| Glen Waverley Soccer Club - Mens Seniors & Reserves |
Hello everyone, wherever you may be.
A couple of things to say before we get into the nitty gritty of how the
weekend unfolded. First of all I'd like to offer my thanks to everyone who
has been kind enough to let me know how much they look forward to the weekly
match reports. Most of what is said is generally true and largely written
with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Your thanks are appreciated and
certainly makes it worthwhile if people do get some enjoyment. Secondly, and
just as importantly, I'd like to offer an apology. As mentioned a lot of
what is said, is said in jest, however we do realise that some can take
offense even if none is intended. We sincerely hope that all players and
supporters of all clubs that we play know us well enough by now, that we are
only interested in having as much fun as possible on a weekend. If anything
written or said is taken the wrong way, then it is certainly not
intentional. A sit down with a beer on any given match day will resolve any
issues perceived. Except the referees of course. We all know they are just a
bunch of dills.
So what happened this weekend I hear you ask. You'd better read on to find
out.
Round 17 v Noble Park
Venue ... Larpentinium Reservium
Weather ... a bit of everything - shower, wind, sun, light, dark, etc
Reserves
Result ... 0-0
Halftime ... 0-0
Scorers ... None, but ask Lloydy who should have!
What a difference a couple of weeks make. It wasn't very long ago, we were
having to ask players to stand down as the burgeoning squad was bursting at
the seams. This weekend was a different kettle of fish, as we drafted in 3
of the U18's to help us put 11 players on the park. Injuries and
unavailability took their toll as Dan, Theo, Murray, Soonami and Eduardo
all were sidelined. Anouk and Petey were also promoted into the seniors, so
again the reserves had to cope with numerous changes.
As we all know now though, the Ressies are a resilient bunch and once they'd
settled, they took the game to Noble Park. Playing up hill and into the wind
in the first half, the boys were on the attack pretty much from the first
whistle. Louie's whistle that is. Again no referee for the reserves, even
after requesting one this week. The FFV didn't even bother to respond to our
request, so massive fail to them. Anyway, the game was played pretty much
exclusively in the Noble Park half as the local lads piled on the pressure.
Using the pace of the U18's - Alex, Kenneth and Sam to good effect, chances
were created. Some resolute defending, an in-form keeper and a little luck
managed to keep the score at 0-0. The best of the chances fell to Lloydy,
who will still wonder how he missed the 2 clear chances he had, when it
looked easier to score than miss. Yureshan also had a shot blocked at close
range and Alex too rifled a long range effort over the bar.
The key component this week was the pace of the team in midfield and up
front and the use of the width of the pitch. Sam and Alex gave plenty of
outlets down the flanks. Dean, once he got into the game, was only to keen
to get forward at every opportunity. Lloydy also enjoyed joining in the
attacks, but some shooting practise may be on the cards at some point this
week.
Noble Park did have their moments and were foiled on a couple of breaks by
Alistair is goal. He was quick off his line this week and used the penalty
area to good advantage. Some low down saves at the feet of the advancing
forwards were top-drawer and he's certainly putting pressure on Steve in the
seniors for the number 1 spot. The defence was another area that had been
reshuffled. Guillermo, getting his first start of the season slotted in at
left back, little Sean at right back were joined by Sean the dentist at
centre back. Bill G was given the sweeper's role and collectively were solid
all game. Rarely troubled they coped pretty well with any attack and can be
proud of the clean sheet.
As time went on and chances continued to go astray, it began to look as if
it wasn't going to be our day. Even the late introduction of Chris K up
front failed to change our fortunes and the score remained at 0-0. Andy, as
always was master of the bleeding obvious. "We couldn't score today" he
said. "Never?" we said. In truth, a frustrating game as a 3 or 4 goal win
would not have flattered the lads. I'm sure the Noble Park boys would agree
they grabbed a point, where as we lost 2. A good effort boys and thanks to
lads who stepped in at short notice.
Now, as we settle back with a burger in one hand and something else in the
other, we looked forward to cheering on the Senior side.
Seniors
Result ... 0-1
Halftime ... 0-0
Now onto the serious stuff, well the teams anyway. Both sides looked as if
they meant business and were pumped ready to start. Before battle commenced
however they did have to contend with the star of the show - the beloved
referee. Generally we're glad they show up, but this fella was something
else. A lecture on everything from size of shin guards to colour of under
short leggings was met with bemusement from the players. He also reckoned we
shouldn't video the game, because we were unlicensed to do so, but we
thought it was because he probably didn't look good on camera. He looked in
good shape though, (round is a shape), and by and very large contributed to
an entertaining afternoon. He did want to be centre of attention and there
was a lot of him to see, so there, he's been mentioned in our match report
and can claim his fame accordingly.
