Hills Too Good On The Day
Posted: 4 August, 2008
| Langwarrin | 1 | — | 4 | Clifton Hill FC |
| P.Ferguson | ||||
Round 17: Langwarrin v Clifton Hill FC — 26 July, 2008
Nothing like being back home after such a disappointing result last week up at Bentleigh. Although we are still missing Ben Caffrey (Retained by seniors), Sean Skelly (Hip injury) and captain, Kevin McAlister (Knee injury) we feel confident that the boys can get back to winning ways.
So in goals Nick Thomas replaced Sean. The Backline: Matthew "Scud" Hodgson - Brenton Smith & Sean Smith. Midfield: Luke "Burgo" Burgess - Adam Ahmadzai - Anthony Famarlaro - Daniel Biondo - Hayden Shippers. Up Front: Peter Ferguson & Mitchell Blake. Subs: James Cullen - Alex Mackie - Dylan Kilner.
The start was very lively indeed and within 30 seconds young Nick Thomas needed to be alert as the Hill raided down the right flank and almost caught us napping. The Hill player slipped in behind us and hit a cross come shot that Nick pushed over the bar. Phew! It was close and indicated that the Hill were really up for the game today.
With the Hill pushing forward at every opportunity and showing a lot of composure on the ball, knocking it confidently around at the back and making it difficult for us to actually get hold and retain quality possession. It was going to be busy day for the boys.
Our first real penetrating attack was by Hayden who broke down the left side and delivered a beautiful cross to the far side of the Hill box. Famo in full flight got on the end of it and thumped it just over the top.
Back came the Hill in answer to our effort and hit the front after a good build up down the left wing, a hard low cross-shot from the left edge of our box brought out a good save by Nick, unfortunately his parried save saw a Hill striker follow in and side foot the ball into the unguarded net. 0 – 1 down after 14 minutes, still plenty of time left for the boys to get back!
Although we seemed to be doing most of the chasing, the game flowed from end to end with both sides intent on an attacking approach.
Famo produced a good raid down the right side and managed to get a useful cross into the danger area were Mitch brought a decent save from the Hill keeper. The subsequent corner saw Scud hit a left foot half volley around the post.
It was Peter, who on 20 minutes put us back on terms after Hayden produced yet another fine run and quality cross from the left. Peter placed his header away with consummate ease. Class move, class finish! 1-1
We continued to chase and try to stay on terms with the Hill as they stretched us frequently with forceful raids wide down each flank and support up the middle.
A corner kick by the Hill was cleared from our penalty area only to see a right foot volley from about 22 meters come screaming back at us and find its target. An opportunistic goal indeed and we questioned whether we could have got out to the player a little quicker? Never the less, it was a well struck shot 1 – 2 to the Hill.
We hit back with another Famo run and cross which Mitch managed to get his head on, once again the Hill keeper saved well.
Half time 1 - 2 down and plenty to talk about in the rooms.
The second half steadily got worse for us and at times our midfielders were running after shadows. We produced lots of effort for very little reward as the Hill continued good possession and made us chase the game.
We did manage a few decent attacks, one particular 6 pass move saw Peter get on the end of a through ball and almost get us back into the game again, but the Hill keeper was having a good day. Mitch also had a couple of half chances but it was just not going to be our day up front.
Another Hill raid totally split us apart up the middle, Sean Smith was left in no-mans-land, came to close down the ball, the Hill player waited and then picked his spot in behind Sean where his support player ran on to the ball and coolly pushed the ball wide of the oncoming Nick. 1-3.
Our shape was looking particularly ordinary and the Hill took full advantage by once again splitting us up for their 4th and final goal of the day.
We had to accept that the Hill were simply too good on the day and we were well below our best.
Dylan came on at the 60 minute mark replacing Daniel, followed soon after by James on for Burgo and then finally, Alex on for Mitch. These three young blokes really had a dip when they came on and should be congratulated for their efforts in difficult circumstances. Well done lads.
Better luck next week lads. Hope to see you all up at the Thunder on Saturday night.
Cheers from the man Over the Fence.
Team: Thomas, S.Smith, B.Smith, Hodgson, Famularo, Shippers, Burgess (Cullen 83), Ahmadzai, Biondo (Kilner 60), Blake (Mackie 75), Ferguson
