| Glen Waverley Soccer Club - Mens Seniors & Reserves |
Another week gone and another Saturday to look forward to. This week we
enjoyed a short trip along Boundary Road to one of close rivals East
Bentleigh. The sun was shining, but only because the bloody wind had blown
all the clouds away. Wind seems to have blighted a few of our recent games,
but the lads would have to grin and bear it. Enough of a preamble, now on
with the action.
Round 19 v East Bentleigh
Venue ... Bailey Reserve (using the 5-a-side pitch)
Weather ... Sunny, but a stiff breeze
Reserves
Result ... 1-4
Halftime ... 0-2
Scorer ... Murray
The challenge for the lads this week was to see if they could put a big dent
in East Bentleigh's charge towards the reserves league title. The home side
were sitting clear on top and would start favourites. This week the reserves
squad was at full strength and on paper looked like they would give East
Bentleigh a stern test.
Biggest surprise this week though was the appearance of a referee - complete
with glasses! At least he had them on, which helped with his vision. He
hadn't taken too many commonsense pills though as we'd find out later. Back
to the game, it didn't take long for the home side to show why they were top
as they took the lead within 2 minutes of kick-off. Using the wind to good
advantage, the centre forward got a toe to a long punt from the keeper and
nudged the ball past an advancing Alistair.
Not discouraged by the early setback, the Waverley boys started to play
their way back into the game. Prashan was seeing a lot of the ball on the
left hand side and gave his opposite number a torrid time for much of the
half. Helped by the industrious and combative Guillermo and the pace of
Yureshan up front, the Glen Waverley boys pushed for an equaliser. Pete
commanded the midfield with his usual pace and authority. Running hard
when attacking and chasing back when under the pump, both he and Murray
paired up well.
Dan was marshalling the troops well at the back, and Theo, Bill G and Sean
the dentist all looked comfortable. East Bentleigh had obviously been
strengthened with the use of a few of their senior players dropping down to
help out, but Dan's lads held out well. Until that is, the silly nudge in
the back that led to Waverley conceding a penalty late in the half. Although
Alistair guessed right, he couldn't prevent the home side taking a 2 goal
advantage into the break.
Even though the lads were 2 down, they looked like they had enough, with a
little luck, to get back in the game. What they didn't allow for was the
referee taking officialdom to the extreme. Up until now, some of his on
field decisions had been slightly unusual to say the least, leaving both
sides a little bemused from time to time. His crowning glory came however,
when we tried to make subs as he had not been notified of who should have
been on the bench and who was starting. Strictly speaking he is correct,
however since all players wear different numbers surely it was a simple case
of noting which number went on and went off. No! This was obviously too
easy, so after 10 minutes of arguing, to which there was ultimately no
point, the game continued.
In the mayhem and obvious lack of concentration 2 more goals were conceded
although not fully deserving. The Waverley boys still played their part and
did manage to get on the score sheet with Murray grabbing his first for the
club. The referee still didn't want to be left out of the action though, and
managed to find enough time to send off Eduardo(?) who wasn't even on the
pitch at the time! Copious yellow cards were also dished out for the most
meaningless offense - being on the pitch without consent and leaving the
pitch without the ref's permission. Oh dear me.
And so the game ended on a slightly distasteful note, but credit to East
Bentleigh. Congratulations to them as they almost look certain to take the
title. Well done to our lads too, as they took it all in good spirit,
especially Matty Soon who wasn't even allowed to play. Onto next week where
pride is all that's left to play for, but first there's the little matter of
the Seniors game as they look to claw their way out of the relegation zone.
... and this is what happened (sort of).
Seniors
Result ... 2-2
Halftime ... 1-1
Scorers ... Greg, Steve V
As the season draws to a close, the final four rounds are proving to be the
defining point of our season. Were we good enough to be in this league? The
answer we all know is a definite yes, as most teams will testify. We can
play as well as anyone. The results haven't gone our way, but this week and
in the coming three weeks, we have to go out and perform and make sure our
league position is in our hands and not relying on others.
The squad was without Micky V, who was recipient of a 2 week suspension for
his indiscretion last week, but the return of Sammy meant the squad was just
about a full strength. Sorry about the use of big words Julian, I'll try and
keep it simple from now on.
In the early exchanges, it looked like it was going to be an even contest.
Both sides played some good football which belied their lowly ladder
position. Playing with the wind though Steve's boys took control after about
15 minutes. Sammy, Kon and Greg won the midfield battle and enjoyed a fair
amount of possession. The upfront duo of Steven and Met are getting better
each week and caused no end of problems for the home side to work out. Matey
was also full of running and would have been pretty close to getting man of
the match this week for his tireless efforts. His point blank miss will give
him nightmares though as he found himself clear in the six yard box with
only the keeper to beat. We'll forgive him as the effort he puts in far
outweighs any indiscretion (sorry, long word again).