More importantly, there was a game on and both sides looked intent on
getting the result. Noble Park are still in the hunt for promotion and our
lads are embroiled in a relegation battle that looks like going down to the
wire. Steve had set the team up with a defensive look. The back three of
Julian, Tony and Ian were joined by Justin at the base of the midfield
diamond and this defensive setup worked well throughout. The visiting
striker is up there on the leading goal scorers charts but was well
marshalled throughout the game. However it was still left to Steve S in goal
to pull off a couple of good saves in both halves to keep the lads in the
hunt.
Talk before the game was on the make-up of the midfield, as Sav's season was
ended last weekend with a hammy tear and Sammy also succumbed to an LFT on
his hammy tweak. So the midfield diamond had Kon and a rejuvenated Greg side
by side and Met at the point. Matey and Micky V were given the wide roles
(wing-backs or wingers, you choose). Again this was an effective formation
that worked very well and looked to have the desired effect as Noble Park
basically had no answer. Although Nanos was alone up front, he lead the
attack well.
Most of the game was a stalemate and wasn't helped by Humpty Dumpty
lecturing every player at every opportunity about some misdemeanour or
another. (This bloke would be a good referee if only he'd lighten up). Still
there were chances, none better than Metin's header from an exquisite cross
by Anouk. Anouk came on at halftime for Micky V. First time on record a
player was substituted because he had to go to a christening. Greg was the
next replacement as he went off feeling giddy and dreaming. Didn't know who
he was or where he was. Steve told him he was Ronaldo and this was Madrid.
He didn't believe him, so he wasn't that giddy. Petey was sent on and Steven
Harvey was a late replacement for Nanos.
The longer the game went on, the more the home side took control. However
the old Achilles heel came back to haunt the team - we can't score when the
chance presents itself. It took the visitors to take the advantage although
it came with a little help from us. From one of their rare attacks the Noble
Park forward drifted into the box and drew Matey into a rash challenge, and
conceded a penalty. Steve was left flat footed as the spot kick was coolly
converted. Coming late in the game it left little time to get back on level
terms, but the Larpent lads gave it their all. A constant stream of
free-kicks around the box couldn't breach the visiting defence and the score
stayed at 0-1 until we couldn't see anymore. Adding about 35 minutes injury
time the referee finally had enough and ended proceedings a couple of
minutes before the six-o'clock news.
Once again a match in which the result could have gone any way. The lads
played well against a team in the top half of the table. So now we have to
get the results against the teams around us to scramble clear of the
relegation zone. Plenty of positives and great to see the character showing
through. We'll probably play crap next week and scrape a win. So be it, but
we'll have to wait and see. It would be good to put a big dent in Meadow
Park's season.
A couple of things to say before we get into the nitty gritty of how the
weekend unfolded. First of all I'd like to offer my thanks to everyone who
has been kind enough to let me know how much they look forward to the weekly
match reports. Most of what is said is generally true and largely written
with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Your thanks are appreciated and
certainly makes it worthwhile if people do get some enjoyment. Secondly, and
just as importantly, I'd like to offer an apology. As mentioned a lot of
what is said, is said in jest, however we do realise that some can take
offense even if none is intended. We sincerely hope that all players and
supporters of all clubs that we play know us well enough by now, that we are
only interested in having as much fun as possible on a weekend. If anything
written or said is taken the wrong way, then it is certainly not
intentional. A sit down with a beer on any given match day will resolve any
issues perceived. Except the referees of course. We all know they are just a
bunch of dills.
So what happened this weekend I hear you ask. You'd better read on to find
out.
Round 17 v Noble Park
Venue ... Larpentinium Reservium
Weather ... a bit of everything - shower, wind, sun, light, dark, etc
Reserves
Result ... 0-0
Halftime ... 0-0
Scorers ... None, but ask Lloydy who should have!
What a difference a couple of weeks make. It wasn't very long ago, we were
having to ask players to stand down as the burgeoning squad was bursting at
the seams. This weekend was a different kettle of fish, as we drafted in 3
of the U18's to help us put 11 players on the park. Injuries and
unavailability took their toll as Dan, Theo, Murray, Soonami and Eduardo
all were sidelined. Anouk and Petey were also promoted into the seniors, so
again the reserves had to cope with numerous changes.
As we all know now though, the Ressies are a resilient bunch and once they'd
settled, they took the game to Noble Park. Playing up hill and into the wind
in the first half, the boys were on the attack pretty much from the first
whistle. Louie's whistle that is. Again no referee for the reserves, even
after requesting one this week. The FFV didn't even bother to respond to our
request, so massive fail to them. Anyway, the game was played pretty much
exclusively in the Noble Park half as the local lads piled on the pressure.
Using the pace of the U18's - Alex, Kenneth and Sam to good effect, chances
were created. Some resolute defending, an in-form keeper and a little luck
managed to keep the score at 0-0. The best of the chances fell to Lloydy,
who will still wonder how he missed the 2 clear chances he had, when it
looked easier to score than miss. Yureshan also had a shot blocked at close
range and Alex too rifled a long range effort over the bar.
