Match Report - 3rd May 2008

The B’s season ended on a whimper rather than a bang, but the disappointing outcome of this game should not wipe out the memory of what has been a great season for the team and their best ever achievement. It was certainly an extraordinary match. Princes Park bore no resemblance to the team we played earlier this season and it is hard to understand how, with this group of players, they have not finished at the top of the division. They were sharp, fast, very competitive and skilful. How have they lost seven matches this season?

The Bs were second to far too many balls throughout the game. There was also far too little protection for the defence and the attack was left unsupported so that, when they did break, the Bs found themselves playing two against four or five defenders. The midfield gave the ball away too often opting for a hopeful punt forwards rather than looking to use their passing to keep possession and build attacks.

Two quick goals in the 12th and 14th minutes set the seal on the match. Both scored by the same player and both very similar. They highlighted what appeared to be a very porous looking defence. Once the backline was breached Princes Park had little trouble scoring. On both occasions the Bs defence gave the ball away just inside the B’s half and a quick ball behind the back line put their striker through and he had no trouble in drawing Stephen off his line and steering it past him. Later Princes Park had another similar strike ruled out for offside.

At the other end Luis and Thomas were playing up front picking up from where they left off in the previous match when they had both scored. It was tougher for them today but they very nearly scored with a great move set up by Luis. He superbly took control of the ball, took it goalwards and saw his shot parried. The ball ran loose and Thomas steamed in but the keeper did really well to block his shot at close range. Thomas showed a great piece of determination and skill to attack down the left wing but his cross was cleared. Unfortunately, Luis and Thomas found themselves outnumbered when the ball was played through to them.

There weren’t that many good chances at either end. Princes Park were much more determined and stronger in the challenge and some of the Bs struggled to compete. Stephen pulled off a couple of saves from shots from outside the area and also denied them bravely at close range. In the heart of the midfield Francis looked strong and composed. He has shown a lot of improvement and he was looking to use the ball well with simple accurate passes.

Princes Park made some dangerous looking attacks down the flanks as they had the beating of both fullbacks for pace. On 26 minutes they made a quick strike down the left wing and there was insufficient cover at the back. Joe came across to challenge but the winger crossed the ball and their striker made a very good move coming in at the near post ahead of Russell and he steered the ball high over Stephen into the net.

At half time the Bs were 0-3 down and our only consolation was that the Bs had been behind by the same score in the previous game and had turned it around for a 5-4 win. There were a couple of half time changes. Jordan Coleman came on for Kyle on the wing. Jay came off, Thomas switched to midfield and Sid went up front.

The hope of a turnaround was sunk when Princes Park made it 0-4 four minutes after the break. The goal was incredibly soft. A throw in over Russell left their striker with a clear run on goal as there was no cover and he calmly and easily scored. The Bs then made a change bringing Kyle back on. Daniel came off, Luis switched to right back and Fed went up front. Sid had made a big difference to the team. However he got virtually no support from the midfield. He got a goal back for the Bs with a solo effort on 45 minutes. Taking the ball down the right he cut in and from a tight angle stuck the ball over the keeper into the corner. He had to do it alone as the only other supporting player within 20 yards was Kyle on the far edge of the area.

Hope of a come back was quickly dashed when a Bs attack was stopped and a quick break saw them beat Russell and, again, with no cover they advanced on goal and scored with ease. With nothing to lose, the Bs then switched to three at the back. Fed came off, Luis went back up front and Jay returned to bolster the midfield. But even with five across the midfield Princes Park were much the more effective as the Bs did rather too much ball watching allowing their opponents to move forwards unopposed. Then Jordan Wright came on in place of Kyle to play on the left wing.

Sid and Thomas had the B’s best opportunities. Thomas had a long range effort that cleared the bar. Then right on time they made it 1-6 with an attack down the left wing and a low shot into the corner. But Sid had the last say with a goal in injury time from a throw on the left that he scored at the near post.

Francis, Thomas and Luis pushed Sid close for the man of the match award with the determination, effort and skill that they showed. But Sid’s goals were richly deserved and he merited the award for the work he had put in.