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2007 |
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30.07.07 LEAGUE RESULT 29.07.07 – O’Carrolls 4 - 1 Bohemian Celtic 2
Well done and massive congratulations for securing the 2nd Division
yesterday lads, brilliant stuff! I’m sad I couldn’t be there to join in the
celebrations – instead I sit here in England and stare at the OC’s logo fade
from my mug as I sip my tea - I want new mugs Tim! Fantastic achievement from
everybody involved and I can’t wait to see us in the Prems next season. We’re
now 40 league games without defeat – awesome record by any standards. Once
again, well done boys, well done! Come on OC’s – champions once more!
The Editor
27.07.07 6-A-SIDE RESULT 26.07.07 – O’Carrolls 2 - 0 Internationale FC
Visitors to the Stade de YMCA last night could be excused for
expecting a rather aggressive encounter between two of the tournaments regular
title chasers. Games between these two are often a powder keg of an affair and
given O'Carroll's triumph in the ASFA cup on Sunday, tensions were expected to
be at a high. What they were actually treated to was a fine display of
patient yet attack minded football by two teams determined to take home maximum
points.
In a much-changed OC's line up, Dan Bradley and IQ were drafted
in to replace the absent Gus and newly departed Tom. With Richie on his travels
and Matt unavailable, Tancy donned the gloves and stepped in between the
sticks.
That the opening exchanges were somewhat bereft of chances
took nothing away from the quality on display. Inter settled into their game
slightly quicker than OC's with some crisp passing and good movement, but the
OC's defence marshalled excellently by Dave, stood firm and were able to show
some good composure themselves when in possession, creating some half chances
which tested the Inter keeper on more than one occasion, but failing to break
the deadlock. 0-0 the score at half time.
Into the second half and OC's were starting to get their
reward for a patient approach. Maintaining a good shape throughout,
there was a sense of self belief beginning to spread through the team with
Inter's attacks being quashed with increasing ease, due in no small part to the
energy of Dan and Hirdy pressuring them into their own half. With James a
constant threat up front, there was always the chance of turning the pressure
into goals and on several occasions, excellent inter play with Jobba down the
left looked like breaking the deadlock.
With little between the teams it was always going to take
something special to decide this one, and as recent viewers of OC's indoor
campaign will testify, special means one man, and again, James did not
disappoint. Maintaining his one man goal of the season competition, the
youngster turned sharply just inside the Inter half, and before anyone could
react to their keepers orders not to let him shoot, fired a venomous left foot
drive into the bottom corner.
1-0 up, OC's never looked like surrendering the lead, more
composed possession was increasingly leading to chances as Inter were forced to
chase the game. Even a couple of customary 'suicide' balls by dirty old Ski weren't
enough to get Inter back into the game (passes which he at least, felt were
excused by his nutmegging of a certain opponent, judging by the opponent in
question, he may have a point!). With the game entering the final minute,
keeping things tight was very much the order of the day, but OC's seemed to
have more energy all over the pitch and were quick to take advantage of
opportunities to break. A delightful through ball by Dave found Dan rampaging
down the right, who fired it off the back wall for the late arriving Hirdy to
volley beyond the hapless Inter keeper.
2-0 and game over, one of OC's finest indoor performances. A
pleasure to watch, and I for one am struggling to see what Richie gets so angry
about in goal?
Paul Tancell
This match report was then followed by a flood of emails
praising Tancy’s performance in goal, and I was going to post them here, but
then he sent this. I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me Paul!
The Editor
Version2.0
An unfamiliar line up in the cauldron of indoor football, OC's
could be excused for being swamped in nervous tension prior to the pressure
cooker of a tie against old foe Inter. The gaping chasm left by stalwart
Richie served to add to the pre game nerves making it painfully apparent that a
man of immense stature would be required to step forward. Eyes darted around
the dressing room desperately looking for one brave enough to cast themselves
into the void and momentarily it appeared there would be no white knight on
this occasion for the beleaguered OC's.
History however has proved that out of mans deepest despair the
greatest of heroes are born. As Napoleon rose from the ranks of the French army
to lead a trembling nation out of fear into a glorious age of empire, so one
man would rise to his feet in the depths of the Auckland YMCA and say,
"OC's you shall fear no more, stand with me and I shall lead you to
glory". That man was, and forever shall be, Tancell, the leader of men.