The key component this week was the pace of the team in midfield and up
front and the use of the width of the pitch. Sam and Alex gave plenty of
outlets down the flanks. Dean, once he got into the game, was only to keen
to get forward at every opportunity. Lloydy also enjoyed joining in the
attacks, but some shooting practise may be on the cards at some point this
week.
Noble Park did have their moments and were foiled on a couple of breaks by
Alistair is goal. He was quick off his line this week and used the penalty
area to good advantage. Some low down saves at the feet of the advancing
forwards were top-drawer and he's certainly putting pressure on Steve in the
seniors for the number 1 spot. The defence was another area that had been
reshuffled. Guillermo, getting his first start of the season slotted in at
left back, little Sean at right back were joined by Sean the dentist at
centre back. Bill G was given the sweeper's role and collectively were solid
all game. Rarely troubled they coped pretty well with any attack and can be
proud of the clean sheet.
As time went on and chances continued to go astray, it began to look as if
it wasn't going to be our day. Even the late introduction of Chris K up
front failed to change our fortunes and the score remained at 0-0. Andy, as
always was master of the bleeding obvious. "We couldn't score today" he
said. "Never?" we said. In truth, a frustrating game as a 3 or 4 goal win
would not have flattered the lads. I'm sure the Noble Park boys would agree
they grabbed a point, where as we lost 2. A good effort boys and thanks to
lads who stepped in at short notice.
Now, as we settle back with a burger in one hand and something else in the
other, we looked forward to cheering on the Senior side.
Seniors
Result ... 0-1
Halftime ... 0-0
Now onto the serious stuff, well the teams anyway. Both sides looked as if
they meant business and were pumped ready to start. Before battle commenced
however they did have to contend with the star of the show - the beloved
referee. Generally we're glad they show up, but this fella was something
else. A lecture on everything from size of shin guards to colour of under
short leggings was met with bemusement from the players. He also reckoned we
shouldn't video the game, because we were unlicensed to do so, but we
thought it was because he probably didn't look good on camera. He looked in
good shape though, (round is a shape), and by and very large contributed to
an entertaining afternoon. He did want to be centre of attention and there
was a lot of him to see, so there, he's been mentioned in our match report
and can claim his fame accordingly.
More importantly, there was a game on and both sides looked intent on
getting the result. Noble Park are still in the hunt for promotion and our
lads are embroiled in a relegation battle that looks like going down to the
wire. Steve had set the team up with a defensive look. The back three of
Julian, Tony and Ian were joined by Justin at the base of the midfield
diamond and this defensive setup worked well throughout. The visiting
striker is up there on the leading goal scorers charts but was well
marshalled throughout the game. However it was still left to Steve S in goal
to pull off a couple of good saves in both halves to keep the lads in the
hunt.
Talk before the game was on the make-up of the midfield, as Sav's season was
ended last weekend with a hammy tear and Sammy also succumbed to an LFT on
his hammy tweak. So the midfield diamond had Kon and a rejuvenated Greg side
by side and Met at the point. Matey and Micky V were given the wide roles
(wing-backs or wingers, you choose). Again this was an effective formation
that worked very well and looked to have the desired effect as Noble Park
basically had no answer. Although Nanos was alone up front, he lead the
attack well.
Most of the game was a stalemate and wasn't helped by Humpty Dumpty
lecturing every player at every opportunity about some misdemeanour or
another. (This bloke would be a good referee if only he'd lighten up). Still
there were chances, none better than Metin's header from an exquisite cross
by Anouk. Anouk came on at halftime for Micky V. First time on record a
player was substituted because he had to go to a christening. Greg was the
next replacement as he went off feeling giddy and dreaming. Didn't know who
he was or where he was. Steve told him he was Ronaldo and this was Madrid.
He didn't believe him, so he wasn't that giddy. Petey was sent on and Steven
Harvey was a late replacement for Nanos.
The longer the game went on, the more the home side took control. However
the old Achilles heel came back to haunt the team - we can't score when the
chance presents itself. It took the visitors to take the advantage although
it came with a little help from us. From one of their rare attacks the Noble
Park forward drifted into the box and drew Matey into a rash challenge, and
conceded a penalty. Steve was left flat footed as the spot kick was coolly
converted. Coming late in the game it left little time to get back on level
terms, but the Larpent lads gave it their all. A constant stream of
free-kicks around the box couldn't breach the visiting defence and the score
stayed at 0-1 until we couldn't see anymore. Adding about 35 minutes injury
time the referee finally had enough and ended proceedings a couple of
minutes before the six-o'clock news.
Once again a match in which the result could have gone any way. The lads
played well against a team in the top half of the table. So now we have to
get the results against the teams around us to scramble clear of the
relegation zone. Plenty of positives and great to see the character showing
through. We'll probably play crap next week and scrape a win. So be it, but
we'll have to wait and see. It would be good to put a big dent in Meadow
Park's season.
