| Glen Waverley Soccer Club - Mens Seniors & Reserves |
Round 17 | 14.8.10
| Match Rating
Seniors Reserves
|
Venue: Timber Ridge Reserve, Manningham (our 4th home ground of the season)
Pitch: Better than Larpent
Weather: As windy as the bugger who let fly in the changing rooms pre-game.
Canteen: A choice of hot-dogs or er, hot-dogs.
Crowd: The usual quota of well-wishers plus 2 Redbacks spies, watching us,
we can only assume.
Hello again folks. Here we are once more, trying manfully to bring a
meaningful glimpse into our little football world on Saturday. As you can
see from the details above we are beginning to feel a little nomadic. The
weather once again turned Larpent into a passable Somme lookalike. Rendering
us homeless, we turned to our opponents for assistance with a pitch for the
weekend. Manningham were more than happy to accommodate us and so we ended
up at our 4th different home venue of the season. Anyway, our home record
(seniors anyway) has not been too flash, so playing at home away from home
may have some merits. To find out if this is how it panned out, you'll have
to read on. Enjoy.
Pitch: Better than Larpent
Weather: As windy as the bugger who let fly in the changing rooms pre-game.
Canteen: A choice of hot-dogs or er, hot-dogs.
Crowd: The usual quota of well-wishers plus 2 Redbacks spies, watching us,
we can only assume.
Hello again folks. Here we are once more, trying manfully to bring a
meaningful glimpse into our little football world on Saturday. As you can
see from the details above we are beginning to feel a little nomadic. The
weather once again turned Larpent into a passable Somme lookalike. Rendering
us homeless, we turned to our opponents for assistance with a pitch for the
weekend. Manningham were more than happy to accommodate us and so we ended
up at our 4th different home venue of the season. Anyway, our home record
(seniors anyway) has not been too flash, so playing at home away from home
may have some merits. To find out if this is how it panned out, you'll have
to read on. Enjoy.
Reserves
The ressies are running out of captains as both Dan and Muzz were missing
through illness and injury. So Sean Weston was given the honour this week of
leading the team onto the park. His pre-match speech to lads in front of the
ref in the rooms was inspiring, and would have made Muscat proud. The team
he led consisted of the usual stalwarts Bill G, Kon K, Steve S, Theo, Yure,
Sammy, Ozzie, Prashan and Stevie Wong. We were pleased to see the lads
joined by Erick and Darren from the U18's and little Stevie Frantzis from
the U16's. Good to see the youngsters again getting a chance to show off
their talents.
On with the game, which, by the way, was refereed to the limits by one of
the most pedantic officials ever. About as much charisma as a jar of
pickles. Enough about him though. The lads got into the game straight from
the start and for the first 20 minutes, playing into the wind, had all the
chances. Ozzie with 2 blistering runs into the box, had his efforts well
saved. Prashan also saw one of his early chances sail over the bar. A
free-kick from Prashan also grazed the cross bar, with the keeper watching
on helplessly. The home side keeper was keeping Manningham in the game at
this stage as he pulled off save after save. Inspired by his performance the
home side dragged themselves into the match and for the next 20 minutes or
so wrestled control of the game. They too were unlucky not to have opened
the scoring themselves, but Steve and the boys in front of him we up to the
task. Steve especially matched his counterpart with some super saves,
tipping one point blank effort round the post.
However with the pressure mounting, the Waverley boys broke down the left.
The home side conceded a throw and Sam launched an inch perfect ball onto
the head of Oz whose flick on was met by Prashan who then lashed the ball
hard and low and into the net for the opening goal. Straight from the kick
off, both Sam and Erick had chances to increase the score, but it was
Manningham who immediately got back on level terms. From a corner, ball was
cleared from danger, but Sammy managed to bring the attacker down and the
ref pointed to the spot. Steve S was unlucky as he got a hand to the kick,
but couldn't keep the ball out. So 1-1 at halftime, and on chances probably
just about right.
