area to make it 4-0, and that’s how it
stayed going into the break.
We
were pretty happy with that first half, 4-0 is a good lead, but it would have
been naïve of us to sit back on that - HNK hadn’t written themselves off so
neither should we. I will say now though (and this ain’t just because we won)
that I could not see OC’s conceding five goals – not only had we not conceded
in the three previous cup games, but of the eight we have conceded in the
league more than half have been from dead ball situations – three were
penalties, all probably given away by Woody! My point? OC’s defence has proven
tough to beat this season, and to beat us five times in 45 minutes would be no
easy task.
The first goal of the second half would prove all important – were it to go to HNK, they would feel they were back in the game. Were it to go to OC’s – game over you’d have to say. And to OC’s it went – Olly nodding home after a save from the HNK keeper bounced up nicely for the Scouser. 5-0. We were in our stride now, every player on the pitch was playing out of their skins and HNK were having trouble containing us. Provider turned scorer as Stu got his name on the scoresheet after controlling a deep cross from the right and finishing with aplomb. 6-0. HNK were getting frustrated and tempers boiled over when their forward, feeling aggrieved over something or other, threw an elbow at Woody. The ref showed him his second yellow of the game and he walked.
With
the game all but won, the gaffer made a few substitutions, Olly replaced by
Alexander and Dan G making way for Nevchenko. It didn’t take the Scouser long
to make his mark on the game; some great battling saw him pick the ball up on
the left side and ride a couple of challenges before dragging the ball around
the oncoming keeper and slotting home. Lovely goal and Stu was the first man
over to congratulate Nev… not! Tom had been making quite a few runs down the
right second half and two of these runs resulted in moments of note. A lovely
ball over the top from Alfie set the Irishman off and finding himself in behind
the HNK defence, he squared a ball across goal. It struck a HNK defender but
found it’s way to Dave Walsh who smashed home his second of the game to make it
8-0. Soon after he found himself in a similar position, the squared ball came
to nothing but high studs to the thigh from a HNK defender sparked a little
push and shove, yellow cards for the OC’s right back and the HNK man and
captain Gus stepped in to calm things down. Incidents like that should stay on
the pitch and they did, there were no hard feelings from either party come the
final whistle.
A
further substitution from Tim saw Colin come on for Max, the Scot donning the
black & red for only the second time this season, his only other appearance
coming back in early April in a 5-0 win over NZ Chinese. Last time Colin faced
HNK/King Tomi he was red carded for some fisticuffs. With little left on the
clock Stu netted his second of the game after a Dave Walsh cross was parried by
the keeper, but only as far as the head of the Tranmere fan – 9-0 and scoring
complete. Man Of The Match went to Stu on the day, and thoroughly deserved. He
done a great job plugging the gap left by Gibbo on the left side and two goals
and a couple of assists did him no harm. Thanks to HNK for the game, and if we
are to believe the rumors, good luck the season after next.
So the cup run
continues and OC’s find themselves in next week’s final, facing 5th Division
Oratia Old Fellas. With two Division 3 scalps under their belts this season,
they are a side we know little about and one we won’t underestimate. Next week
we’ll be welcoming back Gibbo, Biddy and Richie so the gaffer will have almost
a full compliment of players to choose from. This will be my last report of the
season chaps, Alexander Bell will be penning the cup final report. Until then…
it’s been emotional!
The Editor
14.08.06 3rd/4th/5th
DIVISION CUP SEMI-FINAL AUG 13 – HNK Western Tornado V O’Carrolls
Well, the big semi
final was postponed due to weather conditions – so no match report for you this
week. Sorry.
The Editor
07.08.06 LEAGUE RESULT AUG 06 – O’Carrolls 1 – 0 Blazer
And
so to our final league game of the season where we faced Blazer for the third
time in as many months, this time at Fortress Seddon, where not a single point
has been dropped all season. With three catch-up games remaining, promotion is
still a possibility for the boys in orange, so we had to forget that we’d put
17 goals past them in our two previous meetings; they needed points from us
today.
It
seems to be the time of year for trips home, four players were missing today
with Richie, Stu, Biddy & Gibbo all abroad. Biddy and Gibbo are a massive
loss for us right now – two players that would have certainly started today, so
some reshuffling was required by the manager. Matt stepped in for Richie for
his ninth start of the season. Paul Tancell and Woody were at centre-half, with
Dan Bradley on the right and Max out on the left. Midfield saw Gus and Dave
Walsh partner up once more, with Neville and Alexander on the right and left
wings respectively. Up front the 26-league goal partnership of Dan Green and
Ash. With Dan tied with Gibbo for the Golden Boot, he needed to get on the
scoresheet today to claim the title for the second year running. On the bench:
Bundy, Barry & Tom. With Olly missing for next weeks Cup semi, the gaffer
decided to see how we got along without him so the Scouser kindly offered to
referee.
