Lane Cove West 6 St Michaels 1

12th July 2008, Kingsford Smith

Kingsford Smith in Lane Cove was the stage for our match. Missing our marquee striker Peter Xenos against a team that seemed to be competitive in every game that they played, was a concern.

The pitch seemed ok at first glance, but as you took closer notice of the centre you could see that the effects of the rain had taken hold. Hard as a rock, which would make it tough to control the ball. Maybe it would do us a favour and force us to play with a bit of width. Making things even more interesting was the length of the pitch, which was quite short, so it would make it easier to defend on, because we would be more crowded.

The game kicked off and from the get go St Michaels sat numbers behind the ball. They seemed comfortable and didn’t allow us to create too many chances, although we kept possession well and pushed the ball around nicely. It was 25 minutes before we scored. Big Unit latched onto a ball which was pushed across the top of the box, smashing it into the top corner, where the spiders live. 10 minutes later an error by the St Michaels defence and the Fatman finished from 12 yards. 2 nil was the half time score.

The second half started in pretty much the same manner as the first and it took about 20 minutes for us to score. In that 20 minutes the keeper pulled off some great saves. One in particular from a rasping Felix shot to the keepers bottom right after some great leadup work.

Then at the 20 minute mark a bizarre event, with the ST.M defender laying on the ball inside the box not giving anyone the opportunity to kick at the ball. The ref called it obstruction and awarded an indirect free kick at about the penalty spot. After a dummy or two the ball was played and Felix smashed home to make it 3 nil.

They started to push forward more and more and got a goal. Great volley from a poor clearance. To make it 3-1. Oh no will it be last week all over again?

Soon after we broke again and Poulos cut a nice ball to the top of the box. The Fatman gained control and shot low, sneaking inside the keeper left post, giving the keeper no chance because he was unsighted. 4-1

Another raid 5 minutes later and a weak shot from Stanley on the top of the box, saw the ball trickle under the keepers body to make it 5-1.

Then in the final minute of the game, Poulos mad a wonderful run into the box running onto a well weighted ball. With all the time in the world and now only 10 yards out, he shot to the keepers left, seemingly leaving the keeper with no chance, but miraculously he got across and parried it........and all in one motion their defender who was chasing back reacted unconsciously and caught the ball. The referee had no choice but to give a penalty.

The next 15 seconds were the most competitive of the game. Who would take the penalty? The Fatman now on a hatrick, grabbed the ball first and tucked it tightly under his arm, readying himself to fight off all challenges for the penalty. He succeeded and although he miss kicked the ball still managed to hit it hard enough and send it down the middle to complete his hatrick and make it 6-1 with what was the last kick of the game.