Another sun-drenched afternoon saw Weekenders take on City Hammers. Hammers, who beat Thirsties 10 nil in the first round, started the game as favorites. A late scramble before kick off saw Zeb Small volunteered for keeper and Matt Jefferies making his first appearance at full back. Both teams started well, with plenty of effort. the mighty Weekenders looked good when they passed the ball early and moved in to space. Hammers soon got in to their stride but couldnt overcome a stout and well organised defence. Time and again they found themselves offside against the high line played by Weekenders back four. It was a dangerous game to play but was well policed by referee Musa. The young backs listened well, used their pace and tackled like demons. Unfortunately the breakthrough for Hammers came midway through the half due to a mistake from keeper Small when he contrived to kick a clearance in to an onrushing striker, only to see it deflect over his head and in to goal. Weekenders hit bakc just beofre the break when Pete Ellicott put the Whippet Brad Townsend away for a one on one, which he duely took. HT 1-1
Phil Douglas replaced Small in goal. The second half was a different story, Hammers kept playing the long ball and getting caught offside, but Weekenders started playing as individuals. Perhaps due to fatigue, it went very quiet. This resulted in the Weekenders trying to play a lot more football than they needed to, and work a hell of a lot harder than they should have had to. The snowball effect of it all is that the harder they tried as individuals, the easier it became for their opposition, who then bombed forwards in greater numbers causing the need for more efforts. Weekenders need to play as a team. Keep it simple, quick early passing on the ground is the way they have to play. This lesson needs to be learned, or it will be a long season for the Weekenders. A last ditch slide tackle in the box by Tarf Pohio kept Hammers at bay. However, 3 more goals followed in the second half. The first from a break down the wing followed by some nice passing and a tap in. A penalty followed , (nice challenge Geoff) keeper Douglas made a magnificent save but couldnt keep out the rebound. A mistake from Small who got all tangled up in the box trying to play at the wrong end of the pitch, led to the last. Overall a good effort but, baring the defence, not as a team.
MOM
3- Mark Allan
2- Matt Jefferies
1- Scott Allan
Mentioned in Despatches:
Pete E, Regan, Brad M, Brad T, Tarf, Kane , Geoff
Results:
Collegiate 2nd XI 0 - Marist Casuals 2 - by default
Braves 3 - Cosmos Classics 3
Thirstys 2 - City Development 8
Castlecliff 0 - Cosmos 8
Marist Celtics 2 - Collegiate 1st XI 1
