How you all doing? Well we hope, and thanks for taking the time to drop in
on us this week. If you've been paying attention, you'll notice we are now
at the business end of the season. Two thirds of the season gone, which
leaves us with a quarter left to play. This weekend both teams were up
against their nearest challengers in the league - the reserves sitting top,
were up against the second placed side. The seniors were up against the team
just above them, so it was second v third. A tense, nervy and fascinating
weekend stood in wait and it didn't let us down. There was plenty of action
and incidents to talk about, so read on to find out about how much of it was
true....

Weather - Another loverlee day. Sunny, no breeze and just about as good as
it gets, for this time of year.
Pitch - Not the best, but a long way off not being the worst either. A bit
average in the goal mouth too.
Crowd - A boisterous lot, with a huge travelling contingent, making the trek
south to cheer on the boys.
Canteen - Basic, and bloody expensive as we found out later. We contributed
$30 to their funds for 4 Corona's and something in a brown can.

Special note - Today we spare a thought for our wounded soldiers. From
yesterday the obvious one is Christian and we all wish him a speedy
recovery. The other MIA's - Ozzie, Nathan, Justin, Jarrod - haste ye back.

Here we go then, with a detailed report on the now top-of-the-table reserves
game. We'll start with the line-up and again we saw a healthy group of U18's
joining the regulars. Erick, Christian, Jack Walshe and Vassill were all
looking to add some youthful enthusiasm to the side. This week we also saw
the return of the Golden Child into defence alongside Dan. Along with Con K
and Vassil, the backline looked to be a more solid and familiar one from a
few weeks ago. Dropping down to the ressies to get some game time, Avish was
hoping to add some class on the right. Muzz and Theo were the midfield
workhorses and Gilly was the outlet for all good things down the left.
Christian and Erick were partnered up front and we were all looking forward
to seeing what this exciting pairing could produce. Mustn't forget Al in
goal and also the willing bench comprising of Manch, Ping-em-in Pierce and
Jack Walshe with an "E".

Our lads took to the park looking resplendent in the all white strip, which
is more than can be said for the home side. Their strip has to be one of the
worst - brown with sky blue stripes? You are kidding surely. Anyway, the
lads made them pay for looking like a crash in a curtain factory. From the
off, the boys were on top. Fired up and playing football as it is supposed
to be played - along the ground. Slick inter-passing and movement all over
the park caused Harrisfield problems which they found difficult to solve.
Both Christian and Erick were feeding off balls from both Avish and Gilly.
Theo also had a few long range efforts, but none found the target. The
pressure did ensure there was a steady flow of corners. But it was from one
of these corners that the first major incident of the game happened.

Christian leaped to meet the ball in the box, but the defender who was
trying to clear the ball only managed to header the side of Christian's
face. The injury was bad enough to mean a trip to the hospital courtesy of
the ambo's. A fractured eye socket was the result and that looks like it's
the end of his season. Micky Pierce was brought on earlier than expected and
within 5 minutes, he added another goal to his already impressive tally for
the season. The opening goal came ironically from a header, although it was
helped on its way by a defenders head.

The first half was littered with offside's, some spot on, some woefully
wrong, but it didn't do too much harm other than stop the boys from running
rampant. Erick and Gilly were both enjoying themselves immensely, as were
Theo and Muzz. The lads were definitely up for it and showing everyone why
they were top of the league and determined to stay there.

Halftime came and went with the boys still one goal to the good. The second
half got underway with the boys in white still in control. By and large the
score never really looked in doubt as Harrisfield were restricted to
sporadic attacks. The nearest they came though was having one cleared off
the line by that man Gilly. Up at the other end, the lads continued to
create chances with Avish coming close a couple of times. He blamed a sore
foot though for him missing the target.

Christian wasn't the only one in the wars today as Dan can testify. He was
clattered in an aerial challenge on the halfway line and came off with
plenty of claret dribbling out of both nostrils. A couple of cotton wool
plugs shoved up the offending orifices and Dan was back to play out the game
with a broken schnozz.

As we mentioned, Erick was having a blinder, and he capped off a terrific
display with the winning goal. He's had a couple of chances in quick
succession but scored with the third. A cross from Avish on the right found
Erick unmarked in the box. With one player to beat he calmly slotted home
with the outside of his right foot.

Jack W was brought on for a tiring Golden Child, and he also showed that we
have excellent strength in depth as he gave an assured performance at full
back.