Playing with the wind at their backs the lads fancied their chances in the
second half. Manningham had other ideas though and within 10 minutes the ref
was pointing again to the spot. This time it was Stevie W, who conceded the
penalty, and he was mighty relieved to see the home side player put his spot
kick wide. From then on it was all Glen Waverley as Darren first headed over
from close range, Lloydy shot wide and Ozzie had another chance smothered by
the energetic keeper. Finally though, 25 minutes into the second half, Lloyd
latched onto a loose ball in the box and rammed home a thunderous
half-volley - right footed no less.
Apart from a few sporadic attacks from Manningham, which were comfortably
dealt with, the visitors were basically bossing the game. Cultured
performances from Erick and Darren, along with Bill G and Kon meant there
was only going to be one outcome. And to finally seal things it was left to
Ozzie to grab his obligatory goal with only seconds remaining on the clock.
It ended 3-1 and it took the reserves up to 9 wins for the season, which, by
the way, is more than any of our teams have managed in our short history.
Well done boys, and with 15 points still up for grabs a top three spot
should be the target. As for performances on the day, we can't go further
than Darren and Erick, who both showed that we are indeed fortunate to have
talented youngsters waiting in the wings for their chance in the coming
seasons. Stevie F found it a little tough in the conditions today, but
wasn't overawed and should get plenty more chances in the coming weeks.
Well done, boys. Now we hoped that smell had cleared from the rooms so we
could make our way back there to enjoy the victory celebrations. Still
no-one has owned up, and since we used the black shorts this week there were
no mysterious stains that may have helped forensics apportion guilt. Now how
did the seniors do. Settle back and continue reading to find out
through illness and injury. So Sean Weston was given the honour this week of
leading the team onto the park. His pre-match speech to lads in front of the
ref in the rooms was inspiring, and would have made Muscat proud. The team
he led consisted of the usual stalwarts Bill G, Kon K, Steve S, Theo, Yure,
Sammy, Ozzie, Prashan and Stevie Wong. We were pleased to see the lads
joined by Erick and Darren from the U18's and little Stevie Frantzis from
the U16's. Good to see the youngsters again getting a chance to show off
their talents.
On with the game, which, by the way, was refereed to the limits by one of
the most pedantic officials ever. About as much charisma as a jar of
pickles. Enough about him though. The lads got into the game straight from
the start and for the first 20 minutes, playing into the wind, had all the
chances. Ozzie with 2 blistering runs into the box, had his efforts well
saved. Prashan also saw one of his early chances sail over the bar. A
free-kick from Prashan also grazed the cross bar, with the keeper watching
on helplessly. The home side keeper was keeping Manningham in the game at
this stage as he pulled off save after save. Inspired by his performance the
home side dragged themselves into the match and for the next 20 minutes or
so wrestled control of the game. They too were unlucky not to have opened
the scoring themselves, but Steve and the boys in front of him we up to the
task. Steve especially matched his counterpart with some super saves,
tipping one point blank effort round the post.
However with the pressure mounting, the Waverley boys broke down the left.
The home side conceded a throw and Sam launched an inch perfect ball onto
the head of Oz whose flick on was met by Prashan who then lashed the ball
hard and low and into the net for the opening goal. Straight from the kick
off, both Sam and Erick had chances to increase the score, but it was
Manningham who immediately got back on level terms. From a corner, ball was
cleared from danger, but Sammy managed to bring the attacker down and the
ref pointed to the spot. Steve S was unlucky as he got a hand to the kick,
but couldn't keep the ball out. So 1-1 at halftime, and on chances probably
just about right.
Playing with the wind at their backs the lads fancied their chances in the
second half. Manningham had other ideas though and within 10 minutes the ref
was pointing again to the spot. This time it was Stevie W, who conceded the
penalty, and he was mighty relieved to see the home side player put his spot
kick wide. From then on it was all Glen Waverley as Darren first headed over
from close range, Lloydy shot wide and Ozzie had another chance smothered by
the energetic keeper. Finally though, 25 minutes into the second half, Lloyd
latched onto a loose ball in the box and rammed home a thunderous
half-volley - right footed no less.
