The halfway marker for the season brought about more frowns from the growing fan base as AC battled more than the elements to succumb to the youthful determination of Monash Uni on Sunday.
AC Malvern arrived in the outer south-east, otherwise known as the funnel for Melbourne’s ugliest weather, with the wind blowing a gale and rain threatening. It’s no wonder that the neighbouring stadium, Waverley Park couldn’t attract the big crowds – its bloody freezing out here. The one saving grace for the day was the pristine pitch which plays host to Melbourne Victory’s training sessions.
An early sign of how the day would unfold was the over officious nature in which the referee went about his pre-game address to the team as he barked at Coach Dennis “All team members in the rooms and they’d better be ready when I get there”. Wow, hi how are you!
AC was in search of goals and looked to ‘perennial’ goal sneak Rich Owen to deliver as he lined up at the opposite end of the park than normal. It wasn’t long before this decision would be reversed as Dennis made the switch sending him back help Mario and co to defend in this howling gale.
The ref, preoccupied with everything off the pitch rather than on it did the following: demanded the coaching staff move to the furthest side of the ground, stopped the game to tell all non-players to get outside the arbitrary marked box on the ground deemed to be the match official space and told the freezing players on the sidelines to sit still. All this whilst there was a football match unfolding under his nose. Now there’s a man finger on the pulse and a sense of the real issues. It gets worse, but more of that later as I am distracted from the actual game unfolding.
The game that was unfolding was a great little battle that belied the ladder positions of both teams with AC sitting plum on the bottom and Monash fourth. Despite the wind AC were going toe to toe with their younger opponents although without managing to get a shot away.
Running into the headwind was taking its toll on the players and rotations would be the order of the half to keep legs fresh for the downwind run in the second stanza. Changes are usually a simple affair of exchange, but this ref was intent on continuing his Hitler style reign of proceedings demanding players change precisely at the centreline. Truth be told if he could have, he would have demanded an electronic subs board.
Football, yep football.....The first half highlight came from Monash Uni. A lucky, but intentional shot from just inside the half way line sailed on the wind at rocket speed. Surprised by the attempt, Tim was caught off guard and the ball hit the back of the net.
It was half time and Dan had just arrived to help his brethren out for the remainder of the game after misreading the email which indicated the starting time.
AC decided not to make the four kilometre trek to the rooms, AC braved the wind some more for some sage advice from the leadership group. “We’ve got the wind and Owen up front. Bang the ball in and we should score two or three here”
Malvern went out on the attack, certainly taking advantage of the wind as they peppered the goal mouth with chances. Pricey was a little less interested as he went for a walk, decided to stop and text some people and update his Facebook status before eventually returning to the game. Meanwhile the midfield was fresh thanks to the earlier rotations and was completely dominating proceedings. The rolling partnership of Owen, Matthews and Tucker were causing all sorts of problems up front getting closer to scoring.
An innocuous corner was responsible for AC drawing level when Steve, using his pre-game lesson in physics from a student in the car park used the wind to his advantage. He struck the ball from the corner flag curling it in without touching a player. Scores were level and things were getting interesting.
Twenty minutes in and AC were still dominant when a ball into the box was brought down by the towering Owen only to have AC newbie Garriet get on the end of it and drill home his first goal for the club. AC had hit the front and with the wind at their backs were favourites to go on with it.
Another series of changes upset the team balance and Monash got back on top. Their only real threat was the scorer of the first goal whose thunderous right boot went close many times in the closing stages of the game.
Monash managed to defy the odds, after Tim was crushed and damn near broke his back, banging on the two goals required to come from behind and take the points in a hotly contested affair. AC battled hard and controlled much of the game, but was unlucky on this occasion, walking away with no points and six yellow cards for various ridiculous infractions
AC turn at the half way mark with one win to their name.
AC Malvern 2 - 3 Monash Uni
Cresswell, Tucker
Best in show: Tim Nolan
WAG's Player of the match: Rich Owen
Ashman Lush player that counts: Garriet Tucker
Twits not doing it for the team: Pricey & Dan
Jun 30, 2011
Jun 23, 2011
The king and his cup.......
The third instalment of the Mc Ropod cup was another classic with the scoring power of Central Park Rangers proving too much as the eclipsed their co-tenants with a one nil victory on Sunday. The significance of the match was amped up as both teams paid tribute with yellow armbands, to a former player Sean Wight who is currently battling cancer. (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/demon-great-sean-wight-in-cancer-fight/story-e6frf9jf-1226019890149)
Greeted with a very windy day the focused and on time AC Malvern set about acclimatising to the conditions with an extended warm up. There is uncertainty around whether this was effective in their play, but it certainly confused the opposition who rolled out of bed and onto the pitch.