A deathly silence, hung over the pitch as OC's entered the
arena, like early morning mist over the grave of an unknown soldier, there was
an anticipation in the air you could taste. Barely a word was spoken, as eyes
searched for comfort among the polished wooden floorboards, like a dead man
walking the green mile this disjointed band of brothers sagged under the
pressure of what was to come. The gallery, hearts sinking with anticipation for
the David and Goliath contest to come, could be heard praying for a quick end
for these poor young souls.
Inter were soon to have their taste of blood as they carved
mercilessly through the OC's ranks to force the first save of the game, though
repelled by an outstretched finger tip, they were clearly buoyed by the ease at
which the chance arrived and began swarming over the OC's defences as German
fighters had over the English channel some 60 years earlier.
Then, as now, many were prepared to admit defeat in a vain
attempt to save themselves from the pain being dealt upon them. In the absence
of Churchill, it was again left to Tancell to stand defiantly before the on
rushing hoards and refuse to accept an almost certain defeat. Wave and wave of
Inter attacks were being repelled, to increasing disbelief. With the reactions
of a startled panther, the bravery of a lion and the determination of a man
possessed Tancell not only repelled Inter time and again, he lifted the hopes
of his fading troops, and filled them with the belief, that against all odds,
this, just might be their day.
Had OC's built a concrete wall in front of their goal, it would
not have repelled so many Inter attacks before crumbling, each effort sapping
more energy and hope from their ranks as it was clutched from certain destiny
and discarded into irrelevance by the agile young leader. By the time 3
point-blank efforts were charged down with distain from the giant Manc Inter
were resembling a spent force.
With their fancied opponents now on their knees, the rousing
words of their commander still ringing in the souls of the OC's masses drove
them on towards the most unlikely of victories. Tancell's troops duly obliged,
allowing the great man to time to breath in the sweet smell of victory, he had
thrown himself at the feet of the enemy to protect his men, and they had shown
there gratitude. What man could ask for more?
Paul ‘Napoleon’ Tancell
24.07.07 DIVISION 1/2 CUP ROUND 2 RESULT 22.07.07 – Internationale FC 0 - 1
O’Carrolls
And here it is…
A
second-half header from one of the smallest men on the pitch was enough for
OC's to claim the scalp of Premier Division Inter in an absorbing cup contest
at Seddon Fields. OC's were forced into a couple of changes to the line-up with
the absences of the potty-mouthed Irishman Dave Walsh through suspension,
Wannabe through injury and keeper Richie, who has met up with the Irish squad
for training. (The Irish over-45's drinking squad). But it is a testament to
the squad's strength in depth that the gaffer was able to field a formidable
side. Mat took the keeper's shirt with Tancie and Hole-in-my-Leg Hirdler as
centre backs. Biddy moved to left back and Tom - in his final game in an OC's
shirt before heading off to pastures old in
OC's knew this was possibly their biggest game since the club's inception - and
also that there was a lot of interest in how they would perform against a
much-fancied Inter outfit. And it was the Inter boys who started stronger. They
are a good bunch of footballers and knocked the ball round with composure for
the first 10 minutes as OC's struggled to break up the passing game. But for
all the early possession, there was little penetration and it was OC's who
first threatened the goal. A sweet cross from James' cultured left boot fell to
Gus on the edge of the box. Only swift reactions from the Inter keeper kept out
a stunning volley. From the resulting corner OC's threatened again. The ball
was slightly overhit, but James was quickest to react, this time using his
right foot to hit an in-swinging cross which evaded everyone and which the
keeper was relieved to see come back off the foot of the post before being
scrambled to safety. The attack spurred on the OC's team who began to win more
of the ball. Although chances for both sides were at a premium in the first
half, OC's closed down space and did not allow Inter to dwell on the ball,
which evened up possession.
But Inter were always going to be dangerous and they almost snatched the lead
from probably the best move of the match. Some smart one touch passing resulted
in a tidy one-two leaving the Inter man through on goal. Under pressure from
Tancie and Hirdler he was only able to stab his shot off the outside of the
near post. Most likely Mat had it covered, but no doubt a let off and a warning
for OC's who went in 0-0 at half time.
The second half began much the same as the first. Whether it was a touch of complacency
or a lack of ideas in the final third, Inter seemed content to play nice
football through the middle of the park but were scuppered every time they
tried to attack. It was an awesome display from the OC's back four, and The Ski
who played a destroyer role just in front of them. He looked at his best there,
but could also have found himself on the score sheet if he'd done better with
one of three opportunities with his head. That strength at the back allowed
playmaker Gus, the wingers, and Ash and Tow Truck to begin giving Inter a tough
time. Ash's strength combined with the wily tricks of Tow Truck began to pay
off. And it was Tow Truck who turned creator for the breakthrough. Picking the
ball up wide on the left he jinked inside and swung a cross to the far post
where Gus had ghosted to power a header past the keeper.
