Game 7 26/5/07
SCORERS: Dave Powell
Our first loss of the season has left a bitter taste in the mouth after a hard fought draw last week against a opposition far superior to this weeks. The Pumas just didn’t turn up to play, getting run around the park and rushing our passes. A lethargy which we couldn’t shake let the game get off to an even start, but before long the young Hawks were starting to put pressure on our defense. We returned with a couple of chances, but poor finishing and poor passes let the Hawks off the hook. Their first goal came from some sloppy defending, and it was an example of how little intensity we had when their second came from the ball failing to be cleared for at least 4 or 5 seconds. The only bright part of the half came with Al slotting in well to centre back, using his height and foot skills to good advantage. We picked it up a bit towards the end of the half, but our worst 45 minutes of the season had us going into the break at 2-0 down.
The half time chat was all about intensity, and playing our passes with time and control. Possession was way in favor of the Hawks, and you can’t win a game of football without the ball. The second half started out much better, with the mids really lifting a gear to put some pressure on the Hawks backline. We had the ball in their half for the first 15 minutes of the half, but couldn’t find our opening goal. The Hawks started to get frustrated, and several fouls on the edge of the box were wasted until Dave Powell curled in an absolute stunner from 20 yards off the inside of the post. At 2-1 we really started to hit the gas, but the equalizing goal just wouldn’t come. Gus kept the game alive with a great save off a rebound play, but again down the other end our finishing was unlucky more than unskillful. Crosses would fall at the feet of defenders, or reaction shots would head straight to the keeper. Klish’s header was touched just wide in the final seconds to consign us to defeat. Due to Kenthurst’s draw we still top the table, but we are going to have to improve if we are going to stay up there, with every other team now gunning to get a result against us in round 2.
No man of the Match this week, we all had shockers.

Erik Maasepp