As always with these battles there is never much between the two teams with the result usually coming down to a single play, missed tackle or freak goal. Mindful of this AC paid full respect to any move going forward from the Rangers; especially those coming from nemesis Lars.
The name Lars means “he who is crowned with laurel”. So I assume this means King? Anyway if it is a King then it’s a very fitting name for the man who is clearly King off the McRopod Cup; scoring three of the four goals in previous battles. Needless to say attention would be paid to this most humble of Swedish men.
The early going had AC ever so slightly ahead in possession and control. The back four was led by Super Mario as he heralded the arrival of the King and his entourage. They ably dealt with any attack, channelling the ball back through the midfield.
AC looked good when they weren’t panicking and using the width. The only downfall today, and with much of the season was their inability to score. Unfortunately through the towering strength of the Rangers back four, namely Neil and Paul, AC were unable to get away a shot.
Just before the half the game started to open up and some fantastic through balls to T-Unitt allowed for hearts to flutter as AC were getting closer to scoring. The heat was on and battle lines were drawn as Terry had several opportunities which included a bruising clash in which neither Terry or Rangers keeper David gave an inch. The laws of physics meant that David came off second best in the clash of bodies, but said post game “I saw it coming so I braced myself for what was a good fair bump”.
Rangers weren’t without their chances as they shot off a 21 gun salute to have Tim make some fantastic saves as he always does. Some luck for AC as the ones Tim couldn’t save were saved by the bar.
A slight change to the AC structure before the half seemed to change the game as dominance shifted to the blue and whites. Control in the midfield was maintained, but attacks were developing from both wings. Fortunately AC held on and would be able to regroup during the break with the score nil all. One could argue it was a fair half time score, but had AC been one up it may have been more fitting for their efforts.
The second half had the large crowd on the edge of their seats – though it could have been the wind that blew them that way. This was truly a classic in every sense with both teams going toe to toe for the ascendancy and a chance to hold aloft the trophy in front of adoring fans.
Malvern were still finding plenty of the ball, but gaps out wide were continuing to open up for the Rangers forwards to play into. Soon enough King Lars arrived on Malvern’s right wing unmarked and as he does so well, duly slotted home the first goal of the game.
A distraught Malvern tried to pick themselves up as they faced the reality of potentially another lost opportunity for silverware.
Coach Dennis consulted the board and realised something had to change. At this point it was better to have lost three nil than to try nothing and accept the one nil result. The undercover goal sneak Rich Owen was thrown forward to match the size of the Rangers backs, setting up a 3-4-3 formation in the hope of getting the two goals required to snatch the trophy.
The last fifteen minutes was test of the fittest as both teams scrambled for chances with both coming close without result.
A fantastic game came to an end with Lars scoring the only goal. His tally is now at four of the five scored in McRopod Cup history.
With Alan (the games sponsor) unable to attend it was left to Coach Dennis to present the trophy to the winning captain, Paul Davies from Rangers. AC are yet to get their names scribed on the trophy and now must look to round 17 in order to exact revenge and release it from the firm grip of Rangers.
It was a fantastic day and importantly both teams wish Sean the best for his battle with cancer.
AC Malvern 0 - 1 Central Park Rangers
Best in show: Tim Nolan
WAGs player of the match: Mario
Greeted with a very windy day the focused and on time AC Malvern set about acclimatising to the conditions with an extended warm up. There is uncertainty around whether this was effective in their play, but it certainly confused the opposition who rolled out of bed and onto the pitch.
As always with these battles there is never much between the two teams with the result usually coming down to a single play, missed tackle or freak goal. Mindful of this AC paid full respect to any move going forward from the Rangers; especially those coming from nemesis Lars.
The name Lars means “he who is crowned with laurel”. So I assume this means King? Anyway if it is a King then it’s a very fitting name for the man who is clearly King off the McRopod Cup; scoring three of the four goals in previous battles. Needless to say attention would be paid to this most humble of Swedish men.
The early going had AC ever so slightly ahead in possession and control. The back four was led by Super Mario as he heralded the arrival of the King and his entourage. They ably dealt with any attack, channelling the ball back through the midfield.
AC looked good when they weren’t panicking and using the width. The only downfall today, and with much of the season was their inability to score. Unfortunately through the towering strength of the Rangers back four, namely Neil and Paul, AC were unable to get away a shot.
