The god (of Thunder) has spoken

AC Malvern was suffering from brontophobia as they let Dandenong away with a “narrow” victory on Sunday.

Darkness descended in Melbourne’s outer south east on a day that many would have been better to have stayed in bed. The signs were ominous; a huge pitch, no match record book, Pricey still drunk and of course the world’s favourite ref to officiate. AC should have seen the writing on the wall, but maybe they were too busy scrambling to find player registration numbers to see said wall.

The late kick off was made even later by the inept referees poor ability of time keeping skills. The battle was now on to beat the failing light and ironically the fast approaching storm – no doubt laden with plenty of thunder.

AC rolled out yet another makeshift squad this week and played some good football for the first eight minutes with some great moves down the left through Colin and Wade before a catastrophic implosion, aptly led by Captain Cresswell. Surely the words of Mario were still ringing in the ears of the players “encourage each other, don’t have a go if someone stuffs up”.....clearly not as Steve tore into the left sided players. Within a minute of the Cresswell led eruption the Thunder had slotted home two quick goals and the rot began.

Without dissecting the rest of the match in too much detail AC was outclassed by a better opposition whose speed caused no end of trouble. AC were never in the game with the boys struggling to string passes together and constantly outplayed by the deceptively quick Thunder. Somewhere amongst the mire Terry was able to score a much needed goal and Wade too had a brilliant opportunity, but forgot to pull the trigger.

At times AC were like watching Bennie Hill chasing nurses through the park; running in circles but getting nowhere. Frustration was building and infighting mounting and our friend the ref was only fuelling the fire. Yellow cards were once again handed out at will for minor verbal indiscretions whilst ferocious tackles went without penalty. He truly is a confusing and sad man, but that comes as no surprise as I’m told his day time job is security guard at Kitten’s in South Melbourne – all class.

A short blog for what is the worst defeat in AC Malvern history. The season is now gone and relegation looks inevitable, but the question remains – what can Malvern salvage from the wreck? Pride, the McRopod Cup and maybe a couple of points. Who knows, but the coaching staff must now look to the future and development of the list for season 2012.

AC Malvern 1 - 10 Dandenong Thunder
Unitt

Best in show: Colin Brien
WAG's player of the match: Wade
Worst display of teamsmanship: Steve Cresswell