Tornadoes slow start costs them
Another close affair, a slow start saw us three goals down, then we battled away and played some nice football in the last two quarters, great character shown by the boys, super goal from Elliott.
First two quarters too many of our players were off the pace, and Sao Paulo had much the better of the game, experimented with Elliott moving to left wing back type position, and this helped us defensively and it also gave Elliott some more space to run and shoot with the ball. However with the move, we lost our way a little in midfield as we didn't work well enough as a partnership. Sao Paulo's pressure paid off in the 6th minute, where the ball was scrambled to the back post where the Sao Paulo player had lost his marker, and had simple task of putting away. Sam and Elliott were having to work overtime to keep them out. Only half chances fell to Josh shot blocked, Elliott shot blocked and another Elliott shot saved by the keeper. End of first 1-0 Sao Paulo.
Second quarter and again territorially Sao Paulo were the stronger side, but yet they didn't put too much pressure on Aarons goal, a well taken free kick flying into top corner, doubled their lead, the free kick was awarded when unfortunately for Elliott the ball bobbled up and hit his arm. Just typical of our luck at the moment at the end of the quarter, a free kick for us in a similar position, was similarly well struck by Dylan, but the ball just didn't quite dip, end it went inches over the bar, these are the margins we are working on at the minute. Other half chances fell to Dylan who's long shot was saved and James forced a corner after a run, and Elliotts shot went wide. 2-0 Sao Paulo.
Third quarter - A lethargic start, led to another rather scrappy and poor goal given away, need to be more switched on in the penalty box boys. But the pleasing thing was, rather than let our heads go down, our play suddenly sparked into life, Joseph put a great first time ball through to Dylan, but as happened a lot the ball just bobbled and Dylans first time shot just went wide of the post. Elliott was now pushing up nicely and had plenty of space on the left, two long range shots, going over and wide of the post, but showing the right attitude and listening to the coaches, Elliotts third strike in the matter of minutes was simply breathtaking, flying into the top corner from all of 25 yards, a stunning strike. At the other end Sam was playing superbly, with Aaron making a couple of good stops. End of 3rd 3-1 Sao Paulo.
Fourth quarter - Now it was a lot more even of a game, with the game flowing from end to end, both sides going close. A good quick ball from James set Joseph away, and again despite a bobble he managed to get a good hard low shot away which the keeper looked to have pushed into his own net, but again it just went agonisingly wide of the post, Dylan had a couple of long range shots saved by the keeper, while James was crowed out a couple of times by good defending. At the back Sam, Joseph & Elliott combined welll to keep Sao Paulo out.
On the day think Sao Paulo again deserved to shade the result, but again luck was not on our side, fractions in it with regards to free kicks and shots just not quite finding the net. We are competing well, but just need to have 50 minutes of focus, and hard work from all of the team, if we want to turn these close defeats around and get some points out of our last two league games, have shown we are more than capable. Heads up boys, you have had a good season, and this tough league is character building and has shown the areas we need to improve upon for next season.
For man of the match, four candidates to me, Dylan some great heading of the ball, and good tackles in the middle, Sam again excellent at the back, doing such a good job for your team, should be really proud of your efforts, Joseph showing improved attitude of late, creating chances with good passing, unlucky not to score, and determination in the tackle was great to see, but again both the opposing coach and my choice for man of the match was Elliott, stunning goal, and good work defensively, well played skipper!
Heads up boys lets get some points from the last two league games, go on a cup run, quarter final likely to be next midweek, and if successful semi final perhaps weekend after.
Lets go Tornadoessssssssss!