As OC's
began tiring, Dan Bradley came on for Olly and Gibbo continued his welcome
return from injury coming on for James. It then became something of a midfield
battle. Inter were pushing for a way back into the game, but OC's were not
going to give them a yard. Some tasty tackles began flying in and, although it
was hard there was nothing malicious from either side. The ref generally did
well in coping with the decisions, though he became a little needlessly
card-happy. It was a battle for the ball - and a game of pinball in the box -
which almost gave Inter their equaliser. About six last ditch challenges, most
notable from Big Man Tancell, saved OC's from the threat of extra-time. In
truth, that would have been a touch harsh. OC's edged it over the 90 and were
good value for their win. Thanks to Inter for the game, which was played in a
competitive but fair spirit and thoroughly enjoyable. Gus deserved his Man Of
The Match award and The Ski always deserves Nelly Of The Week.
Final word goes to Tom. He'll be the first to admit he didn't come to OC's as
the most talented technical footballer (Editors
Note: What the f**k are you talking about! – I was awesome!), but he turned himself into an
uncompromising right-back who's name was guaranteed on the team-sheet. Not many
players have done the OC's shirt such credit and given so much to the club. And
he's not a bad bloke to boot! All the best in
Stuart Dye
Thanks for that Stu – you’re not
half bad yourself either! Just a reminder lads, don’t forget to email me the
score/scorers for Thursday, and anybody but Tancell can do a match report if
they fancy it. Be safe, look after each other, I love you all!
The Editor
20.07.07 6-A-SIDE RESULT 19.07.07 – O’Carrolls 4 - 2 Hold The Phone
I found myself in the unusual position
last night of watching OC’s 6-A-Side from the stands, and God, we’re a handsome
bunch! A stunning hat-trick from James and an equally fine strike from Dave
sealed the first win of the round against Hold The Phone - and it’s now 22
games without defeat for the boys in red!
Dave replaced the absent Jobba last night, while Martin (occasionally)
plugged the gap on the right with me having my final 6-A-Side game a few weeks ago.
It was a sluggish start as the lads tried to find their shape, but as soon as
Gus recognized that nobody was actually playing at right back, he stepped in,
and it wasn’t long before OC’s were on the scoresheet – James’s first goal of
the night, a superb strike from the left side that gave the HTP keeper no
chance! 1-0. A bit of sloppy marking left HTP in for an equalizer, but just
when it looked like it would be all square at the break, James latched onto a
squared ball from Gus and dually found the net to make it 2-1 with seconds on
the clock.
Few goals would better James’s first strike, but right from the kick off
he completed his hat-trick with a goal that has already been hailed as the best
we’ve seen at indoor – a blinding left-footed half volley from inside his own
half that drew gasps from the stands. Angus ‘you’ve only got one foot’ Welton
was keeping himself amused as he skipped and megged his way past pretty much
every opposition player on the pitch; his antics frustrating one player so much
that the referee ordered the guy to the stands before he earned himself a card
– that’s what you get for taunting Gussy!
HTP had a few decent chances themselves and Richie was called upon a
number of times to make a few smart saves. There was nothing he could do
however when a Jobba-esque suicide-back-pass from Martin put him in trouble,
and HTP pulled one back to make it 3-2. A late challenge looked like it might
spell trouble for Tancell, but he shook it off, much to my disappointment – I
already had my jeans off in the stands!
At 3-2, there should have been a bit more urgency from HTP, but it was
OC’s applying all the pressure. Dave and James both found the woodwork within
minutes of each other, and Martin came close but was pulled up for infringing in
the D. The win was sealed with a few minutes left when Dave smacked the ball
first time from halfway and curled the ball into the bottom left corner –
another terrific goal! A fancy little back-heel from Richie in an attempt to
detract from Dave’s illegal back pass completed the madness and we all marched
off to OC’s for a pint.
Next week, it’s Inter, and we have Hamstrung the following week. We’ll
be without the services of both Richie & Gus for those games so they’ll be
even more interesting than usual. Keep me posted lads; the next update will be
coming all the way from London!
