Another impressive performance for the Reserves
Posted: 1 May, 2008
| Sunshine George Cross | 1 | — | 1 | Langwarrin |
| D.Biondo | ||||
Round 4: Sunshine George Cross v Langwarrin — 26 April, 2008
A dreary Saturday, with over-cast skies, rain threatening for most of the day, a difficult pitch and some would say, the long journey up from the peninsula did not help matters.
The starting line-up was little different from previous weeks with Libba coming into the team playing the "holding" role in midfield, releasing Burgo further up-field as Kevin McAlister was called up for senior duty, likewise, Ben Caffrey was missing for us up front.
It was good to see Sean Smith back in the defence and certainly the opening 30 minutes was a test of our defensive qualities. Their midfield gained the upper hand and we had a torrid time in that zone, but we stuck to the task and battled hard to get back into the match.
Several close calls for the Georgies in the first 15 minutes, one particular corner went very close to giving them a lead; however, we held them out with some terrific defensive efforts.
Up front, Pete and James found the going tough and it wasn't until the 20th minute mark that we gave them a real fright. Adam delivered a quality ball and Pete placed his header just over. Great effort!
Pete started to find a few gaps with some bold running and almost had a result with a quick shot, which the keeper saved, low down near his left-hand post.
The Georgies continued to attack relentlessly, but could show nothing for their efforts. Burgo picked up a yellow card as frustration built. He let loose with a 25m left footer, which just reminded them that we were still in the game.
Half time came with the score all even at 0 – 0.
The second half started in much the same manner as the first. Plenty of pressure from the opposition and this was soon rewarded with a goal. 1-0 down, but still enough time to get back at them. The boys really picked up their intensity and started to take more control of the game.
The feeling in the stand was that our fitness was starting to show dividends as signs of loose passing, the odd header missing the target, miss timed tackles etc started to creep into the Georgies game.
Urged on by the Langy faithful, our boys went in search of the equalizer. Libba surged forward on one occasion and let fly with a long-range effort. Hayden on the left flank cut in and blasted one just wide. Adam hit a free kick just over. The signs were definitely there for a strong finish.
Fresh legs were required as Daniel Biondo came on for James, who had tried hard all day. Soon after our efforts were justifiably rewarded with what can only be described as the "goal of the season" so far. In fact some of the "old timers" watching said, "It doesn't get any better than that"! This was sheer quality.
Sean won the ball in the left back spot. A little touch inside to Brenton, Hayden had come back inside his own half to support and receive. Brenton, another little push pass into space just inside our half. Hayden reached the ball a split second before his marker came in, pushed it passed him down the line and took off. Defender, skinned!, watched helplessly as Hayden tore away down the wing. Next defender came across to cut him off.
(You could just sense something special was about to happen). The defender nearly got him, in fact slowed Hayden down, but only fractionally. Gone again! Too good! Hayden by now had almost reached the bye-line, looked up and hit a glorious cross-field ball into the danger zone. Daniel had been running parallel to Hayden and met the cross with a powerful header straight into the net. Brilliant wing play by Hayden and a well-executed finish by Daniel.
I trust this description has done justice to the build up, the individual skill and the quality of play that this goal deserves. It was simply superb! You would pay money to see something like that! (In fact we did!)
The boys were now up for taking the other 2 points home and applied more pressure on the Georgies. They started to look weary and we reckoned they had "gone", as our pre-season training was now very evident and we looked stronger as the match went on.
Near the end Pete almost got us there with a very close effort just wide!
Both Pete and Fam were subbed, replaced by Liam and Mitchell as they continued the battle to the end. The final whistle went at 1 – 1 and the points were shared.
A really big effort from everyone, they never dropped their heads once. Stuck to the task, fought till the end and remain unbeaten.
Thanks for a really entertaining afternoon lads. My 1-2-3… Brenton (Another big display), Sean Smith and Hayden.
From The Man in the Stands. Signing off for the last time. Good Luck & Keep On, Keeping On Lads!
Team: Skelly, S.Smith, B.Smith, Hodgson, Famularo (Blake 89), Shippers, Burgess, Ahmadzhi, Rasimi, Cullen (Biondo 68), Ferguson (George 90)
Unused Sub: Thomas, Mackie