Weather
conditions weren’t ideal but despite the amount of rain over the weekend the
pitch held up quite well and both teams agreed to kick off 15mins earlier than
scheduled. OC’s started brightly and there was some really nice football being
played. Passing was quick and accurate and players were comfortable to come
back if the pass wasn’t on ahead of them. It was a very pleasing opening period
and the feeling on the sideline was if we kept doing what we were doing, it was
a matter of time before the goals came. The defence looked comfortable and
Blazer were rarely out of their half, except for the occasional bit of
kick-and-chase that more often than not resulted in a goal kick. The Blazer
keeper looked uncomfortable with his handling today, so pressuring him a bit
more was certainly an objective.
Max
was playing some good stuff at left back and Danderton certainly wasn’t afraid
of a challenge on the opposite side. Unfortunately it was from one of these
challenges that the made-of-glass defender injured himself once more and on 29
mins he was replaced by Bundy. Ash was closest to the mark on the Danderton
Sweepstakes – he had 27 mins before an injury. It’s another blow for the Cup
semi with yet another player struggling for full fitness. OC’s however
continued to press and the goal opportunities soon presented themselves. A
terrific pass from Dave Walsh sent Ash clean through on the keeper,
unfortunately his strike flew just the wrong side of the upright ($2 fine). Not
long after and Captain Gus struck a peach of a strike from 25 yards that beat
the keeper all ends up, but unfortunately came back out off the crossbar. Hand
on head stuff from the bench. A few minutes later and another great chance was
somehow kept out by the Blazer keeper, before being rifled back in twice more
and coming back off Blazer defenders both times. I couldn’t even tell you who
had those efforts; there were so many bodies in the box it’s a wonder it didn’t
go in. There was a little frustration creeping in and you had to wonder was
there to be a repeat of the Kamarak game the previous week where the ball just
wouldn’t go in. Blazer were probably happier to see half time than OC’s as we
came off from a scoreless first half for only the second time this season.
Half
time team talk was positive and we went back out second half confident of
breaching the Blazer defence. This was certainly a better Blazer side than we
had faced before, not because we hadn’t put 5 past them already, but because
they were playing some good football at times and the defence certainly had to
be more alert second half. While they did still favour the kick-and-chase, they
were starting to play a lot more football on the ground and this found them
catching the OC’s defence on their heels a couple of times. Their final ball
though was poor and when it wasn’t finding an OC’s player, it was being dragged
well wide of Matt’s goal. It would be fair to say that there wasn’t much
between the teams for the opening period of the second half.
OC’s
continued to search for the opening goal but it wasn’t really clear where it
was going to come from. Nev and Alex were playing really well on the wings, but
we were missing the kind of balls that Gibbo and Olly whip into the box. You
couldn’t fault the players on the pitch for this – we did have four central
midfielders across the park. If the goal was going to come, it was coming right
the middle of the pitch - and with 20 mins left on the clock, that’s where it
came from. Dave Walsh won a header in the middle of the park, played a neat
one-two with Ash, waltzed around a couple of Blazer defenders and struck what I
hear was a rather weak shot past the Blazer keeper. It was a terrific
individual goal and it was exactly what was needed to open the scoring in this
game. 1-0.
The
goal came as somewhat of a relief and the gaffer decided on a further change;
Nev pushing up front with Barry filling in on the right – Dan Green made way
and that means we have a tie for the Golden Boot with both Gibbo and himself on
15 goals each. With the game coming into the final quarter Blazer began pushing
on more and more in search of an equalizer. They nearly had one after some
suicidal defending from Paul Tancell that gifted a Blazer forward the ball but
Woody got back in time to spare the Mancs blushes. Both centre-halves had been
outstanding today though and as the game drew to a close they comfortably
repelled every Blazer attack. With little over ten minutes on the clock Max
made way to give Tom a run out for the first time since coming off injured
against Lane Xang just over a month ago. Max had been outstanding and
thoroughly deserved of his Man Of The Match award, doing his chances of a
semi-final place next week no harm at all. A scrappy few final minutes was
played out in the midfield and OC’s held on for a 1-0 win and our third victory
over Blazer this season. Thanks and all credit to Blazer, they gave us a great
game and a performance like that in their last couple of games should give them
a good chance of promotion.
Next
week we face HNK in the ASFA 3/4/5 Division Cup Semi Final. This is a massive
game for us, and with a number of our regular players missing we need to be at
our very best – it will be a tough contest. Each and every one of us has given
100% to O’Carrolls since we started last year… let’s give it again next week
and get ourselves to a cup final!
The Editor
02.08.06 A letter came through from our man in Tanzania
translated for us by John, the resident project worker…
Dear Sponsor,
I'm very glad
to hear that you have agreed to sponsor me. My name is Samson, a boy with
birthdate of 02-10-98. I'm in standard two at Ikindwa Primary School.
I live with
my parents at Bukene area about 115km far away from Shinyanga where the
sub-office of World Vision is located.
My father's
name is George 33yrs old and my mother is Nshoma 31yrs old. I have one brother
namely Richard 9yrs old and my sisters are Bertha 5yrs and
Rebecca 1yr.
I live in the house made up of mud walls and the grass-thatched roof.
My parents are
subsistence farmers - hence they grow maize and rice, so our staple food is
stiff porridge served with green vegetables.
Our area is
the flatland with shrubs which experience dry season from May to October and
wet season from November to April.
Lastly, I wish you all the best.