The Editor
16.07.07 LEAGUE RESULT 15.07.07 –
OC’s moved one step closer to
winning the second division with a battling 3-1 victory over rivals Zimbabwe
Warriors yesterday. The victory takes us nine points clear with three games
remaining and puts Zims out of the running for first - a solitary point from
our remaining fixtures will guarantee the trophy comes back to Vulcan Lane with
us.
I’ve always been taught that if
you haven’t got anything good to say, say nothing at all. I therefore will
mention as little as possible about Zimbabwe Warriors performance yesterday;
but more importantly I will refrain from commenting about their supporters,
their linesman and last but not least, the referee. I speak only for myself
here (it’s an opinion that may or may not be shared by O’Carrolls FC as a club
- it is not for me to say) so if any persoon takes offence to it, please feel
free to email me personally.
Starting XI: Richie in goal; Tom
at right back, Hirdy kept his place at centre half with Tancell while Biddy
pushed out left at the expense of Martin. The midfield comprised of Gus and
Dave W in the centre with Jobba and James on the right and left respectively.
Ash and Tom W were partnered up front. Dan B, Olly, Gibbo and Dan G joined
Martin on the bench.
With the gusty conditions and uneven
surface, it was OC’s that started on the back foot as Zims launched ball after
ball over the top and relied on the pace of their forwards and some fortunate
bounces to get in behind the defence – and they did. Richie was called upon
early to make a superb double save at his post to keep the game scoreless, and
the back four were kept rather busy also. After riding out the early spell of
pressure, it was OC’s that took the lead through Tow Truck with about 15
minutes on the clock. I’m not sure who had the initial strike, but it
ricocheted off the post and when the keeper failed to hold onto the follow up
attempt, Tow Truck was quickest to pounce on the loose ball and he lifted it
over the keeper into the back of the net. OC’s had some momentum behind them
now and James then doubled the lead with a goal not too dissimilar to the
opener. Dave forced the keeper into a save down at his post from a free kick
about 25 yards out and when he spilled the ball, James was first to react and
he smacked it home to make it 2-0.
Then came a real turning point in
the match. Having been rewarded another free kick outside the 18-yard box, Dave
was inexplicably shown a straight red for alleged foul language directed at the
referee. Nobody else heard it, Dave was clearly astounded by the decision, but
the judgment was made and OC’s were down to ten men. The opposition would have
felt this was their way back into the game; but it was a determined OC’s saw
out the remainder of the half and after seven minutes of extra time the whistle
went and OC’s took the 2-0 lead into the break.
After a little reshuffle in the
midfield, the second half got under way and OC’s got off to the worst possible
start. A dangerous free kicked was whipped low across the six yard box, beating
everybody on its way. Richie slightly misjudged the flight and when he spilled
his catch, a Zims player was quickly in to stab the ball home. From this point
onwards, it turned into a real battle – there were some fierce challenges going
in and it was clear both sides badly wanted the win. On about the hour mark Tow
Truck limped off with a knee injury, and only moments later Tom pulled up with
his calf. The fresh legs of Martin and Dan B came on in their places and there
was more reshuffling on the pitch.
It wasn’t long after those
changes that we saw a real horror tackle on Hirdy from a Zims player. It
resulted in the birthday-boy and captain-for-the-day being carried off the
pitch in agony with a gaping 1cm diameter hole in his shin from a high boot. He
was whisked off to hospital as a precaution; meanwhile there wasn’t even a
yellow card flashed for the potential leg-breaker of a challenge! Olly came on
and shifted out to the right of midfield, while Biddy joined Tancy at
centre-half in Hirdy’s place.
With all the changes and the
numerical disadvantage it backs-to-the-wall stuff for a spell while OC’s
defended like their lives depended on it. Richie more than made up for his
earlier error with a couple of cracking saves to maintain our slim advantage.
We really needed the third goal to settle the nerves – both Ash and Dan B came
agonisingly close but just failed to find the finishing touch. The battling
spirit being shown by the ten men on the pitch was nothing short of
extraordinary and you could see just how much it meant when leading scorer Ash
popped up with the crucial third to seal the win.
Again, quite where all the added
time came from I’ll never know, but OC’s played out the remainder of the 55
minute half and completed the double over Zimbabwe, albeit a few of us were
left with a bitter taste in our mouths. Man Of The Match went to Gus – an
outstanding and committed display in the middle of the park! That said, every
player involved yesterday deserves credit for the level of passion and commitment
they showed – well done lads!!!
As I said earlier, we’re one
point away from victory, but that’s going to have to take a back seat for a
couple of weeks – next Sunday we meet Internationale FC in the cup. The same
determination we showed yesterday should make it a very exciting competition.
