Weather more suiting to cricket, with a pitch just as hard, met the Mighty Weekenders in their first competion game of the season. Against them was a familar foe in clubmates Athletic Cosmos. Weekenders were without both of their usual goal keepers, Pete Kinnerley working, and Aaron Lower ,who was absent after having his ankle assaulted by an acorn the week before. A boisterous centre back combination of Geoff Smith and Scott Allan formed a base, with Pete Ellicott and Tim Waite as fullbacks. With the trusty warhorse Kane Thomas having moved on to greener pastures Zeb Small slipped in to a central midfield role with last seasons MVP Fraser Kinnerley. Youngster Richard Saunders and robust Andy Manoussos provided the width, while Tarf Pohio and a powerful Matt Jefferies gave the team a cutting edge.
In blistering heat the Weekenders started the game well. Their passing and pace gave the Cosmos team a lot of trouble it it looked like it would only be a matter of time before a breakthrough would come. It did come juts after the half hour when the Weekenders were caught out after a free kick. Backs were turned to the ball, allowing Cosmos in behind, a chance they took. Soon it was 2 nil, again after sloppy marking leading to a tap in goal.
Too often in the first half Weekender front men would try and turn, with the shrewd defence of Cosmos simply knicking the ball away. At half time the game plan was outlined again. Ball to feet, one twos to move the older Cosmos team around. They were also asked to keep it on the ground as Cosmos are too good in the air against a shorter strke force.
The second half started as though the Weekenders were all strangers to each other. The game plan went out the window for the first 15 minsutes or so, during which Cosmos scored their third, an own goal as a desparing Saunders saw his tackle send the ball in to his own net. After some vigorous talk the Mighty Weekenders decided to play. They put the Cosmos goal under seige and, with nice passing and teamwork, scored two deserved goals. Unfortunately they had left the comeback too late and they ran out of time.
The Weekenders need to evaluate this game to see what they can take out of it, both good and bad. Bad - not playing easy balls, trying instead to back heel or turn in to tackles. Failing to play as a team, running with the ball in to dead ends without any support and then smashing hopeful crossing in to an empty box. Losing concentration when the game was just about to restart, be it goal kicks, throw in or free kicks. Good - When they started playing one twos the opposition couldnt handle them. Great efforts in tracking back to protect their goal. And of course the wonderful fighting team spirit that they have shown for many years.
When they start to play as a team, the pace and skill that the Weekenders possess will trouble most teams this season. Something that we are all dying to see.
Also note that the draw has been changed around, with the next game to kick off at 12.30 not 2.30.
MOM
3- Richard Saunders
2- Fraser Kinnerley
1- Andy Manoussos
Mentioned In Despatches
Scott Allan, Tim Waite, Geoff Smith, James Yates, Tarf Pohio, Zeb Small, Mike Hogan, Tim C
Captains Choice
Aaron Lower