Just before the half the game started to open up and some fantastic through balls to T-Unitt allowed for hearts to flutter as AC were getting closer to scoring. The heat was on and battle lines were drawn as Terry had several opportunities which included a bruising clash in which neither Terry or Rangers keeper David gave an inch. The laws of physics meant that David came off second best in the clash of bodies, but said post game “I saw it coming so I braced myself for what was a good fair bump”.
Rangers weren’t without their chances as they shot off a 21 gun salute to have Tim make some fantastic saves as he always does. Some luck for AC as the ones Tim couldn’t save were saved by the bar.
A slight change to the AC structure before the half seemed to change the game as dominance shifted to the blue and whites. Control in the midfield was maintained, but attacks were developing from both wings. Fortunately AC held on and would be able to regroup during the break with the score nil all. One could argue it was a fair half time score, but had AC been one up it may have been more fitting for their efforts.
The second half had the large crowd on the edge of their seats – though it could have been the wind that blew them that way. This was truly a classic in every sense with both teams going toe to toe for the ascendancy and a chance to hold aloft the trophy in front of adoring fans.
Malvern were still finding plenty of the ball, but gaps out wide were continuing to open up for the Rangers forwards to play into. Soon enough King Lars arrived on Malvern’s right wing unmarked and as he does so well, duly slotted home the first goal of the game.
A distraught Malvern tried to pick themselves up as they faced the reality of potentially another lost opportunity for silverware.
Coach Dennis consulted the board and realised something had to change. At this point it was better to have lost three nil than to try nothing and accept the one nil result. The undercover goal sneak Rich Owen was thrown forward to match the size of the Rangers backs, setting up a 3-4-3 formation in the hope of getting the two goals required to snatch the trophy.
The last fifteen minutes was test of the fittest as both teams scrambled for chances with both coming close without result.
A fantastic game came to an end with Lars scoring the only goal. His tally is now at four of the five scored in McRopod Cup history.
With Alan (the games sponsor) unable to attend it was left to Coach Dennis to present the trophy to the winning captain, Paul Davies from Rangers. AC are yet to get their names scribed on the trophy and now must look to round 17 in order to exact revenge and release it from the firm grip of Rangers.
It was a fantastic day and importantly both teams wish Sean the best for his battle with cancer.
AC Malvern 0 - 1 Central Park Rangers
Best in show: Tim Nolan
WAGs player of the match: Mario
Jun 19, 2011
Jun 16, 2011
iGeneration hand out an iLesson
AC Malvern was wishing the cloud of ash meant their flight to Beaumaris was cancelled on Sunday after the boys from Beauy took them apart to the tune of five nil.
An over confident Malvern arrived at the ground having already chalked this one down for a win. The flawed application of mathematics and logic had misguided the lads. The logic: AC lost to OX’s 0-1, Rangers lost to OX’s 1-6, Rangers drew with today’s opponents 2-2 therefore AC must be better than Rangers so a win is a certainty. Epic fail number one!
An arrogant swagger out from the rooms and the sight of 24 opponents all under 20 was not enough to keep the ego’s in check. “We’ll just beat them with physical dominance” giggled one player. Epic fail number two.....one must get close in order to apply physical pressure.
From the off AC were in trouble as the Facebook or iGeneration ran them ragged, pulling the makeshift defence from pillar to post as they moved the ball around with speed and accuracy. Even the fittest man in the squad, Pete was struggling to keep up with the pace set.
Beauy’s first breakthrough came via a penalty after fill in Paul used to having Basil by his side fell, but unfortunately for AC he fell the wrong way. The resulting wind blew the slight attacker down and he duly slotted home the first of many for the day.
Chance after chance followed as the mosquito fleet, charged on Red Bull and whatever else the kids have these days, pushed forward with the ball. AC were run off their feet doing what they could, but were relying heavily on Tim to keep them in it. It was like trying to stop the bleeding of a severed artery with a band aid. Looks like you’re doing something, but in reality it’s just a band aid solution (irony).
It was a tough game to watch as a supporter of Malvern, but there was some great football from the Beauy boys; even a bit of show boating crept in. That said there was some standout performances from a few in red and black. Colin didn’t stop running all day and created many chances on the wing despite being battered and usually playing three on one. Tim, bless him, managed to keep the goal tally to a handful with some great work winning many one on one contests and new Malvernite Shane was impressing with his run and efforts.
A dirty day for the club with two penalties and three goals from normal play, but a valuable lesson learnt – no win is guaranteed. “It was the loss we had to have heading into the cup game next week. It might shake the boys up. Also it didn’t help that half the regular team booked holidays on a weekend when we were playing” said club President Mr Malvern.
