Welcome to Season 2011

It's a huge hello to all our readers as we welcome in a new season. Welcome
back all of you who took the time to read our match reports last season. You
must be gluttons for punishment if you've come back for another season of my
ramblings. To the newcomers amongst you, this is where we try and give
everyone a brief and slightly tongue-in-cheek version of the weekend's
events. Sometimes we don't always let the truth stand in the way of a good
story, but we do try to get some facts right, since this generally becomes
the basis of our yearbook and therefore documents our history. So read on
and we'll try our best to recall what happened in the opening round of the
season. (a bit difficult since I was in Scotland at the time the game was
played, but helped by those who were). Enjoy.


Weather ... Nobody complained about it, so must have been ok.
Pitch ... Nobody complained about that either, but generally it's pretty
good.
Crowd ... Everybody complained about them.

Since we finished 11th in Provisional league 3 last season, the FFV decided
that we needed another season in the Metro league, so down we went. Not
content with relegating us, they also saw fit to pair us in Round one with
one of the less appealing teams in the league Endeavour Hills. The last time
we played these guys, a boxing licence would have been more appropriate than
football boots. As it transpired, the lads from Doveton hadn't changed much,
were a little naughty, and took advantage of the lack of referee by taking
chunks out of any player who dared wear the colours of Glen Waverley.

The reserves had the honour of kicking off the season and came away with a
solitary point and pretty much most of their limbs, when, by all accounts, 3
points would have been deserved. 2 disallowed goals, a missed penalty and
another dozen clear cut chances missed meaning the game would have been well
out of reach of the home side. Which is more than be said for Pete
Stoiloudis leg - that came well within range of a defenders boot. Peter was
stretchered off the pitch to a chorus off boo's and derision and that was
from the stand-in referee! So Pete became the first casualty of the season
and it was barely 20 minutes old.
As for the game, there was some football played between the thuggery, and
four goals were shared. Tony G and Christian both getting on the score sheet
to get the season off and running. The lads did well to rise above the
intimidation and violence and any opportunity to get back into a league away
from this bunch of thugs won't be a moment too soon. New coach, Simon can be
happy with his players efforts and they look forward to getting back on
friendly home soil next week.

As for the seniors, they couldn't have wished for a better start. Once again
the official referee had decided against turning up and left our lads to
face the music without any assistance. Not that they needed it as they got
the season off to a flier with a superb 4-1 win. Our goals were shared
between Ozzie, who was enjoying his promotion to the seniors and new
recruit, Anthony Constandara. They seemed to have worked each other out
fairly quickly and are starting a formidable strike partnership. By all
accounts Prashan continued to show his talents and had a great game along
with our new found centre-back - Petey.
The senior boys were pretty much on top for most of the game although the
home side did have the best of it for 20 or so minutes at the start of the
second half. A solitary breakaway goal was the only reward for their effort.
They also had an undeserved penalty, but was so poorly taken, Nathan had
time to phone his girlfriend, wash his car, and get a beer in, all before
the ball trickled into his arms.

A special mention must be reserved for Nathan, as he has to be one of our
unluckier players. Returning to the club he played for as a junior, Nathan
had forced his way into the seniors as first choice keeper, keeping Alistair
on the bench. No mean feat in itself as Al, as we know, is a first class
keeper in his own right. Anyway, after only one game, Nathan unfortunately
damaged his knee in training the following Tuesday and pretty much saw his
season finish in a flash of blinding pain. A great shame for a super bloke
and we wish him a speedy return.

That just about rounds up the day's events for the first week of the season.
4 points out of 6, with the seniors starting in fine form. On to round 2
where the lads will take on Old Haileybury at the hallowed turf of Larpent.