The Editor
11.07.07 LEAGUE RESULT 08.07.07 – O’Carrolls 2 - 2 Grey Lynn Athletic
OC’s dropped their first points of
the season on Sunday against Grey Lynn Athletic at Seddon Fields. Grey Lynn
twice came from behind in the first half, and OC’s just couldn’t force the
all-important winner in the second half despite dominating the possession.
With almost a full squad available to choose from, the selection
headaches are starting to build for the gaffer. Starting XI: Richie in goal;
Tom, Tancell, Biddy and Martin across the back; Stu, Hirdy, Gus & James
made up the midfield four; and Tim kept faith in Ash and Tow Truck up front.
Olly, Gibbo, Dave Walsh & Dan Green were amongst the substitutes.
OC’s had a decent start; plenty
of possession and there were a good few early forays into the Grey Lynn half,
Stu in particular on the right was looking lively. Fully aware of the threat
that Grey Lynn possess on the counter attack (they took the lead in our
previous meeting), it was vital that OC’s kept our concentration and didn’t
allow them too much space to exploit. The early pressure paid off for OC’s as
we took the lead on about 15 minutes through Tow Truck. The ball was worked out
to the left side and James brought it toward the by-line before cutting in and
laying the ball off to Tommy who coolly lifted his shot over the oncoming
keeper into the back of the net.
The momentum was now with the
home side and we soon had a great chance to double the lead. Gus picked out the
run of Tom down the right with a perfectly weighted pass; the fullback got in
behind the defence and squared the ball but failed to find the feet of Ash and
a Grey Lynn defender put it behind for a corner. It was a great opportunity
missed and one that we’d soon regret.
When Grey Lynn hoofed clear from
an OC’s corner, there looked to be little danger as it was two-on-one at the
back. The Grey Lynn forward (and their best player over the course of our two
meetings this season) controlled the ball well though and rode a couple of
challenges from Tom before getting away and creating the yard of space he
needed to get his shot off; he made no mistake from about 18 yards out, placing
the ball beyond the reach of Richie. 1-1.
While clearly disappointed to concede, OC’s refused to let our heads
drop and when Tow Truck latched onto a long ball from Biddy, Grey Lynn gave us
the perfect opportunity to take the lead once more, this time from the penalty
spot. There were a few protests from the opposition, but with three men all
over the forwards back, the likelihood of conceding the foul was pretty high.
With Dave Walsh on the bench, it was up to Hirdy to take the spot kick and this
time he didn’t find the post, drilling the ball to the keeper’s right. 2-1 –
lead restored.
It would have been nice to take the lead into the break, but the referee
had other ideas and we were very much aggrieved to have a penalty awarded
against us with only a few minutes of the half remaining. We thought the
whistle was blown for a foul on Biddy, but the ref, responding to whomever
cried loudest it seemed, spotted handball by the centre half; a very harsh
decision if ever there was one. With little or no markings on the pitch, how
could he even be sure it occurred inside the box! Anyway, spilt milk and all
that; the penalty was blasted low and hard and even though he got down to it,
Richie’s touch couldn’t keep it out. All square once more and with that came
halftime.
If the second half had lasted an extra half hour, it’s likely that we
would have still failed to find the equalizer. OC’s had the lion-share of
possession for the second spell and we were doing all of the attacking; Grey
Lynn had maybe two or three attacks worth noting but they never really looked
like they had a third goal in them.
Gibbo & Olly were introduced to breath some new life into our
attacking options, but we just couldn’t find our way past the Grey Lynn
defence. Even when they were needlessly reduced to ten men could we not make
the advantage count, as they put extra men behind the ball and soaked up the
pressure. Gibbo was desperately unlucky to see his low strike come back out of
the inside of the post, and Stu’s powerful header from a corner was tipped over
by the opposition keeper - we just weren’t getting the rub of the green. Some
poor decision-making from the man in the middle was causing frustrations to
build on both sides; the red card for Grey Lynn was for abusing the ref, and
two late bookings for OC’s further added to the dissatisfaction.
OC’s trudged off at the final whistle clearly disappointed with the
result but it could have been worse – we have to lift ourselves and look ahead
to the next game. Man Of The Match went to Tom by a nose; Tancy, Biddy &
Hirdy were all right up there.