There were some half chances but it was left to Greg to rip home one of the
goals of the season. picking up a loose ball in the middle he was
unchallenged as he advanced and let fly from 20 metres. The ball eventually
nestling in the bottom right hand corner. This was probably Greg's best
performance of the season and the goal was the least he deserved. Glad to
see the split ends have been sorted out too.
For most of the 45 minutes the visitors defence had been largely untroubled,
but a free-kick conceded on the stroke of halftime gave East Bentleigh a
lifeline. Poorly defended the ball reached an unmarked player on the far
side who then floated a free header over Steve's outstretched arm. So 1-1 at
halftime and all to play for. This was unfortunate on the backline as again
Julian, Ian and Tony had been solid along with Justin sitting just in front.
A quick mention on the officials at this point. Yes, you read it correctly -
officials - plural. We had 2 official linesmen and a referee. Wow! No wonder
we don't get ref's to our reserves games, they are all at places like East
Bentleigh. Anyway, it was a pleasant change and as a team they worked well
with no controversy. It's only when they go solo do they get themselves in a
tizz.
As for the second half, it was a largely tense affair and as time ticked
away it looked as if both sides were settling for a draw. East Bentleigh
changed that mood by grabbing the lead in the 80th minute. Coming late in
the game there was a sinking feeling that this was going to be another one
of those games that no matter what we did, it was going to get no reward.
Nanos had replaced Met halfway through the half and was unlucky a couple of
times not to get one on target. His pace giving the home side some major
concerns.
It was the late changes that made the difference. Steve V and Anouk coming
on in the 82nd minute for Steven H and Kon. The fresh legs added some
impetus and both the newcomers combined well down the left side. A quick
one-two sent Steve clean through and his cool finish sent the travelling
supporters into raptures. Wild scenes ensued as we all enjoyed the goal
celebration. The last 5 or so minutes were nerve tingling but the ref's
whistle put us all out of our misery and the points were shared.
Another great team effort and one point closer to safety. Exceptional goals
from Steve and Greg, but solid from the lads throughout. We tried to get a
word from Steve but all we got was "I've got to be in Dromana by 6" So we
were left standing in a hail of car park gravel and spinning tyres. We hope
he gets back in time next week to take on Keysborough on the hallowed
Larpent turf.
We hope you'll join us again. Thanks for reading and cheers for now.
enjoyed a short trip along Boundary Road to one of close rivals East
Bentleigh. The sun was shining, but only because the bloody wind had blown
all the clouds away. Wind seems to have blighted a few of our recent games,
but the lads would have to grin and bear it. Enough of a preamble, now on
with the action.
Round 19 v East Bentleigh
Venue ... Bailey Reserve (using the 5-a-side pitch)
Weather ... Sunny, but a stiff breeze
Reserves
Result ... 1-4
Halftime ... 0-2
Scorer ... Murray
The challenge for the lads this week was to see if they could put a big dent
in East Bentleigh's charge towards the reserves league title. The home side
were sitting clear on top and would start favourites. This week the reserves
squad was at full strength and on paper looked like they would give East
Bentleigh a stern test.
Biggest surprise this week though was the appearance of a referee - complete
with glasses! At least he had them on, which helped with his vision. He
hadn't taken too many commonsense pills though as we'd find out later. Back
to the game, it didn't take long for the home side to show why they were top
as they took the lead within 2 minutes of kick-off. Using the wind to good
advantage, the centre forward got a toe to a long punt from the keeper and
nudged the ball past an advancing Alistair.
Not discouraged by the early setback, the Waverley boys started to play
their way back into the game. Prashan was seeing a lot of the ball on the
left hand side and gave his opposite number a torrid time for much of the
half. Helped by the industrious and combative Guillermo and the pace of
Yureshan up front, the Glen Waverley boys pushed for an equaliser. Pete
commanded the midfield with his usual pace and authority. Running hard
when attacking and chasing back when under the pump, both he and Murray
paired up well.
Dan was marshalling the troops well at the back, and Theo, Bill G and Sean
the dentist all looked comfortable. East Bentleigh had obviously been
strengthened with the use of a few of their senior players dropping down to
help out, but Dan's lads held out well. Until that is, the silly nudge in
the back that led to Waverley conceding a penalty late in the half. Although
Alistair guessed right, he couldn't prevent the home side taking a 2 goal
advantage into the break.