Apart from a few sporadic attacks from Manningham, which were comfortably
dealt with, the visitors were basically bossing the game. Cultured
performances from Erick and Darren, along with Bill G and Kon meant there
was only going to be one outcome. And to finally seal things it was left to
Ozzie to grab his obligatory goal with only seconds remaining on the clock.
It ended 3-1 and it took the reserves up to 9 wins for the season, which, by
the way, is more than any of our teams have managed in our short history.
Well done boys, and with 15 points still up for grabs a top three spot
should be the target. As for performances on the day, we can't go further
than Darren and Erick, who both showed that we are indeed fortunate to have
talented youngsters waiting in the wings for their chance in the coming
seasons. Stevie F found it a little tough in the conditions today, but
wasn't overawed and should get plenty more chances in the coming weeks.
Well done, boys. Now we hoped that smell had cleared from the rooms so we
could make our way back there to enjoy the victory celebrations. Still
no-one has owned up, and since we used the black shorts this week there were
no mysterious stains that may have helped forensics apportion guilt. Now how
did the seniors do. Settle back and continue reading to find out
Seniors
So with the whiff of the stale anal aroma gradually fading, we could settle
back to watch the senior boys do the bizzo. There were a couple of changes
this week as Tony came in for Kon (who'd gone away somewhere) and Julian was
re-instated to the team after missing last week due to injury. Met and Dean
were the spearhead of the attack, hoping to get good service from John, Gazz
and Mick V. Peter and Micky P gave the side its width and Tony was helped in
the backline by the "J-J Igotcha" twins - Julian and Justin. The
ever-reliable Alistair in goal was the final piece in this week's jigsaw.
The strength off the bench was provided by Prashan, Pete S and Brian. All
good and raring to go.
The ref provided the starting point, with a shrill blast on the whistle and
raring off the boys went. In an action packed opening to the game, Met had
an early chance to open the scoring but his shot went narrowly wide.
Manningham took advantage by playing with the wind and they too had a couple
of chances with Alistair saving one shot spectacularly. The game was
punctuated with numerous free-kicks, although none were malicious, just
clumsy. It was from one of these challenges that saw the deadlock broken.
Johnny burst into the box and was sent tumbling as he was just lining up his
shot. The ref had no option, and we saw the third penalty of the day. So on
the 30 minute mark, Johnny stepped up and calmly slotted home the opening
goal of the game.
Almost from the restart Manningham had a free-kick on the edge of the box.
The resultant shot and follow up didn't come to much, but they did have a
good penalty shout turned down, much to the relief of the visitors. The home
team continued piling on the pressure for the remainder of the half, but
Tony, Jules and Justin were more than capable, soaking up all that came
their way. Alistair in goal was also having a solid game. Late in the half,
Dean was unlucky not to extend the lead, but his snap shot was saved well by
their keeper.
Into the break with the slender advantage, the lads were hoping that playing
with the wind in the second half would prove the decisive factor. As it
happened within 3 minutes of the restart, Micky P racing in from the left,
lashed in a super half-volley to double the advantage. A couple of minutes
later, Dean put Met clean through, but the chance was squandered. Well on
top, the lads would be forgiven for thinking the game was there for the
taking. But as we well know, especially at Manningham, things can't be taken
for granted. The ball had been played down the left and it looked to have
crossed the touch line, but the linesman waved play on. A little frustrated
by the decision, the lads gave away a needless free-kick. From the mis-hit
free-kick, Micky V expertly turned the ball into his own net, to bring
Manningham back into the game.
This was the only blemish on Mickys game however as he was solid afternoon.
Along with Tony and Gazz, they were pretty much the star performers on the
day, although the rest of the team stuck to their tasks and basically
out-played Manningham. For the rest of the game, the Waverley boys camped in
the home side half. However they couldn't make this superiority count.
Numerous chances went begging - Met had a point blank header miraculously
saved, Peter missed with the goal at his mercy, and Met, again, had a header
cannon into the cross bar. Mention for the home team keeper who had a game
to remember and kept his side in the game right til the end. Prashan, Peter
and Brian were all introduced in the second half, to make sure everything
stayed tight and Manningham were given no chance of getting back into the
match.