Your sponsored child, Samson.
02.08.06 LEAGUE RESULT JUL 30 – Kamarak 1 – 1 O’Carrolls
Our
penultimate game of the league season took us to Jellicoe Park and our return fixture
with Kamarak. With OC's having won the league last week and Kamarak having won
only one game all season, and hence being relegated the same week, the
bookmakers had closed the book on an OC's win.... but football is a funny 'ol
game (although there was nothing funny about yesterday's performance) and all
predictions were proved wrong.
The gaffer
was away scouting for new talent and had selected his team before departure. In
goal Richie, the back four should have been Woody and Tancey in the centre of
defence with Biddy on the right and Dan B or Tom (whoever was fit) on the left.
As neither were, Bundy stepped in and took up the right and Bid returned to his
favourite left. Captain Gus and Walshy were in the centre of midfield with Nev
taking over Gibbo's role on the left and Alfie on the right. Ziggy and Lobster
started upfront. The bench saw Olly, a flu ridden Ash and keeper Matt don the
black and Red to help make up the numbers...
The pre game
mood seemed to be… “with the gaffer away the players won't play”, added to a
mixture of flu, alcohol abuse, lack of fitness, and general lethargy; it
certainly wasn't a good formula for preparing for a cup-semi.
OC's tipped
off and from the off Kamarak were chasing every loose ball and winning it. The
first few minutes saw Kamarak attempt a few decent balls through the OC’s
defence, but the final ball was well defended. Unfortunately six minutes in
from one of these through balls, the ball appeared to hit a divot and a lucky
bounce hit Woody's hand. A pen was given with no real arguments (as this was
Woody's third giveaway pen of the season an early contender for NEVILLE OF THE
WEEK was in the offing). A poor penalty was still converted and the scoreline
was 1-0 Kamarak.
The goal
didn't really have the desired effect on OC's, although for the remainder of
the half OC's did maintain the lion’s share of possession. But too often the
ball was given away, either by choosing the wrong option, holding on to it too
long, or trying the impossible crossfield ball, when the simple ball was a tad
easier. In saying that, OC's did have opportunities to score but either blasted
it, thinking that the diminutive goalkeeper (all 4 ft of him) was going to grow
a couple of feet taller, when it was easier to place out of his reach, or else
tapped it straight at the little fella when a firmer hit was required. Walshy
had an excellent effort that hit the crossbar on 35 mins and 10 mins earlier
Dan G nearly lobbed the keeper only for him to recover in time and tip it over.
Throughout the half Kamarak were always looking to use some of their undoubted
speed and control to break quickly; a few scares were dealt with comfortably by
the defence. The miss of the half came in the 42 min when after a goalmouth
scramble where a number of OC’s players should really have buried it.
Eventually it fell to Nev 14 inches out from goal with only the grass to
beat... not sure how it didn't go in but it didn't. Half Time 1-0 Kamarak.
We needed
goals and although Ash was playing with half a lung, he went on for Lobster.
Olly came on for Alfie.
OC's started
a little more upbeat and with a bit more direction. In the first ten minutes
Nev hit a decent effort wide Dan G hit the upright and Ash had what appeared to
be a good goal disallowed. The Scouser hit a belter off the underside of the
crossbar. It bounced down hard and everyone in the vicinity including Kamarak
knew it had crossed the line. Matt (linesman) saw it clearly and indicated
goal. The ref from all of 40 yards using his binocular vision and the fact that
his players weren't going to admit it, played on. With OC's pushing forward in
search of an equaliser Kamarak were finding holes but again Woody (a deserved
Man Of The Match) and Tancey (a good contender) proved their worth. With Biddy
having to limp off having had a storming game himself and the subsequent
reshuffle the game lacked any real scoring attempts in that period. There were
a few attempts from distance but nothing to really bother the keeps.
With 15 minutes
remaining Biddy came back on for Bundy and OC's reverted to 3-4-3. Dan G struck
the crossbar again, Olly had a shot well saved and Nev shot wide. With five
minutes to go it looked as OC's were going to suffer their first ever defeat in
League football. But in the 86th minute the Kamarak defence failed to clear the
ball, which fell to Ziggy who from the edge of the 6-yard box side footed a
simple ball just inside the post... A calm finish at last, and one we lacked
all game. 1-1. Olly had one more chance to nick the points on the final minute
but it went wide and the ref blew for fulltime.
To
summarize... Well I suppose we proved the old adage..."You have got to
take your chances"... we hit the bar/post 5 times, had 4 other good
goalscoring chances but only took one. I will accept us making the same amount
and scoring 50% of them in the semi-final though. Congrats and thanks to
Kamarak for a competitive game. Best of luck next season and I'm sure you would
not have been relegated if all the players that turned up yesterday were
available to you all season.
Woody was
nominated NEVILLE OF THE WEEK... but a mention should be given to Gibbo who did
his best to claim it. The Brummie was down to play a starring role upfront at
some stage to enhance his golden boot chances... but sent a text to say, "I'm
really rough. May stay at home and rest" I believe the inaugural
winner was awarded and named NEVILLE OF THE WEEK for the exact same reason.
The Coach