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
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