This week’s game was a catch up game from round one. So, while all other teams were resting and paying tribute to another year in the Queens life; drinking to excess, the Monash Uni and Malvern boys prepared for battle at windy Clayton.
The starting line up for AC Malvern was missing some key players with injury accounting for; Mad Mike and Wee Coults which took out most of the left side, but to add insult to injury, the team would be without key striker Hendo. Word of his brilliance had travelled far and wide and despite no FIFA International window he was beckoned to Brisbane as a replacement for Scott McDonald to play for Celtic; Melbourne Celtic.
All absences aside AC still went into the game with a reasonable line up. Norn Iron 1-0 Pete was in a fine vein of form in recent week and with the support of Steve (Pen) Cresswell, Engel and JT there was still a formidable midfield combination.
Monash took to the beautifully manicured and flat pitch looking like a bunch of [just] post pubescent lads who were fit and fast; a combination that causes a great deal of trouble for the ever ageing and slowing Malvern. So with the average age of 19 [Monash] and 35 [Malvern] the first ball was kicked.
It wasn’t long into the match before the speed of Monash would cause some trouble resulting in early attacks on goal fortunately with no result. Then, against the run of play a free kick was awarded outside the box for AC with Steve (Pen) Cresswell stepping up to take the kick. A beautifully struck kick, avoided the wall and keeper finding the top right hand corner, goal; 1-0 and a great way to celebrate after proposing to Sarah over dinner the night before.
Within minutes Monash had the ball down there end and were set to take a corner. This marks the momentary return of the frustrated and angry Zoolander Dennis who allegedly assaulted the number 13 at the back post. The Eastern European ref stepped in and to threaten Dennis with a red card and penalty to Monash.......return of subdued Dennis circa 2009.
The corner was eventually taken and it was like watching a pin ball machine as the ball ricochet around the box before FINALLY finding the kneecap of the annoying number 13 who scored a goal without actually knowing it; 1-1.
A good team would react by attacking and tearing apart their oppositions defence in this situation, and unfortunately that’s exactly what the kids from Monash Crèche did. Bombarding the resilient defence of AC before lady luck shone upon their youthful heads.
A deflected clearance landed, like a gift, at the feet of a Monash player alone outside the box. With all the time in the world he measured his shot and like a schoolboy, giggled as the ball went into the back of the net; 1-2.
A few late flurries from AC just before half time, most notable being a flick out of the box to the awaiting Damo who struck the ball goal-ward only to sail just over the bar.
HALF TIME
Again the half time speech was filled with optimism and faint hope of pegging back the lead. Special guest motivator, Tony D’Amato (pictured left) was on hand to deliver a speech that would surely inspire the boys (refer here for a similar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO4tIrjBDkk):I’m paraphrasing, but it was something like this: “I don’t know what to say really. Either we heal as a team or we crumble. We’re in hell, we can stay in hell, or together we can work our way out. Inch by inch, pass by pass, play by play until we finish. We can get out of this hole. Now, I can’t do it for you; I’m too old. So all I can do is impart the words to you to draw motivation to do it yourselves. You have to want to do it, need to do it; I know you can do it. Look around you; these are your team mates. You need to work TOGETHER and build pass by pass. Let that be your mantra boys: pass by pass.”
These powerful words did motivate, inspire and net an improved performance in the second half. The shining light of the first half, Pete now had support and while he continued to dominate the wings, others lifted too. Engel had the ball on a string; Pricey was back on his blistering runs into space. Pinkney, Owen et al sealed the leak down back and JT was as intimidating as ever with his slide tackles and in your face style. Things were clicking.
Despite the lift and second half dominance by AC, they were unable to muster the required final pass that could result in a goal. The game ended a 1-2 loss, but ever the optimist, this little green man thinks the second half could be the foundation of something bigger in the coming weeks.
Gentlemen; we now have four losses in a row. We’ve been here before; we’ve turned this around before, bring on next week.
AC Malvern 1 - 2 Monash Uni
Steve (engaged free kick taker) Cresswell
News in brief:
- Our beloved Hendo had his scoring boots in in the Hoops, netting three goals in an 8-1 win over Brisvegas Celtic
- Rumour and speculation that Ren Mota and Steve[Pen] Cresswell are currently in Madrid negotiating a transfer deal. It’s suggested Real Madrid will take the pair in exchange for a new set of away kits.