A terrific result for the lads today and a quick glance at the table sees
them 5 points clear. What is equally satisfying though is the way the lads
are playing. Great football and we can't praise the contribution of the
young players enough. The senior players - Dan, Theo and Muzz are all
helping the youngsters integrate well and their contribution shouldn't be
underestimated either. So well done lads - WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE say WE
ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE (repeat ad nauseum, until Round 22)

With the reserves claiming the three points it was up to the senior boys to
double up the tally and close the gap on the second place Hurricanes. Tasked
with the job this week was a fairly familiar line-up. Changes to side were
Marty coming in for Met, and Lloydy in for Sammy. Met and Sammy were both
dropping to the bench and were joined by Erick and Sean W. It was "as you
were" with the others - Nick A in goal, Petey, Dean, Micky V and Lloyd
across the back. Alex, Prashan, Marty and Kon in the middle and the two
giants - Anthony and Nick Mav up front.

It was an excellent start to the game as the Waverley boys raced out of the
blocks. A smart move down the left and Alex popped one into the box for the
first clear chance within 30 seconds! It was too early in the game as Nick
couldn't capitalise and the home side cleared the danger. For the next 5
minutes or so, all the good things were coming down the Waverley left with
Alex's pace causing problems.

So all was looking good, until Harrisfield got their long-ball game working.
A hoof up the right found one of their lads with some space. This was closed
down quickly but a free-kick was conceded on the right hand side of the box.
There was no real danger but they managed to find a player unmarked on the
far side. He played a header back across box to another player who had the
easiest chance to score leaving Nick with no chance.

It was an unexpected goal, as Waverley had tried to play the more attractive
football. The lads did start to panic a bit. However when they did knock it
around, they did create the better chances. Another Waverley attack down
left and Lloyd crashed a shot into the outside of the post. The home side
pressed urgently all over the park and this hurried the Waverley players
into turning the ball over a few times. When they did turn it over,
Harrisfield's first reaction was to lump it forward. Their second came from
one of those long balls which was flicked on to player who was marginally
offside. Obviously not picked by linesman, the lad took advantage and with a
calm finish knocked the ball past Nick to double the tally.

Summarising the half, there were limited chances for either side. They
played long-ball/diagonal balls into corners, with pacey attackers and an ex
SMFC player in their squad always looked dangerous without being
particularly attractive to watch. They pressured us hard when we were in
possession, creating panic and missed passes. Just on the stroke of
halftime, we came close to pulling one back - goal line clearance - just.

The second half was a different story though as the Waverley boys were on
top for most of the half. They did start to move the ball a whole lot
better, but with the home side playing 7-2-1, it was difficult to break
down. We questioned the point of their midfield since it tended to be
by-passed. The ball has frost-bite spending a lot of time at high altitude
as clearance after clearance was launched skywards.

Playing in the much more attractive kit, Waverley started to pile on the
pressure. There was some good football being played - Prashan started to get
some freedom down the right. Lloydy was moved into the middle and had a
super game. He capped off his day with a goal, finishing off a sweeping move
involving four or five players. With the score at 2-1, there was everything
to play for. Anthony, Kon and Nick all came close. One free-kick also
cannoned off the outside of the post. The keeper also pulled off a couple of
saves to keep the home side in front.

A few moments later however, the lead was restored to two goals. A free
kick, needlessly conceded directly in front just outside the box was taken
quickly and caught Nick out. The penalty area, especially the bit in the 6
yard box, was like a sandpit, and Nick slipped while trying to change
direction. Unfortunately, he couldn't keep it out and it was 3-1.

There was still enough time left to get something out of the game and
Hoppy's boys continued to press. They were hampered though by the referee's
attempt to steal the limelight. He had plenty to say but lost a little
control. One incident could have ended up worse than it did. A 50/50 ball
was won by Dean, but their player was late and left Dean clutching his ankle
- cue melee. Ref had no clue, neither did two official linesmen. Cards were
issued to those who were nearest at the time and to those who had the
misfortune of looking directly at the ref.

As much as they huffed and puffed, the boys from Waverley of the Glen,
couldn't break down the Harrisfield castle. Disappointing end to the game
and the day. The lads played well enough and the football was good enough to
have deserved at least a point. But they were punished for the mistakes and
didn't take the chances that fell their way.

Some sterling efforts on the day, exemplified by Peter. His last ditch
tackle late in the game showed a lot of character. Lloydy, Prashan and Alex
all gave a good account of themselves as did Deano.

We said top four at the start of the season, and we are still in the hunt
for top three. 21 points up for grabs and who knows what can happen.

Anyone know the Haka? Guess who we play next week.

Toodle pip.