A vast turn around gets the points against the 'Hill'
Posted: 15 May, 2008
| FC Clifton Hill | 0 | — | 4 | Langwarrin |
| M.Blake (3) P.Ferguson |
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Round 6: FC Clifton Hill v Langwarrin — 10 May, 2008
On the road once again for our young warriors, this time up town to play Clifton Hill. Quite a few changes to the line-up due to injuries and suspensions within the senior and reserve squads. Libba, Kevin, Adam and Ben stepped up into the seniors, whilst Brenton Smith was out injured. Liam, Daniel, Mitchell, and Alex were all starting for the “reserves”. On the bench was James Cullen, with two new faces for the first time in Dylan Kilner and Aaryn Rix. Terrific to note that these lads are ALL under 18 years of age.
The first half was very disappointing compared with previous matches and the "faithful" were confused watching such a lack luster display. Nothing seemed to "click". Many players looked out of touch and our game was very erratic. Most of the half was spent chasing the ball, winning the ball and giving the ball back to the opposition with monotonous regularity. The usual "bite" was missing from our game and real doubts about the final outcome were audible from the supporters.
The first 45 minutes basically saw the ball pinged from one half to the other, with the Hill giving us a few close shaves. Thankfully, Sean Skelly maintained his previous high standards and pulled off a couple of quality saves, one particular effort was almost point blank, but he held his composure and kept us in the game. We did little to threaten at the other end as we strived to get our game together.
Thankfully, the interval came and we went in all square at 0-0. There was great debate in the crowd, as we caught our breath and tied to find some answers to our first half woes. There was not much in the way of positive vibes prior to the restart from the faithful over the fence. In fact, quiet the contrary. We were preparing for the worst… Our first defeat of the season was looming.
However, it is amazing what 15 minutes can do! Whatever our coaching staff, Jamie and Ian said or did at the break should be bottled and sold. Forget the first 45 minutes that was an aberration. This was the Langy of old, plus some. The Hill kicked off and the ball was played backwards to their midfield. Before their player had time to control it he was tackled by Peter Ferguson, then another by Burgo and another by Hayden. All in very quick succession – Game on boys!
This set the pattern for the rest of the day. Players closed down space, the ball was won and most importantly, possession retained. That familiar pattern and rhythm rapidly returned to our game and the tide was turning… quickly!
The half was not 10 minutes old when our first of the day hit the net. Burgo won the ball on the half way line, knocked a "floater" down to Pete, who with a deft headed flick-on, placed the ball right in the path of the hard running Mitchell who did not bother with wasting any time as he just hit it first time! 1-0. Top finish. The Hill where taken by surprised, as we were over the fence!
The transformation continued, passes found their targets, and players imposed themselves all over the park. The confidence returned!
Another good build up from the back through the left side of midfield, a defence splitting pass inside the left hand side of the box found Mitch on the run and his left foot shot hit the far corner of the net. Great finish to a great passage of play. The Hill was struggling now to mount a serious challenge against this rejuvenated Langy team.
Our midfield of Liam George, Luke Burgess, Daniel Biondo, Hayden Shippers and Anthony Famularo took over. Alex Mackie in his first full game ably assessed the back line of the ever-reliable Scud and Sean. Nothing got past them and the Hill strikers found chances few and far between as their supply was becoming limited.
Langy's pressure paid off once again as Mitch stuck away his third of the day from another good build up down the left flank, a cross came over and Mitch just simply side footed it into an empty goal from a few meters out. What a day out for Mitch! Certainly one to remember! The boy's to their credit did not take the foot off the pedal. Relentless, they went in search of another goal – A good sign!
This time it was Pete up front who carved out an opening spinning onto his right side to despatch a low shot from the edge of the penalty area under the hapless keeper. Nice finish! 4-0 Job Done… with emphatic style.
Congratulations to the coaches and the players for turning around such a lowly first half performance into a super effort and final result, also to the three under 18 boy's who got to share in the win and did very well indeed.
My 1-2-3 = Scud – Mitch – Pete
Cheers once again – From the Man over the Fence – yes, I'm back folks after a little break. So see you next week.
Team: Skelly, S.Smith, Mackie, Hodgson, Famularo, Shippers (Kilner 80), Burgess, Biondo (Cullen 69), George, Ferguson (Rix 82), Blake
Unused Sub: Thomas, B.Smith
