Lane Cove West 0,
Northbridge A 7
19
July 2008,
Nightmare
on
Today
was only our second failure to score in two years, but unfortunately, also our
second in four weeks.
And
we started so well: moving the ball about freely, denying Northbridge the
chance to settle on the ball, and creating some half-chances.
But
then: the first disaster. A Northbridge cross from the right grazed Martin on
its way to Tim, facing goal at the far post. Difficult height, and in hindsight
it’s easy to say that ducking under it was the go, as the nearest forward was a
way away. But I fear that there was no call to this effect, so Tim tried to
move the ball to safety. But it and he got tangled, and 0-1 was the outcome.
We’d
barely had time to digest this when in went number 2. This time, a good through
ball found Dr George, and his shot from a good way out made it 0-2.
At
least I think it was Dr George. Certainly he got 5 of the goals. And since Tim
got one, there was only one other that he didn’t score, and I don’t think it
was this one.
Still
we weren’t out of the game and kept plugging away. Till
disaster two. Steve L smartly steered the ball away from goal to his
left. Then, trying to place a pass, got caught in
possession. The ball was swept back over and there’s a five-sixth chance that
it was Dr George who connected with it to make the score 0-3.
Half
time couldn’t come too soon, and Peter laid out the recovery plan: spread out;
move the ball to the wings; pass to a man in space. Play football, in fact.
So:
no more kick-offs, Dave & I resolved as we got the second half going. Alas!
Five minutes later we were doing it again: Dr George had found his way through,
one on one with Phil in goal and now it was 0-4.
Much
the same thing happened three more times. In the meantime, Phil made some good
saves, so it could have been worse. We rallied and had a few good attacks, but
never seriously threatened goal. We had the dual ignominy of seeing Northbridge
change ‘keeeper, no doubt as the incumbent felt
underused; and of making no headway even when our opponents, having no subs,
played the last chunk of the game with 10 men, James have inserted some body
part between the ribs of Northbridge’s Glenn Hoddle-look-alike,
Russell.
Eric
was third in the MOTM voting for some stirring runs up the left, as well as
defensive work. Brian was second also for valiant efforts to hold back the
tide, and Peter’s tireless probing and urging in midfield (plus the occasional
shot) won him first place.
Thanks
to Martin for admin whilst I was away. And for spotting that in our ranks we
have a Batt and Ball; and Silver Ware (and we’ve
known for a while that we have Eric ‘n Ernie too). And thanks to Howard, Eric
& Dave for officiating at
MARK
BRYANT