So now the lads look forward to the most important game of the season; the Central Park derby - Mc Ropod Cup.
AC Malvern 0 - 5 iGenreation
Best in show: Colin
WAG's player of the day: Shane
Mc Ropod Cup preview:
A tough challenge lies ahead for AC Malvern as they have been unable to beat the current cup holders since back in 2006 including all preseason friendlies.
An over confident Malvern arrived at the ground having already chalked this one down for a win. The flawed application of mathematics and logic had misguided the lads. The logic: AC lost to OX’s 0-1, Rangers lost to OX’s 1-6, Rangers drew with today’s opponents 2-2 therefore AC must be better than Rangers so a win is a certainty. Epic fail number one!
An arrogant swagger out from the rooms and the sight of 24 opponents all under 20 was not enough to keep the ego’s in check. “We’ll just beat them with physical dominance” giggled one player. Epic fail number two.....one must get close in order to apply physical pressure.
From the off AC were in trouble as the Facebook or iGeneration ran them ragged, pulling the makeshift defence from pillar to post as they moved the ball around with speed and accuracy. Even the fittest man in the squad, Pete was struggling to keep up with the pace set.
Beauy’s first breakthrough came via a penalty after fill in Paul used to having Basil by his side fell, but unfortunately for AC he fell the wrong way. The resulting wind blew the slight attacker down and he duly slotted home the first of many for the day.
Chance after chance followed as the mosquito fleet, charged on Red Bull and whatever else the kids have these days, pushed forward with the ball. AC were run off their feet doing what they could, but were relying heavily on Tim to keep them in it. It was like trying to stop the bleeding of a severed artery with a band aid. Looks like you’re doing something, but in reality it’s just a band aid solution (irony).
It was a tough game to watch as a supporter of Malvern, but there was some great football from the Beauy boys; even a bit of show boating crept in. That said there was some standout performances from a few in red and black. Colin didn’t stop running all day and created many chances on the wing despite being battered and usually playing three on one. Tim, bless him, managed to keep the goal tally to a handful with some great work winning many one on one contests and new Malvernite Shane was impressing with his run and efforts.
A dirty day for the club with two penalties and three goals from normal play, but a valuable lesson learnt – no win is guaranteed. “It was the loss we had to have heading into the cup game next week. It might shake the boys up. Also it didn’t help that half the regular team booked holidays on a weekend when we were playing” said club President Mr Malvern.
So now the lads look forward to the most important game of the season; the Central Park derby - Mc Ropod Cup.
AC Malvern 0 - 5 iGenreation
Best in show: Colin
WAG's player of the day: Shane
Mc Ropod Cup preview:
A tough challenge lies ahead for AC Malvern as they have been unable to beat the current cup holders since back in 2006 including all preseason friendlies.
The last four meetings:
AC 0-1 CPR
AC 2-2 CPR (Mc Ropod Cup)
AC 1-2 CPR (Mc Ropod Cup)
AC 1-3 CPR
Jun 14, 2011
Jun 10, 2011
Two cans of max and a trickle through the arms
A stirring effort and display of resistance in front of the season’s biggest crowd wasn’t enough as the table topping Old Xavs took the points with a one nil victory on Sunday.
An early or late morning heart starter, depending on when you arrived, in the form of a tirade of abuse from Coach Dennis. The reason for the red mist of an Irish man; tardiness. The entire Old Xav’s machine had arrived and was switched on ready to go before AC even had half a team and had the nets up.
Once players got the message and got moving, the warm up commenced, but only in a fashion that would further infuriate the manager. A simple drill, general apathy and disinterest launched another rocket up the collective arse of all and sundry. The message was clear, continue with this attitude and a repeat of the season opener and Old Xav’s will walk over AC eight nil or worse.
AC management took a huge risk by choosing to leave the season’s stars; Captain Cresswell and Colin on the bench for the kick off especially with fellow stars Jones and Debortolo out. This move would go to prove that no spot is guaranteed, it is earned at AC Malvern.
The high pitch warble of Dennis seemed to have the desired effect as AC managed to take it to the highly fancied OX’s early on. The introduction of The Hague’s finest in Derk complemented Jay in the middle and with Super Mario squashing attacks like they were mushrooms things were looking good.
An early setback as Garriet went down injured and it was thought an Ambulance may be needed as he was chaired off the pitch. Some quick thinking from the watching fans and an understanding of medical healing far greater than any doctor produced the perfect antidote. It seems that for any potential career ending knee knack that all is required is two cans of Pepsi Max on the affected area and “Bob’s your uncle”. Within minutes Garriet was up and about and ready to take on the world. Look out for this revelation in upcoming medical journals.
