Up a division and potentially suffering the effects of vertigo after reaching the dizzying heights of division two; the sweltering hot day started in not so AC fashion. Everyone arrived early and were on the pitch, dressed and ready to go more than fifteen minutes before the game – unheard of in season past. After the customary shots on goal, the lads stood around confused, not knowing to do with all this extra time. As stretching and warm ups are never an option, they boys were fortunate enough to have the WAGS (pictured left) turn out in force, giving plenty to distract their attention until kick off and beyond.An intense and even battle was expected in front of the biggest crowd AC has ever seen at Central Park (if you include Golden Retriever Freddie Owen in the count, which I have).
From the off, “possession”( I use the term very loosely) was fairly balanced with not too many chances developing until just after midway through the first half. AC newbie, Marty Monster took the ball down the right side of the box, combining well with Jason to beat four defenders before the Irish duo combined. Jay sunk his boot into the ball sweetly crossing to the back post, where Colin Brien the divine leapt to head the ball into the back of the net; 1-0.
What followed was a forgettable debut for newly appointed goalkeeper Mr Wong who would have wished he was anywhere but at Central Park. The new AC keeper did his best at replicating some of David "Calamity" James best, hmmm, no worst form with great success. In fact, early on it was looking like former Victory keeper Michael Theoklitos’ Norwich City debut where he let in five goals before half time. The end result on this occasion was two goals to Caulfield and two contributions to these magnificent highlight packages:
Once nerves abated, Rich Wong recovered composure and put much better second half performance.
The rest of the game was a balanced affair, if not slightly in favour of an impressive Malvern outfit. The scoresheet however was not kind and Caulfield would slot another home to be 3-1 up.
The lads at AC weren’t without their chances to balance the ledger or even sneak a victory, with Jason and Marty the main tormentors of Caulfield’s defence.
The Monster found himself one on one with the keeper and with a deft chip from outside the box at speed, lobbing him only to watch the ball sail agonisingly close, but sadly the wrong side of the crossbar. Jay fashioned many chances; one hitting the upright and another that only a spectacular save from the Grammarian keeper, diving right and low would stop.
And so it ended with the score at 3-1, and Malvern walked off to the plaudits of the WAGS, but with heads slung low thinking about the one that got away.
Facing the media for the first time this season, coach Norf Lundon had this to say ”They lost, not my fault. I gave them the formation and tools to win, but the twats couldn’t put it away, innit!”
Honourable mention must go to Captain Cresswell for not losing his cool despite being booted in the legsfour times in quick succession by a Grammarian.
AC Malvern 1 - 3 Caulfield Grammarians
Brien
Mannie Man of the Match (MMOM): Jason Byrne
WAGS Man of the Match (WMOM): Colin Brien
This week’s game:
A trip down the Eastern Freeway to Forrest Hill with a ridiculous early kick off of 11AM facing Nunawading City who were convincingly beat by South Yarra 5-1.
