| Glen Waverley Soccer Club - Mens Seniors & Reserves |
Round 13 | 10.7.10
| Match Ratings
Seniors
Reserves
|
Reserves
Venue: A desolate and desperate Dendy Park
Pitch: Dry but bumpy
Weather: Blowing a Hooley! (a gale, for those who've never been to
Gloucester)
Canteen: Shut - a bloody poor show
Crowd: About 30 brave souls plus the contents of the RSPCA dog pound
Ladies and Gents, it's great to be back and this week, great news - we had a
game. The long range forecast had us looking forward to wind and rain, but
thankfully the rain held off. The wind was desperate though and the players
deserve enormous credit for putting on a show in very trying conditions. As
the heading says, the park was a bit desolate in the conditions, although we
can imagine it may be picturesque and welcoming in the hot summer days.
Also, whilst our hosts were welcoming and friendly, was it too much to ask
for them to have opened their canteen for some hot food and drinks? Maybe,
but we do expect something better, so come on Brighton, for a big club, get
in shape boys. Enough about them, let's see how the boys did after the few
weeks off. First up, the reserves.....
Paul was at the helm again this week, and had pretty much a full squad to
select from. The line-up was reasonably familiar - Steve S in goal, with
Dan, Tony and Pete S just in front. The midfield had Sam out wide left and
Bill G on the right, flanking Ian, Muzz and Dean. Ozzie was partnered up
front by the ever willing Theo. Kon, Lloydy and Yure were all primed and
ready on the bench.
Excitement had built up in the week and the lads were looking forward to
getting a result and see them push for a top four spot. So from the whistle
and playing with the wind, they had the better of the early skirmishes. Theo
had a shot saved and a couple of corners from the Waverley boys had Brighton
under pressure. It was a little against the run of play then that Brighton
took an early lead. 10 minutes in they had a corner and an unmarked player
was allowed all the time to calmly head home. Within 60 seconds the home
side made it 2-0 as their midfielder waltzed through 3 or 4 tame challenges
before knocking a simple shot past Steve.
That 2 goal blitz woke the boys up and for the next 25 minutes they camped
themselves in the Brighton half. Shots started to rain down on the Brighton
goal as first Ozzie tried his luck and then Ian with a long-range effort.
The Brighton keeper had one of them games where nothing would get past him
though. Dean managed to get in the action as well, as he tangled with the
keeper following a long throw from Dan. Both Murray and Dan also had shots
sail over the bar, so it wasn't as if the "G-Dubs" didn't have their
chances. It then became quite painful when they conceded a third, and within
seconds of the restart, Brighton came close to a fourth when they hit the
post. The half time whistle came as a relief, not just to give us respite
from the wind.
The break didn't really bring any change of fortune for the visitors,
although they did their fair of attacking. You know when it's not going to
be your day though as every bounce or kick seemed to land at a Brighton
player's foot. Still the boys battled on gamely not least against the wind
and uphill. Ozzie was still trying to get his name on the score sheet having
a couple of shots saved. Tony, venturing forward for a corner he saw his
shot hit the post. Then it was Sam's turn to test the keeper only to see him
make a brilliant save and concede a corner. The lads surely deserved
something for their efforts, but Brighton managed to kill the game off. A
mis-hit goal kick fell invitingly to the solar powered Brighton centre
forward and he cracked home their fourth.
Heads were down now and soon hit the ground when Sammy conceded a penalty
late on. He was given a yellow for his trouble, but redeemed himself, with
seconds left on the clock, as he grabbed a late consolation goal. So that's
how it ended, a 1-5 reversal. Probably a fair result since they took their
chances and we didn't, although a closer score would have been a truer
reflection of possession.
A bit of a mid-season hiccup, but the lads hadn't played in a while, so
there's an excuse. Anyway, next week there'll be good chance to get back to
winning ways and hopefully a game on our own pitch for a change. So we leave
the ressies as they search out hot food, and concentrate on the senior boys.
See if they could get something out of the long trip down to Brighton.
Pitch: Dry but bumpy
Weather: Blowing a Hooley! (a gale, for those who've never been to
Gloucester)
Canteen: Shut - a bloody poor show
Crowd: About 30 brave souls plus the contents of the RSPCA dog pound
Ladies and Gents, it's great to be back and this week, great news - we had a
game. The long range forecast had us looking forward to wind and rain, but
thankfully the rain held off. The wind was desperate though and the players
deserve enormous credit for putting on a show in very trying conditions. As
the heading says, the park was a bit desolate in the conditions, although we
can imagine it may be picturesque and welcoming in the hot summer days.
