Yellow submarine

An early arrival at the Stadium of Shite on Sunday and I was amazed to see a mass of people, big and small huddled around the rooms. Had the impending return of AC’s past greats been leaked to the media? No. Was it the AC’s full supporter base out in force for a vitally important game? No. Was it a concerned bunch of residents trying to corral an escaped bear who was threatening the kids? Although it sounds stupid, this was in fact the closest to fact. There was a bear, well a man in a bear suit, parading around the pitch with a bunch of kids and balls in a disturbingly odd way.



Bayside Argonauts had only lost twice this season to Berwick and Old Scotch so on paper the chance of a win was rated plausible, but in reality not possible. In the first leg the Argonauts were a formidable opposition destroying a defenceless AC 4-0, but it could have been as much as 8-0 if it weren’t for some luck. This time however, with the season coming to a close and with top spot in their sight, the Argonauts would be chomping at the bit to destroy AC.


The Malvernite’s would this week welcome back some club legends; JT and Brendan for a cameo appearance and long term injury listed Ren. In addition, Rafa Dennis and Chief Wag, Laurie would also return to parade the sidelines barking orders to anyone who would listen.

Despite the mountainous challenge that lay ahead AC were eager and almost ready. The Argonauts were going through the motions of their warm up routine; well drilled like a professional dance troop. AC on the other hand was yet to have a full team on hand five minutes before kick off which concerned the plucky young Canadian ref.

Kick off and AC had eleven fine men, with new dad Steve and Brendan in transit with the BA’s a full compliment of stars.

It wasn’t long into the game when the first chance presented itself. The newly engaged Irishman Colin, still thinking of a French summer and the joy of organising a wedding, attempted to get his body in front of the ball, but instead got his hand to the ball. This meant a nervous moment for AC with a resulting free kick just outside the box. Fortunately though the ball was cleared and Colin sighed with relief.


The Argonauts were in control and kept attacking, but the AC defence was resilient. Damo was at the ready with closest attempt on goal, managing to clear the ball off the line 15 minutes in.

AC then stepped it up taking control from the 20 minute mark. Hendy was shifted back up front and it paid immediate dividends with a shot on goal that was saved by the keeper. Soon after, returning legend, JT played a superb through ball to Hendy who unleashed a rocketing shot only to find the crossbar.

The balance had well and truly shifted and the Argonauts were panicking at the thought of having a lowly team such as AC squash their title ambitions. The panic manifested itself in silly mistakes with the Argonauts evening the handball score at 1-1. Hendy, sensing it was his day, took the resulting free kick only to find the cross bar for a second time. Teams like the Argonauts don’t give you many chances and it seemed luck was not on Malvern’s side.

Ten minutes of dominance resulted in one more change with, you guessed it, Hendy taking a free kick. The ball floated into the box heading for the back post, but sailed fractionally too far for the waiting head of Brendan crossing the line for a goal kick.

This would be the last chance for the half for both teams and AC hit the sheds with a mini victory, holding the title challengers to 0-0 at the break.


HALF TIME

The second half began an AC were immediately under pressure. A resurgent Bayside were clearly unhappy with how the first half unfolded and were determined to make amends, promising goals. Four minutes in and they made good on their promise as they took advantage of an AC defensive lapse, finding the back of the net; 1-0.

The free flowing run from Marty, Brendan and Steve had dried up. The Argonauts, like a boa constrictor, had cut of Hendy’s supply and now heaped pressure on the defence. They had Pinkney, Tim and co scrambling to clear the ball far too frequently.

What followed was the “yellow period”. An over zealous AC was starting to take risks and make mistakes. Firstly, JT imposed himself on the opposition to earn himself the first yellow car of the game. Then, not to be outdone Tim dove in for a challenge earning him a shiny yellow piece of plastic. Feeling left out, and wanting to get into the blog, Pricey decide to lift the boot a little too high for a ball and he too was rewarded completing the trio of yellows.

Despite holding the control and domination, the Argonauts were unable to breach the defence again. AC held on for a honourable 1-0 loss against league heavy weights, but the loss almost guarantees relegation for lads. The only question now that remains, with four games to play, is can AC make like a submarine and get off the bottom?

AC Malvern 0 – 1 Jason and the Argonauts


Mannie’s man of the match: Mark Henderson
WAG’s man of the match: Colin Brien

Useless fact:
- Season 2010 has been disastrous to say the least. AC now has the worst goal difference in the league and the equal most goals against. This season will see AC finish in it's lowest position since records were kept.