3 minutes to kick off and the Reds only had 7 players. But the call of the Chequered shirt meant that by kick off the Reds had a full squad and 2 subs. The opposition this week was Marist Casuals. Normally these games are close fought duels, full of goals. True to form there were plenty of goals but thistime mostly for the Reds. An injured Phil Douglas, who only managed to get his damaged foot in to a boot on Thursday, was keeper. Gerry O'Donnell and Brad Muirhead were fullbacks, Scott Allan and Jamie Wilsher at centre back. James Yates played left midfield, Regan Leslie on the right. In the centre of the back it was young bull/ old bull, with Richard Pole starting with Alex Battersby. Darko Mostarac, in his last game before a break, partnered Peter Ellicott up front. Mike Hogan and Tarf Pohio added impact from the bench. The Reds played the best team game they have had all season. No one held on to the ball too long, passes were crisp and to the man. They soon had their reward with Ellicott netting the first of his hat trick. Allan won the ball off Marist just outside the Red's box, passed to Pole in acres of space in midield, who slipped a perfectly weighted ball through or Ellicott to slot it home. Next goal came from Douglas in goal whose punt fell for Ellicott who again put it away. His third came from harrassing a rattled Marist defence, stealing the ball and scoring. The Reds were totally dominant, passing Marist to death. Marist had a small period of attack when they had 4 corners in a row but these were easily dealt with.
In the second half it was very much the same story. Marist were lucky to only conceed another 2 goals. Pohio smashed it home after a lovely move between himself, Mostarac and Ellicott. Mostarac scored the last of an emphatic win. Casuals had a late consolation goal, with possibly their first shot of the half.
So a great performance by the Reds. Yates found space down the left and used it well. Batterbsy was combative in the centre, flying in to tackles against bigger men. The defence held well, staying on their feet and denying Marist any real opportunities. Often the ball was cut out, with a defender reading the play, and then passing swiftly putting the Mighty Reds on attack once more. One of the most pleasing aspects of the game were the way the Reds played as a team, unlike Marist who often fought amongst themselves. As mentioned before the passing was early, giving team mates time on the ball. Another good point was the way the subs rotated. As soon as someone was tired they replaced themselves with a like player. A well deserved win, outplaying Casuals. The Reds need to keep this form up, while not resting on their laurels as they wont have the same time on the ball as this game.
MOM
3- Pete Ellicott
2- Jamie Wilsher
1- Alex Battersby
Mentioned In Despatches
James Yates, Regan Leslie, Scott Allan, Richard Pole, Darko Mostarac