Also, whilst our hosts were welcoming and friendly, was it too much to ask
for them to have opened their canteen for some hot food and drinks? Maybe,
but we do expect something better, so come on Brighton, for a big club, get
in shape boys. Enough about them, let's see how the boys did after the few
weeks off. First up, the reserves.....
Paul was at the helm again this week, and had pretty much a full squad to
select from. The line-up was reasonably familiar - Steve S in goal, with
Dan, Tony and Pete S just in front. The midfield had Sam out wide left and
Bill G on the right, flanking Ian, Muzz and Dean. Ozzie was partnered up
front by the ever willing Theo. Kon, Lloydy and Yure were all primed and
ready on the bench.
Excitement had built up in the week and the lads were looking forward to
getting a result and see them push for a top four spot. So from the whistle
and playing with the wind, they had the better of the early skirmishes. Theo
had a shot saved and a couple of corners from the Waverley boys had Brighton
under pressure. It was a little against the run of play then that Brighton
took an early lead. 10 minutes in they had a corner and an unmarked player
was allowed all the time to calmly head home. Within 60 seconds the home
side made it 2-0 as their midfielder waltzed through 3 or 4 tame challenges
before knocking a simple shot past Steve.
That 2 goal blitz woke the boys up and for the next 25 minutes they camped
themselves in the Brighton half. Shots started to rain down on the Brighton
goal as first Ozzie tried his luck and then Ian with a long-range effort.
The Brighton keeper had one of them games where nothing would get past him
though. Dean managed to get in the action as well, as he tangled with the
keeper following a long throw from Dan. Both Murray and Dan also had shots
sail over the bar, so it wasn't as if the "G-Dubs" didn't have their
chances. It then became quite painful when they conceded a third, and within
seconds of the restart, Brighton came close to a fourth when they hit the
post. The half time whistle came as a relief, not just to give us respite
from the wind.
The break didn't really bring any change of fortune for the visitors,
although they did their fair of attacking. You know when it's not going to
be your day though as every bounce or kick seemed to land at a Brighton
player's foot. Still the boys battled on gamely not least against the wind
and uphill. Ozzie was still trying to get his name on the score sheet having
a couple of shots saved. Tony, venturing forward for a corner he saw his
shot hit the post. Then it was Sam's turn to test the keeper only to see him
make a brilliant save and concede a corner. The lads surely deserved
something for their efforts, but Brighton managed to kill the game off. A
mis-hit goal kick fell invitingly to the solar powered Brighton centre
forward and he cracked home their fourth.
Heads were down now and soon hit the ground when Sammy conceded a penalty
late on. He was given a yellow for his trouble, but redeemed himself, with
seconds left on the clock, as he grabbed a late consolation goal. So that's
how it ended, a 1-5 reversal. Probably a fair result since they took their
chances and we didn't, although a closer score would have been a truer
reflection of possession.
A bit of a mid-season hiccup, but the lads hadn't played in a while, so
there's an excuse. Anyway, next week there'll be good chance to get back to
winning ways and hopefully a game on our own pitch for a change. So we leave
the ressies as they search out hot food, and concentrate on the senior boys.
See if they could get something out of the long trip down to Brighton.
Seniors
The wind showed no signs of abating, but mercifully the rain held off. It
did look a bit black over Bill's Mother's, but we stayed dry. The Senior
boys would have played anywhere, any time and in any conditions as they
hadn't played a competitive match in nearly a month. So everyone was raring
to go and with most of the squad available, a fairly familiar team took to
the park. Alistair in goal, with a back three of Justin, Julian and Micky V.
The midfield had Gaz, Kon and Johnny flanked by Pete on the right and Micky
P on the left. As usual we had the oldest player partnered with the youngest
up front - Metin and Steve H. Prashan, Hoppy and Brian warmed the pine this
week ensuring there was cover right across the park.
Showing no signs of rustiness, the Waverley boys basically took charge of
the match from the off and pretty much controlled the early part of the
match. so it came as no surprise when in the 10th minute, the men in white
took the lead. The only surprise was the scorer - Petey. A ball from our
left was swung in by Johnny and wasn't dealt with by Brighton. Pete latched
onto the loose ball and hit a half-volley over the outstretched arm of the
home keeper.
Brighton woke up and started to come into the game, but their visitors were
equal to anything that could be thrown at them. Alistair was defiant in
goal, and enjoyed the couple of mickey taking moments, by making Brighton
chase him to make him pick the ball up. The back-line too, were in the zone
with Justin immense. However it was Petey who was having a half to remember.
