The Yarra flows on

The flood gates didn’t quiet open, but South Yarra managed to sneak four past Malvern to take the points last week.

This match was met with much fear and trepidation. It marked the firsts of the return legs and offered the boys from Malvern a yard stick on their progress from the season opener. The wounds were still raw from the season opener with the power of the Yarra too much as they flooded the back of the net eight times. It was hopefully the low water mark for AC as since then they have pieced together their shattered confidence match by match.

Such an important game requires a strong squad, but AC was certainly lacking with an all star team watching from the sideline. The biggest impact injury was the loss of Tim in goals who ran the marathon quicker than the time it took him to walk from his car to the sidelines. Thankfully for AC the more than handy Captain Cresswell put his hand up to tend goals for the afternoon.

Derk Diggler returned from his sojourn to the homeland to line up in the midfield for the added Dutch flare and pint sized left winger Wade was called into the squad to help Garriet look tall.
Pre match challenges aside the lads from AC held their own in the early period of play. They key was stifling the Yarra midfield who last time ran rampant. This however only solved part of the problem as

AC was unable to get any forward supply to their underemployed strikers.
Confidence of a reasonable result was building before the might of Yarra, or Backpackers United flexed its muscle. A beautiful piece of work resulted in their right winger unleashing a thunderbolt from outside the box. Like a shot from the gun it rocketed past Steve through the smallest of gaps and into the net. A timely reminder of what they can do with only half a chance.

Midfield control was shifting away from the red and black. AC weren’t winning any contested ball and the smallest man on the pitch, Garriet looked the only one willing to have ago. Not deterred by their obvious size advantage Garriet put himself and his body in every contest and like David did to Goliath the little man was winning against the odds. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, he lacked the support required and Yarra would inevitably win the next contest, before pushing forward.

The Malvern defence would be excused if the put in a repetitive strain injury claim as I think 80
percent of the play has been lumped on them this year. Fatigue is inevitably going to take its toll and Yarra would take advantage of the weakening adversary slotting home another.

The second half led to an inspired Malvern and more attacking football. Understanding that they lacked control in the midfield the boys used the wings. Find of the day, Wade was dancing his way past defenders and creating half chances. With a little match fitness he could find a home there on the wing putting pressure on the out of form Jones.

Coach Dennis opted for one striker, pushing Terry back into the centre of the midfield which started to even the balance. From the sidelines it was the best football Malvern had played against a quality opposition. Yarra were worried for the smallest measure of time. Malvern were now structurally sound, but continuing pressure meant they lacked the fitness to keep up with the precise balls from the foot of Yarra’s “Scouser” and Co.

Steve played more than his part making some spectacular saves to keep the score at two nil; however Yarra working off the premise of the more shots you take the more chance of scoring, kept smashing them at Steve finally sneaking one past. Sensing the inevitable defeat and sore back Steve moved into the outfield and Mario stepped in for keeper’s duties for the remainder of the game.

Yarra would round out the match scoring a fourth ensuring that AC were only half as bad as the start of the season.

A few timely quotes and sage advice from Michael Jordan may provide inspiration as the team attempts to move forward.
“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take”
“I’m not out there sweating just to find out what it’s like to sweat”
“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something, but I can’t accept not trying"

AC Malvern 0 - 4 UK Old Boys

Best in show:Garriet Tucker
WAG's player of the match: Steve Cresswell
Ashman Lush player that counts: Rich Owen