Weekenders V Thirstys, a clash that whets the appetite! Thirstys have been banging in plenty of goals in the previous weeks. A sunny Saturday afternoon saw these 2 teams play out what would be a great win for the Reds. Scott Allan started in goal and had a defence of Mike Hogan, Mark Allan, Jamie Wilsher and Brad Muirhead in front of him. Kane Thomas and Geoff Smith once again made up the hub of the midfield, supported by James Yates and a new comer in young Alex Battersby. Darko Mostarac and Tarf Pohio were the Reds cutting edge up front. A small team talk was held before the game, stressing the importance of the ball and re-itterating the need to pass and move. After the start of the game it appeared this call to arms had fallen on deaf ears. Thirstys pressed the Reds when not in possession, and made several thrusts that were scrambled away by a well organised defence. After this first 15 minutes or so the reds got in to there stride. The controlled the play for the remainder of the game. A number of good chances were spurned, the most glaring by Mostarac after a lovely team move. The Reds grew with confidence and stroked the ball around well, making their opponants work hard. They would reep the benefits of this good work later. The scores were locked at nil all at half time.
A few changes were made at half time, but overall the Reds kept playing the way they did in the first. The goals soon came. Pohio rounded the keeper for the first, Yates took a nice goal, even Mostarac got in on the act. His first was a lovely piece of skill. Facing away from goal he turned and dribbled passed 3 defenders before slotting the ball in to the corner. His second was after a great cross by sub Peter Ellicot was put right on his head. Thirstys scored 2 quick goals, the first a penalty and the second after the rebound of a good save by keeper Allan was tucked away in to an open net. The Reds didnt fall apart as they have done before. In fact they scored the next 2 goals to put the game away. The best going to GOD who dove like a Falcon pouncing on a careless hare, to meet a nicely floated cross from man of the match Brad Muirhead. But perhaps the moment of the match was when Captain Thomas chased down a young Thirstys striker reminiscent of Peter Snell storming home in Rome.
Overall one of the best performances by the Reds all season. They kept working hard and looked after the ball. They tired out the opposition and deserved the win. This week will be difficult against the Cosmos Classics. The Reds need to play the same style but realise they wont have the time on the ball given to them by Thirstys.
MOM
3- Brad Muirhead
2- Geoff Smith
1- Gerry O'Donnell, Jamie Wilsher
Mentioned in Despatches
Scott Allan, Alex Battersby, Darko Mostarac, Mike Hogan, Phil Douglas, Mark Allan, Tarf Pohio, Kane Thomas
