Six seconds from glory

Not a lot usually happens in six seconds, but that was all that stood in the way of a flashy Malvern notching its second win for the season. Instead the lads had to settle for a draw against the mouthy kids from Beaumaris.

In near perfect conditions and with a bench fuller than we have ever seen it (despite losing Mark in the warm up), the boys from Malvern lined up against a team that smashed them beyond recognition earlier in the season. This time would be different; confidence was growing and things were finally clicking; playing a passing game to rival any. Better late than never, but with the transient nature of the team and no training it’s hard to expect more.

The first five minutes were critical in establishing the tempo and ascendancy, especially against “generation next” who aren’t too interested in working for anything. AC did exactly that, moving the ball around and building attacks from the back. The science of football was evident and AC worked out that the ball moves faster from a pass than it would with a player carrying it. Another benefit was the reduced risk of having the ball stolen from the player.

As the game progressed an infrequent spectator was heard saying “they look like a different team, I’m actually enjoying the spectacle.” It was true and after starting back in January with pre-season the boys had finally started to put on a show a mere eight months later.

Possession was well in favour of Malvern, but like most weeks they lacked enough venom in their attack to find the net. Corners came and went, but they just lacked the panache to finish it off. In stepped the less pasty lanky Irish lad, Colin who got himself in the right spot. The ball came into the box and he managed to get his bobbling bonce onto the ball scoring his first for the year and AC’s first for five weeks.

AC was like a runaway train as their confidence grew until the moment when things went a little wrong. A routine goal kick by the resident shot stopper took a little longer than the allocated six seconds and the referee decided Tim was being selfish and should share. The gift was a free kick to the opposition on the edge of the box for the time infringement.

The wall was set and the young lad stepped up and banged the ball into the back of Pricey’s head before finding its way past a diving Tim. A deflating sigh could be heard for mile around as the harsh reality was that Beaumaris was back in the game.

What followed was a made for TV event as the two teams battled it out in a very entertaining affair with neither getting a major advantage. AC looked the most likely to score a second, but the gods wouldn’t allow it letting them settle for hitting the woodwork. Beaumaris weren’t without their chances, but some brilliant work and goal line saves by Will they maintained the level scoreline for the day.

The game finished 1-1 and it seems that AC has hit some rare form heading into the McRopod Cup. The big questions are; can they shut down the Danish King Lars? Can they find an avenue to goal? and will they lift for Coach Dennis’ last ever game as manager?

AC Malvern 1 - 1 Beaumaris
Brien

Best in show: Steve Cresswell
WAG’s player of the match: Will