Match Report O35.3 (24-06-2012)

BMFC

3

vs

Penrith FC

2

Match Report

After the towelling we received earlier in the season we knew that we had to be at our best today to beat the table topping Penrith. Fortunately we were.

Harry was at home in bed with man flu and Kozy was away on the Gold Coast, being a man, running the half marathon

Stand-in coach Ipswich sacrificed himself and Smarty out wide in the first half, deciding to pack the guts of the midfield to counter the opposition’s strength. Ax and Roberto were sent early morning texts giving them both man marking roles and a request to be at the ground on time. Ax arrived 5 minutes before kick off which is actually quite early for him.

The plan was to keep it tight in the first half and then get more expansive, introducing the wingers in the second as we expected Penrith to tire. The plan went well early, Penrith had plenty of possession but not in threatening areas. Long balls in were dispatched readily and when they came through the middle Dicky and Intensity broke up play well. About 20 in, the returning Swing, with a noticeable spring in his step, thrust forward. Just keeping the ball in play, despite the oppositions protests, Swing prodded the ball forward for Maxi to chase down. With the fullback to beat to the ball, there was only ever going to be one winner. Maxi hit it across the keeper and into the corner. 1 nil.

Swervin was introduced to replace the tiring Ax in the man marking department. With about 10 to go in the first half, Penrith equalised through their two dangermen. A cross from the right was hit back across Leeds into the corner. 1 all.

The Kaiser indicated he was done, citing a full body injury as the cause. Stanley went on sitting behind Maxi in the hold and distribute role.

As we tired toward the end of the half, a few more half chances were created against us but no more goals were scored.

At half time we decided to keep the formation for the first 10 and then go on the offensive. Ax came back on for Swerv. We kept the score at 1 all, with Ipswich and Smarty being introduced for the first time replacing Stanley and hard working Dicky. Unfortunately not long after,   Penrith took the lead for the first time in the game – a shot was deflected by Uncle Chop Chop, wrong footing Leeds. 1-2.

Now we had to really push on as we knew we must get something out of this one. Maxi squared for Vin who laid it off for Ipswich running into the box – Ipswich was sent flying but alas no penalty.

We started to get a grip of the game the more the half wore on and the chances also started to come as a result. The equaliser with about 10 to go was a screamer, Vin drove forward for the umpteenth time and unleashed a pile driver from about 25 out which flew past the keeper’s outstretched arm. 2 all.

Ipswich asked the question if we wanted to revert to a back four, as Choppy had been pushed forward in search of the leveller. The resounding reply was no, let’s go for the win. OK then.

With only a few minutes left we won a free kick about 30 out. Uncle Chop Chop wanted to take it. The second goal was a screamer, this one was just beautiful. Choppy hit it sweetly and as it floated through the air we were hoping it would come down – it did, under the bar and in. 3-2. I’m pretty sure the whole team kissed Choppy.

After asking the ref how long to play about 10 times in the last few minutes, the final whistle finally blew and we were victorious.

We texted Harry and Kozy after the game. Kozy bought himself a novelty t-shirt on the Gold Coast to wear for the race – I feel the love.

Goal Scorers

Maxi, Vin, Choppy.

Player of the Match

Split decision – Vin and Roberto.