His opposite number will have nightmares about the run-around Petey gave in
that first half. Paul enjoyed telling him too, so we might not be on his
Christmas card list.
OK, so the boys went in at half-time, with a slender but comfortable 1-0
lead. An extra goal would be needed to make sure of the three points, so the
task for the second half was to push on and take advantage of the wind and
the slope. With Kon having his best game of the season so far, along with
the tireless Gaz and non-stop running of Johnny, the midfield battle was
never in doubt. Brighton were never really in the game.
Early in the second half, Micky V tried his luck from long range and the
keepers fumble wasn't capitalised on. A few moments later, Justin also had a
shot go wide. Brighton did have a couple of chances to get back in the game,
but Alistair stood tall and made some excellent saves. As time ticked by
though, the Waverley boys were tightening the screws. Finally though, the
pressure had its rewards as the second and ultimately winning goal sent the
crowd into raptures. We can give you three good reasons why the goal had all
the brain altering ingredients of a jolly good portion of squiff ... one) -
it was our second goal, two) - it was a sensational 30 yard screamer, three)
- finally and most importantly it was Steven Harvey's long-awaited first
goal for the club. And it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. We
celebrated the goal as much for him, as we did the team. What a way to win a
game. A bit of huffing and puffing from Brighton towards the end but nothing
to worry about.
A great result and a fantastic all round team performance. Can't really say
too much more other than well done Steven Harvey, for finally getting the
monkey off the back and to the rest of the team who produced the goods on
the day. Shame we couldn't get anything to eat or drink to help celebrate.
Never mind, we've got Larpent to look forward to next week and hopefully
have Bill's Burgers to enjoy.
did look a bit black over Bill's Mother's, but we stayed dry. The Senior
boys would have played anywhere, any time and in any conditions as they
hadn't played a competitive match in nearly a month. So everyone was raring
to go and with most of the squad available, a fairly familiar team took to
the park. Alistair in goal, with a back three of Justin, Julian and Micky V.
The midfield had Gaz, Kon and Johnny flanked by Pete on the right and Micky
P on the left. As usual we had the oldest player partnered with the youngest
up front - Metin and Steve H. Prashan, Hoppy and Brian warmed the pine this
week ensuring there was cover right across the park.
Showing no signs of rustiness, the Waverley boys basically took charge of
the match from the off and pretty much controlled the early part of the
match. so it came as no surprise when in the 10th minute, the men in white
took the lead. The only surprise was the scorer - Petey. A ball from our
left was swung in by Johnny and wasn't dealt with by Brighton. Pete latched
onto the loose ball and hit a half-volley over the outstretched arm of the
home keeper.
Brighton woke up and started to come into the game, but their visitors were
equal to anything that could be thrown at them. Alistair was defiant in
goal, and enjoyed the couple of mickey taking moments, by making Brighton
chase him to make him pick the ball up. The back-line too, were in the zone
with Justin immense. However it was Petey who was having a half to remember.
His opposite number will have nightmares about the run-around Petey gave in
that first half. Paul enjoyed telling him too, so we might not be on his
Christmas card list.
OK, so the boys went in at half-time, with a slender but comfortable 1-0
lead. An extra goal would be needed to make sure of the three points, so the
task for the second half was to push on and take advantage of the wind and
the slope. With Kon having his best game of the season so far, along with
the tireless Gaz and non-stop running of Johnny, the midfield battle was
never in doubt. Brighton were never really in the game.
Early in the second half, Micky V tried his luck from long range and the
keepers fumble wasn't capitalised on. A few moments later, Justin also had a
shot go wide. Brighton did have a couple of chances to get back in the game,
but Alistair stood tall and made some excellent saves. As time ticked by
though, the Waverley boys were tightening the screws. Finally though, the
pressure had its rewards as the second and ultimately winning goal sent the
crowd into raptures. We can give you three good reasons why the goal had all
the brain altering ingredients of a jolly good portion of squiff ... one) -
it was our second goal, two) - it was a sensational 30 yard screamer, three)
- finally and most importantly it was Steven Harvey's long-awaited first
goal for the club. And it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. We
celebrated the goal as much for him, as we did the team. What a way to win a
game. A bit of huffing and puffing from Brighton towards the end but nothing
to worry about.
A great result and a fantastic all round team performance. Can't really say
too much more other than well done Steven Harvey, for finally getting the
monkey off the back and to the rest of the team who produced the goods on
the day. Shame we couldn't get anything to eat or drink to help celebrate.
Never mind, we've got Larpent to look forward to next week and hopefully
have Bill's Burgers to enjoy.