Now I won’t say that AC were an equal in terms of ability and the ladder was a reflection of that, but AC were playing out of their skin in an attempt to contain their fancied opponents. Red and black attacks were rare in the first half, but the focus and defensive mindedness was keeping the boat afloat.
OX’s had a few chances from range with the closest hitting the cross bar and shooting straight down. Luckily for AC the ref judged that the ball had not crossed the line and the score remained nil nil at the half.
The second half was a parade of pretty much the same although this time AC had fashioned a few more chances with Owen getting the closest late on. Finally the might of OX’s overpowered a tiring Malvern, but not quite in spectacular fashion that you’d expect. A limp shot, and Tim’s only mistake for the season saw the ball role painfully slow over the line (NOTE: it didn’t even reach the back of the net). After a cracking game with some brilliant saves, this would be Tim’s legacy for the day.
The game ended with AC buoyant in defeat as they keep their eye firmly on the achievable prize; the McRopod Cup.
AC Malvern 0 - 1 Old Xav's
Best in show: Entire team
WAG's player of the match: Entire team
Note: This was the first game we didn't see the Jesus arm salute - well done Pricey
An early or late morning heart starter, depending on when you arrived, in the form of a tirade of abuse from Coach Dennis. The reason for the red mist of an Irish man; tardiness. The entire Old Xav’s machine had arrived and was switched on ready to go before AC even had half a team and had the nets up.
Once players got the message and got moving, the warm up commenced, but only in a fashion that would further infuriate the manager. A simple drill, general apathy and disinterest launched another rocket up the collective arse of all and sundry. The message was clear, continue with this attitude and a repeat of the season opener and Old Xav’s will walk over AC eight nil or worse.
AC management took a huge risk by choosing to leave the season’s stars; Captain Cresswell and Colin on the bench for the kick off especially with fellow stars Jones and Debortolo out. This move would go to prove that no spot is guaranteed, it is earned at AC Malvern.
The high pitch warble of Dennis seemed to have the desired effect as AC managed to take it to the highly fancied OX’s early on. The introduction of The Hague’s finest in Derk complemented Jay in the middle and with Super Mario squashing attacks like they were mushrooms things were looking good.
An early setback as Garriet went down injured and it was thought an Ambulance may be needed as he was chaired off the pitch. Some quick thinking from the watching fans and an understanding of medical healing far greater than any doctor produced the perfect antidote. It seems that for any potential career ending knee knack that all is required is two cans of Pepsi Max on the affected area and “Bob’s your uncle”. Within minutes Garriet was up and about and ready to take on the world. Look out for this revelation in upcoming medical journals.
Now I won’t say that AC were an equal in terms of ability and the ladder was a reflection of that, but AC were playing out of their skin in an attempt to contain their fancied opponents. Red and black attacks were rare in the first half, but the focus and defensive mindedness was keeping the boat afloat.
OX’s had a few chances from range with the closest hitting the cross bar and shooting straight down. Luckily for AC the ref judged that the ball had not crossed the line and the score remained nil nil at the half.
The second half was a parade of pretty much the same although this time AC had fashioned a few more chances with Owen getting the closest late on. Finally the might of OX’s overpowered a tiring Malvern, but not quite in spectacular fashion that you’d expect. A limp shot, and Tim’s only mistake for the season saw the ball role painfully slow over the line (NOTE: it didn’t even reach the back of the net). After a cracking game with some brilliant saves, this would be Tim’s legacy for the day.
The game ended with AC buoyant in defeat as they keep their eye firmly on the achievable prize; the McRopod Cup.
AC Malvern 0 - 1 Old Xav's
Best in show: Entire team
WAG's player of the match: Entire team
Note: This was the first game we didn't see the Jesus arm salute - well done Pricey
Jun 2, 2011
The loss of another for the season
MEDIA RELEASE:AC Malvern medics today announced that the injury to Sparky Coulter is worse than first thought.
Sparky appears to have suffered the same injury that cost David Beckham a spot in the England World Cup squad, the dreaded torn Achilles.
“I picked it up in the farcical game against Old Melbournain’s and just can’t seem to shake it.” said a disillusioned Coulter to the awaiting media. Chief Medic, Dr Nick was a bit clearer saying “he’s been getting injections of his own blood to heal the mild tear in the area, but the excess of Newcastle Brown in the blood is slowing the process of repair.”
Mark will be out for the remained of the season, but is expected to be back for season 2012. A replacement for his spot is being sourced.
Mark will be out for the remained of the season, but is expected to be back for season 2012. A replacement for his spot is being sourced.
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