Even though the lads were 2 down, they looked like they had enough, with a
little luck, to get back in the game. What they didn't allow for was the
referee taking officialdom to the extreme. Up until now, some of his on
field decisions had been slightly unusual to say the least, leaving both
sides a little bemused from time to time. His crowning glory came however,
when we tried to make subs as he had not been notified of who should have
been on the bench and who was starting. Strictly speaking he is correct,
however since all players wear different numbers surely it was a simple case
of noting which number went on and went off. No! This was obviously too
easy, so after 10 minutes of arguing, to which there was ultimately no
point, the game continued.
In the mayhem and obvious lack of concentration 2 more goals were conceded
although not fully deserving. The Waverley boys still played their part and
did manage to get on the score sheet with Murray grabbing his first for the
club. The referee still didn't want to be left out of the action though, and
managed to find enough time to send off Eduardo(?) who wasn't even on the
pitch at the time! Copious yellow cards were also dished out for the most
meaningless offense - being on the pitch without consent and leaving the
pitch without the ref's permission. Oh dear me.
And so the game ended on a slightly distasteful note, but credit to East
Bentleigh. Congratulations to them as they almost look certain to take the
title. Well done to our lads too, as they took it all in good spirit,
especially Matty Soon who wasn't even allowed to play. Onto next week where
pride is all that's left to play for, but first there's the little matter of
the Seniors game as they look to claw their way out of the relegation zone.
... and this is what happened (sort of).
Seniors
Result ... 2-2
Halftime ... 1-1
Scorers ... Greg, Steve V
As the season draws to a close, the final four rounds are proving to be the
defining point of our season. Were we good enough to be in this league? The
answer we all know is a definite yes, as most teams will testify. We can
play as well as anyone. The results haven't gone our way, but this week and
in the coming three weeks, we have to go out and perform and make sure our
league position is in our hands and not relying on others.
The squad was without Micky V, who was recipient of a 2 week suspension for
his indiscretion last week, but the return of Sammy meant the squad was just
about a full strength. Sorry about the use of big words Julian, I'll try and
keep it simple from now on.
In the early exchanges, it looked like it was going to be an even contest.
Both sides played some good football which belied their lowly ladder
position. Playing with the wind though Steve's boys took control after about
15 minutes. Sammy, Kon and Greg won the midfield battle and enjoyed a fair
amount of possession. The upfront duo of Steven and Met are getting better
each week and caused no end of problems for the home side to work out. Matey
was also full of running and would have been pretty close to getting man of
the match this week for his tireless efforts. His point blank miss will give
him nightmares though as he found himself clear in the six yard box with
only the keeper to beat. We'll forgive him as the effort he puts in far
outweighs any indiscretion (sorry, long word again).
There were some half chances but it was left to Greg to rip home one of the
goals of the season. picking up a loose ball in the middle he was
unchallenged as he advanced and let fly from 20 metres. The ball eventually
nestling in the bottom right hand corner. This was probably Greg's best
performance of the season and the goal was the least he deserved. Glad to
see the split ends have been sorted out too.
For most of the 45 minutes the visitors defence had been largely untroubled,
but a free-kick conceded on the stroke of halftime gave East Bentleigh a
lifeline. Poorly defended the ball reached an unmarked player on the far
side who then floated a free header over Steve's outstretched arm. So 1-1 at
halftime and all to play for. This was unfortunate on the backline as again
Julian, Ian and Tony had been solid along with Justin sitting just in front.
A quick mention on the officials at this point. Yes, you read it correctly -
officials - plural. We had 2 official linesmen and a referee. Wow! No wonder
we don't get ref's to our reserves games, they are all at places like East
Bentleigh. Anyway, it was a pleasant change and as a team they worked well
with no controversy. It's only when they go solo do they get themselves in a
tizz.
As for the second half, it was a largely tense affair and as time ticked
away it looked as if both sides were settling for a draw. East Bentleigh
changed that mood by grabbing the lead in the 80th minute. Coming late in
the game there was a sinking feeling that this was going to be another one
of those games that no matter what we did, it was going to get no reward.
Nanos had replaced Met halfway through the half and was unlucky a couple of
times not to get one on target. His pace giving the home side some major
concerns.
It was the late changes that made the difference. Steve V and Anouk coming
on in the 82nd minute for Steven H and Kon. The fresh legs added some
impetus and both the newcomers combined well down the left side. A quick
one-two sent Steve clean through and his cool finish sent the travelling
supporters into raptures. Wild scenes ensued as we all enjoyed the goal
celebration. The last 5 or so minutes were nerve tingling but the ref's
whistle put us all out of our misery and the points were shared.
Another great team effort and one point closer to safety. Exceptional goals
from Steve and Greg, but solid from the lads throughout. We tried to get a
word from Steve but all we got was "I've got to be in Dromana by 6" So we
were left standing in a hail of car park gravel and spinning tyres. We hope
he gets back in time next week to take on Keysborough on the hallowed
Larpent turf.
We hope you'll join us again. Thanks for reading and cheers for now.
