Game 12 30/6/07
A much improved performance over last week, although I think if we just lay there on the ground it would have been a better effort than last week. Again we got off to a good start, but two headers from myself were either pushed (very) wide or saved by a diving keeper. The backs were holding out strongly from some good pressure from the Penno mids, as they again ran us around. This team without a doubt has the best control in the comp, with passes pinging every which way. The only reason they don’t hand it to Macquarie on a platter is because they don’t have any big finishers up front. This showed, with the backs keeping a clean book until a unlucky deflection put some pressure on Gus, who could only tap the ball into the net. We tried to lift, but despite the good efforts from our backs we just couldn’t get a shot off in anger.
A shuffle at halftime saw Scott put in goals, but some massive pressure from Penno didn’t allow Gus to make an impact on the midfield. Kyle was having another shocker (it was a 3:15 game), this more the result of some jostling and shirt pulling rather than air swings. Again the mids and forwards couldn’t capitalize on the backs strong work, and before long Penno put another one past Scott. Unlike the last couple of games, not everyone dropped their heads. Chalkie and Barker were outstanding in the second half, really lifting the team to keep the score level. It was through these two guys that we managed our last two shots of the game. One easily saved, the other painfully (by Kyles nether regions). A good effort from the backs was let down by a lack of attack from the mids and forwards. Hopefully we can build again for next week, we still need another two wins to make the finals.
Men of the Match: Chalkie and Barker. Chalkie never gave up in the mids, and Barker led the backs to a great rebound from last weeks hemorrhage of goals.

Erik Maasepp