The home of Boorandara’s Purple Eagles, Hislop Reserve, was like stepping out on a pitch in Ol’ Ingerland. The rain was falling, the pitch heavy and both boxes caked in mud; perfect for football.
A pre match vote was taken and it was unanimous; Tim would line up in goal in place of the injured Wong (mainly cause he was the only one not in the rooms at that time). Poor Tim had arrived with new boots ready to thump balls out of defence, but not from the very last line. Tim’s fate was clear and like a true champion, in a time of crisis, he stood up for his team.
Kick off, and much of the early going was like watching a high school dance. Both teams were feeling each other out; AC being the dominant male, and fittingly the purple eagles filling the female role.
Seventeen minutes in Damo, the proud Kiwi, picked the pocket of an Eagle attacker and charged down the left wing with the ball before sliding it into the box to Shane Smeltz, I mean Hendo. Hendo then turned provider laying off to Norn-Iron Pete who slotted home his second for the season; 1-0
You guessed it, five minutes later then Purple Eagle’s managed to answer and level the game up; 1-1.
AC’s were buoyed by the underdog’s performance in the World Cup so far and decided to take it to the highly fancied Eagles. Despite a minor confusion with substitutions, the back three were dominant, not letting a thing through. For the first time this year Malvern were using their wings with Marty and Phillips controlling the wide balls and creating chances for the front paring of Ralpha and Hendy.
The front pairing would combine brilliantly with Ralpha playing through Hendy to have him one on one with the keeper. Hendy did what Hendy does, dancing around the keeper and scoring Malvern’s second. Then in an uncharacteristic move he charged down the corner flag, pulled it out and did his best impersonation of Craig Bellamy’s controversial goal celebration, pictured. Look for the coming weeks where we are sure to see him copy Robbie Fowler’s line sniffing celebration. This little furry Meerkat can’t wait for that one.Just before the break the Eagles started to challenge, unleashing shots on target, but stand in keeper Tim, having a cracker of a game, was more than up for the challenge ensuring AC held their 2-1 lead.
HALF TIME
Joga Bonito, or play beautifully was the instruction at half time and the boys did not disappoint. Straight from the off they controlled possession and continued the elegant delivery forward evident in the first half.
An early attacking move from the Eagles was snuffed out quick smart. Pressured by Captain Cresswell, the Eagles allowed Pete to steal the ball, then turn and go. He charged down the right, returning the favour from earlier by laying off to Hendy. Hendy, unselfishly played in Marty who banged home his second for the season; 3-1.
Plenty of chances came and went for both teams with inaccuracy costing Malvern but Tim countless saves keeping the score line at 3-1.
With ten minutes to go, and AC looking likely for to hold on for a surprise victory; Marty stepped up to seal the Eagles fate. The Monster controlled the ball outside the box and had plenty of goal scoring options at his disposal. Instead he launched his boot into the ball and found the back of the net from distance. 4-1
The Eagles had a chance late with a free kick within range. The resident Balwyn Geezer stepped up and curled past the wall. Twinkle Toes Tim looking more like Rubber Man stretched and pushed the ball over the bar for a great save.The final whistle went soon after and a new sense of belief is starting to build. This week’s game again without Wong, will be a tough test. Lining up against second place Caulfield Grammer, AC need only look to NZ and the All Whites for inspiration.
AC Malvern 4 – 1 Eagles
Marty 2, Henderson, Phillips
Mannie’s man of the match: Tim Nolan
WAG’s man of the match: Rich Owen
News in brief:
- The AC Malvern Blog has reach a milestone; 1,000 hits. Regular visitors feature from near and far. The UK, Ireland, USA, Span, Russia and of course Australia.