Ultimately, though, the boys in white took the points as they held onto
their narrow lead. 2-1 it finished although many of us are still scratching
our heads wondering how it wasn't more. Maybe we were just being kind to our
generous hosts for letting us use their ground. Anyway, 3 points meant we're
just about safe from the drop zone, and gives us the confidence needed going
into the run to the end of the season. We now play the top four sides in the
league in the last 5 matches, so it would be good to have a say in who gets
promoted and who doesn't. Really though, we don't care. All we want is to
have a good finish to the season and show everyone that we still mean
business and that Glen Waverley is no push-over.
back to watch the senior boys do the bizzo. There were a couple of changes
this week as Tony came in for Kon (who'd gone away somewhere) and Julian was
re-instated to the team after missing last week due to injury. Met and Dean
were the spearhead of the attack, hoping to get good service from John, Gazz
and Mick V. Peter and Micky P gave the side its width and Tony was helped in
the backline by the "J-J Igotcha" twins - Julian and Justin. The
ever-reliable Alistair in goal was the final piece in this week's jigsaw.
The strength off the bench was provided by Prashan, Pete S and Brian. All
good and raring to go.
The ref provided the starting point, with a shrill blast on the whistle and
raring off the boys went. In an action packed opening to the game, Met had
an early chance to open the scoring but his shot went narrowly wide.
Manningham took advantage by playing with the wind and they too had a couple
of chances with Alistair saving one shot spectacularly. The game was
punctuated with numerous free-kicks, although none were malicious, just
clumsy. It was from one of these challenges that saw the deadlock broken.
Johnny burst into the box and was sent tumbling as he was just lining up his
shot. The ref had no option, and we saw the third penalty of the day. So on
the 30 minute mark, Johnny stepped up and calmly slotted home the opening
goal of the game.
Almost from the restart Manningham had a free-kick on the edge of the box.
The resultant shot and follow up didn't come to much, but they did have a
good penalty shout turned down, much to the relief of the visitors. The home
team continued piling on the pressure for the remainder of the half, but
Tony, Jules and Justin were more than capable, soaking up all that came
their way. Alistair in goal was also having a solid game. Late in the half,
Dean was unlucky not to extend the lead, but his snap shot was saved well by
their keeper.
Into the break with the slender advantage, the lads were hoping that playing
with the wind in the second half would prove the decisive factor. As it
happened within 3 minutes of the restart, Micky P racing in from the left,
lashed in a super half-volley to double the advantage. A couple of minutes
later, Dean put Met clean through, but the chance was squandered. Well on
top, the lads would be forgiven for thinking the game was there for the
taking. But as we well know, especially at Manningham, things can't be taken
for granted. The ball had been played down the left and it looked to have
crossed the touch line, but the linesman waved play on. A little frustrated
by the decision, the lads gave away a needless free-kick. From the mis-hit
free-kick, Micky V expertly turned the ball into his own net, to bring
Manningham back into the game.
This was the only blemish on Mickys game however as he was solid afternoon.
Along with Tony and Gazz, they were pretty much the star performers on the
day, although the rest of the team stuck to their tasks and basically
out-played Manningham. For the rest of the game, the Waverley boys camped in
the home side half. However they couldn't make this superiority count.
Numerous chances went begging - Met had a point blank header miraculously
saved, Peter missed with the goal at his mercy, and Met, again, had a header
cannon into the cross bar. Mention for the home team keeper who had a game
to remember and kept his side in the game right til the end. Prashan, Peter
and Brian were all introduced in the second half, to make sure everything
stayed tight and Manningham were given no chance of getting back into the
match.
Ultimately, though, the boys in white took the points as they held onto
their narrow lead. 2-1 it finished although many of us are still scratching
our heads wondering how it wasn't more. Maybe we were just being kind to our
generous hosts for letting us use their ground. Anyway, 3 points meant we're
just about safe from the drop zone, and gives us the confidence needed going
into the run to the end of the season. We now play the top four sides in the
league in the last 5 matches, so it would be good to have a say in who gets
promoted and who doesn't. Really though, we don't care. All we want is to
have a good finish to the season and show everyone that we still mean
business and that Glen Waverley is no push-over.
