| Match Report |
Blue Mountains played much better than this scoreline suggests. Despite resolute defence from Cameron, Mitchell C and Ferret and a solid performance by James B in goal, the fast Band Club forwards were able to score several times off breakaways. Liam, Stephen, Ben and Mitchell H worked tirelessly and effectively in midfield as did Samantha and Justin on the wings while James C never stopped running at the opposing defence after his great early goal. Blue Mountains had the perfect start to the game. In the first minute, James C collected the ball in the middle of the opposing half after a move which started by goalkeeper James B clearing to Samantha on the right wing. James ran strongly past 2 defenders and his great shot from an angle on the left beat the Band Club ‘keeper to find the back of the net. The lead lasted just 4 minutes, with Band Club equalising after a goalmouth melee. But Blue Mountains continued to attack strongly. After 11 minutes Samantha sent a great ball from the right wing to find James C but he was unable to repeat his earlier heroics against the defenders. 5 minutes later Stephen won the ball from a defender on the right wing to win a corner. But meanwhile the fast Band Club forwards had scored the first of their 3 first half goals from breaks, giving a half time score of 4-1 against Blue Mountains. The second half opened similarly to the first, with a great BM attack involving several players. Mitchell H and James C combined well on the left and found Justin in the centre but his shot was just wide. 12 minutes into the half James C made a strong run up the left side of the field and did a great centre which Justin couldn’t quite reach right in front of goal and the ball was cleared for a corner. Without any reserves, Blue Mountains tired as the second half progressed and their attacks became fewer, with Band Club able to score 3 more goals on breaks. However BM never stopped trying, with Cameron making a great run up the left wing in the dying minutes to win a corner. Despite the scoreline, Blue Mountains defence performed very well and their courageous performance was epitomised by Ferret’s play of the game 5 minutes before time. He took on and comprehensively beat an attacking forward twice his size, emerging in possession of the ball with the forward on the ground. |
