The Mighty Weekenders went in to a tricky fixture against clubmate Cosmos Classics with confidence following last weeks rout over Marist Casuals. It was a cold day but again the player turn out was high. One player missing from the Weekenders line up was hat trick hero Zeb Small who, for reasons only known to himself, aligned himself with the Cosmos Classics for this game. His loss was offset by the return of former Weekenders 2012 season MVP Jamie Wilsher. Also missing was midfield enforcer Geoff Smith, struggling with a knee injury following last weeks game. Peter Kinnerley returned to take over the goal keeping role. The field was quite water logged, with the ball initially skidding on the grass, before the field turned to a heavy mud. This certainly didnt help make the game an attractive spectacle. If fact for large parts of the match is was a scrappy encounter, the Mighty Weekenders seemed happy to give up possession at almost every opportunity. Despite this the men in Red scored 2 great team goals. Both started deep in defence, with the ball going wide with nice passing, followed by good crosses in to the box. The first was scored by Gerry O'Donnell, who had his shooting boots on was was unlucky not to score again. The second was scored by Jamie Wilsher, following up on Sam O'Leary's parried shot. Classics scored a late goal to make the score 2-1 at half time.
The second half was one to forget, with the Weekenders losing all shape. There wasnt a lot of goalmouth action to report of, more of a kickfest in the middle of the park. Classics scored with around 20 mins remaining to lock the scores at 2 all. On the balance of the game the scoreline was a fair reflection. The worrying aspect was the Weekenders play in the second half. The passes need to be kept early. Foward players need to come to the ball, and hold it playing the way they are facing, rather than wait for it or look to see it knocked over the top. When in possession of the ball our midfielders look up but have no options unless players look to receive the ball. One futher aspect is our crossing. We arent blessed with height up front, so perhaps diagonal cutbacks, 45s, would be a better option. We should try it.
But to finish on a positive, both Weekenders newer and younger players continue to grow in ability and confidence. They are now vital parts of the Reds.
The league now splits in to top 6 and bottom 6, or the 2nd division. The Mighty Mighty Weekenders are in the 2nd division along with Marist Casuals, Thirsties, Collegiate, Cosmos Classics and Castlecliff United. We have done well against all these teams this season, so if we play to our ability then we may have a chance of silverware.
MOM
3- Jamie Wilsher
2- Fraser Kinnerley
1- Scott Allan
Mentioned In Despatches
Paddy Mullins, Gerry O'Donnell, Sam O'Leary, Aaron Lower, Kane Thomas, Matt Jefferies, Tim Waite, Peter Kinnerley
