Hello again everyone. Here we are, back again after another week that seemed
to flash by at the speed of light. Round 9 was upon us before we knew where
we were, and just to give us another geographical challenge, we ended up
moving our home venue. Larpent was still feeling worse for wear after the
recent rains, and with more predicted rain this week, the early decision was
taken to move. So we ended up at Lum Road. Normally home to the Dandy
Casuals but they were evicted for the day and we took over the ground. So
after a day spent moving nets, stretcher, food, chairs and all the other
paraphernalia needed to stage a top class metro league game, we were ready
to go. Ready to meet the challenge presented by the free-scoring Dandenong
Warriors. So how did the day pan out? Well read on to find out, you might
find everything turned out nice.


Weather ... Cool, with a fresh breeze. Sun was out, so that was nice.
Pitch ... Excellent, with fantastic line-markings, so that was nice too.
Crowd ... Plenty and all nice
Canteen ... our ladies served us well, with food that is. Guess what. The
food was very nice.

Special note number 1 and only special note this week ... Welcome to new
player, Nick Antonopoulos, newly joined from our feeder club Boroondara. A
nice lad too.

  There were only three points separating the two teams prior to
kick-off and the visitors were unbeaten so far, so this was to be a stern
test for the table-toppers. Once again there were a few changes starting
with the new keeper Nick. The back four were the tried and trusted Dan,
Pete, Sam and Con. Across the middle we had Sav, Tony, Stevie and Mansh,
with Nick and Sam Carl at the pointy end. With plenty of options on the
bench too with Muzz, Gilly and Micky P all ready and willing to join the
action.
       The game itself proved to be a thrilling encounter as both sides
showed their early attacking intent. There was also a contrast in styles as
Glen Waverley were disciplined and structured, whilst the Warriors were full
of individual flair but lacked any real pattern other than all out attack.
Their defensive frailties were soon found out as a number of early shots
went narrowly wide. The first real test of their keeper though found him out
as Savva looped a shot over his out-stretched arm and under the bar for the
opener. This only served to increase the visitors attacking intent as they
probed down either flank. It wasn't long before they got back on level terms
as a ball was played square across the six yard box for an easy tap in.
               Under pressure the lads were struggling to get their normal
fluid passing game going, but showing some resolve they managed to get their
noses in front again. A defence splitting through ball was played into the
path of young Sam Carl, and he slotted home his third goal of the season.
Three games, three goals. Nice. Just prior to the goal, Savva had been
replaced by Muzz. The lads had been a bit unsettled, but the introduction of
the skipper calmed everyone down. Glen Waverley now in the ascendancy,
extended their lead a few moments later with our other goal scoring machine
Nick M. A carbon copy of the first goal gave the visiting keeper no chance
as he saw another dipping shot hit the back of his net.
       Again the Warriors hit back but this time, the ref came to their
rescue, awarding a soft penalty for a harsh handball. A shot rebounded off
someone's arm in the box and the ref had no hesitation in pointing to the
spot. Nick guessed the right way, but couldn't keep out the kick and they
went into the break one goal to good at 3-2.
Another mention for the debutant Nick, as he made two terrific saves in the
first half to keep the lads on top. Looks to be a good find and should be a
useful addition to the squad.
The second half continued in much the same vain as the first with all-out
attacks. One of these attacks from the Waverley boys saw the ref award a
free kick just outside the box. Up stepped Nick, who hammered home a
blistering drive that almost burst the net. The two goal advantage was
restored.
       However the young Dandenong side never knew when to give up and they
then stepped up a gear. The lads at the back were then up against it for a
good half-hour. Dan and Sammy were playing out of their skins but couldn't
stem the tide. The Warriors pressed and clawed their way back level with 2
goals in quick succession and at 4-4 it was game on.
The final 15 minutes was nip and tuck and it took a moment of brilliance
from Nick M who volleyed home from close range to close out the scoring at
5-4 in favour of the Waverley boys.
       The final whistle was met with huge sighs of relief. A massive
result and the Warriors were finally beaten. Top performances on the day
from hat-trick hero Nick M, Sammy and Dan who were both immense at the back.
The boys go into the mini-break still on top of the ladder and playing the
way they are, it's up to the others to catch them. Well done boys, nice win.

Mid-game break, yapping, eating, a drink, a bit of a celebratory sing-song
in the ressies changing room then settle back down for the seniors game.

There were two changes to the starting line up this week which saw
Gary returning from stork duties and Kon D returning from whatever he'd been
whinging about. Everything else was pretty much as normal as the lads had
the unenviable task of stopping the rampant Dandenong side. Just as the
reserves game, there was a contrast in styles and as it ultimately proved,
the discipline of the home side would prove to be the more effective.
The visiting side though had some wonderfully talented young players who
were exciting to watch. One player in particular gave Lloydy a bit of a run
around in the first half. However he found out that it takes more than fancy
dribbling skills to win games. Plenty of show but no end product.
       Early pressure from the visitors was dealt with a little
uncomfortably, but the score stayed blank. A few corners were conceded but
Micky V was standing firm ably supported by Dean and Gazz. As the Waverley
boys gradually saw more of the ball, Kon D and Metin were able to bring
others into the game. A ball played wide to Ozzie saw Oz become provider as
he sent in a delicious cross. Anthony met the ball with a stunning header,
sending it over the floundering keeper, to open the scoring.
       The game continued at a good pace and both sides defences had to
work hard against potent and fast attacks. Dandenong hit the bar late in the
half and were unlucky to go into the break trailing as they had numerous
chances to draw level. Obviously the shooting boots had been left behind.
       1-0 at half-time, and a fortunate lead at that. The noise of the
fridge in the canteen was only drowned out once during the day and that was
when Sir Alex Hoppy gave the team a "hairdryer" at halftime. It was a team
full of resolve that took the pitch for the second half, and from the first
whistle the Glen Waverley boys took control of the game. Apart from a couple
of chances which were brilliantly saved by Alistair, Dandenong were rarely
in it. As their frustration grew, the referee's patience dwindled and he
dished out red to one of their lads for a late challenge on Al. This was
only a yellow but being his second, he saw red and went for an early shower.
To make matters worse for him though, we couldn't get the hot water heater
working so he had to have a cold one. Too bad, you get them days some time.
       Back to game, and as the home sides confidence grew, so too did the
chances. Alex blasted wide after bursting into the box from the left and
Anthony had a couple of chances well saved by the visiting keeper. Anthony
did finally grab his second to double the lead with a half-volley low to the
keepers right. Moments later, Micky V, who can't stop scoring, was left free
in the box to head home from a corner. At 3-0 it was effectively game over,
but Avish was handed a chance on a plate, by Prashan, to give him his first
goal for the club. But ..... the phrase "couldn't finish his dinner" springs
to mind. Never mind it was good football all the way up until it left
Avish's foot. One final mention of the day goes to Christian. Although he
only got 15 or so minutes at the end, he caused no end of problems to the
more experienced defenders. All part of his learning curve which is getting
steeper and steeper each week. Now to get his finishing on a par with
Anthony's.
       The referee finally drew proceedings to a close and the lads walked
off with another 3 points in the bank. Top effort from everyone, especially
that second half. Another clean sheet and top spot on the ladder now coming
into view. Well done lads. Go and enjoy a well-earned break. We'll see you
all in two weeks, when we get to see what Old Mentonians have to offer.

Toodle pip.