Well done to Grey Lynn. Next week we have a potential title decider
against Zimbabwe Warriors, now seven points behind us in second place. If OC’s
can rediscover our scoring touch next week, we can punish a team who leek an
awful lot of goals and secure the second division. Let’s put the disappointment
of last week behind us and show what we’re capable of on Sunday. Come on OC’s!
The Editor
02.07.07 LEAGUE RESULT 01.07.07 –
Today
was scheduled as a catch up day in the ASFA and with the weather being not too
bad so far this season, there were only two games scheduled on the day. OC's
were therefore aware that three points against Carlton today would put us nine
points clear with five games left, so all to play for.
The
weather tried it's hardest to postpone this one as well, and to see a load of
touch rugby enthusiasts playing on the pitch before kick-off didn't help,
especially as there was no one playing on the rugby pitch (footy-wanabees). The
Gaffer had a strong squad to pick from with only Stu (work) and Dan B
(abscess...what a terrible way to describe Kim) missing. He started with Richie
in goal Paddy leftback, Tom rightback and the Bidcom and the Tancey fella in
the centre of defence. In centre mid saw captain Gussy and Hirdy with Ollie on
the right and James on the left. TTT and Ash led the attack. Gibbo, Jobba,
Walshy, Matt and Lobster kept the bench warm.
The
team talk was to work our nuts off for 90 minutes and the result will be
ours... and that's exactly what
happened. Carlton won the toss and TTT was in like a flash to nick the ball
from the tip off and create our first attack. OC's were up for this one and
played on the fact that Carlton were missing a couple of players by chasing
down every ball. We were rewarded after 8 minutes when TTT played in Ash. His
first effort was blocked but the Torquay man made sure from the rebound - 1-0
OC's. Carlton were keeping the ball on the floor and trying to play a passing
game, but with little effect on the OC's defence. OC's kept pushing on the
counter attack and were rewarded with the game and Ash's second. A good ball
into the box which should have been cleared but wasn't, instead it fell to Ash
who makes no mistake from three yards. The pressure was on and with some strong
defending, Gussy menacing tackling in midfield and Ash's eye for goal, OC's
knew this game was there for the taking.
The
defence started pushing further up the pitch, Biddycoms went on one of his mazy
runs to deliver to Ollie at the back post who knocked it back to Ash, who
completed his hat-trick with aplomb. 3-0 OC's… which ended the scoring for the
first half. The Gaffer replaced Ollie with Jobba at half time and asked for
commitment and patience in the second half.
The
Carlton boys were not here to lie down and whilst most of the game they were
kept busy defending they were always looking to push up and attack. It was when
one of these attacks broke that Biddy fed Gus who played TTT through the
middle. He played a ball out to the left to Jobba who played an excellent pass
to James, who at last scored his first league goal in OC's colours (having
being denied a couple of times in the first half we wondered if it would be the
same ol' story). 4-0 OC's. Shortly after Carlton had their one and only chance
to score when the ball was played from the wing into the edge of the six yard
area. With Tom breathing down the Carlton lad's neck the opportunity was lost
and wide
The
Gaffer brought Walshy on for Hirdy and a tad later brought the left footed
maestro Gibbo (back from long term injury), on for Ash. An extra dimension and
hunger was added and at times the Carlton 18 yard area was like a pin ball
machine; TTT hit the post, 3 were cleared of the line before we saw one of the
best finishes you are likely to see this season. TTT chased a ball down on the
left wing and with space and options available he heard the Gussy merchant
scream from the opposite side and delivered a pin point ball (at pace) to the
skipper who before anyone had taken a breath to say 'time' had smacked a
thunderous volley, low into the opposite corner. (Has to go down as the best
finish in an OC's shirt... any takers?). 5-0 OC's. With the game now well over
as a contest OC's were relentless and kept playing for the ninety minutes. TTT
ran himself ragged but just couldn't score. His next foray saw him break free
from the Carlton defence only to be denied by the keeper, but James was on hand
to pick up the rebound and slot home his second and OC's sixth.
Carlton
probably had enough at this stage but Gibbo hadn't. The Brummie was let loose
by James on the left and he was determined to score one of his trademark goals
by hitting the by-line, cutting back into the six yard area and burying it into
the far corner - 7-0 (welcome home Gibbo!). Game over.
Thanks
to the Carlton lads who never gave up. A big congrats to James who has shown
that a bit of hard work, belief and determination gets rewards - his fellow
players giving him a deserved MOTM. Next week Grey Lynn... and as we know
today's result means bugger all, without the same commitment shown today… come
on OC's!
Richie O’Neill