Match Report - 4th November 2007

This game had plenty of excitement, entertainment, chances and goals. But all of this was overshadowed by a nasty injury to one of Princes Park’s players, Genc Mulaku, who fell badly challenging for a loose ball and broke his wrist. He was in a lot of pain as he received treatment on the side of the pitch and, during the second half, he was taken by ambulance to hospital where he needed an operation to set his wrist. We all wish Genc the very best and hope he will soon be fit again and back in action.

The Bs had Daniel Lynch making his first appearance of the season in goal as Stephen Howden had a hamstring injury. Russell Butlin was also still injured so Thomas Green continued to deputise at centre back and had another very good game. The early stages of the game were bizarre. The Bs played some very good football, combining well and showing some neat movement and passing. But they struggled with the final ball and were made to pay. For the second week running the Bs went behind to an early goal. After just 4 minutes an attack down the left saw the visitors score from a side foot into the corner. Ten minutes later they won a corner and scored firing Francis’ clearance straight back into the net. Shortly after the game was held up as Genc Mulaku was treated for his injury. But then Princes Park scored again with a powerful shot from 25 yards which flew over Daniel into the top of the net.

Even though they were 0-3 down, the Bs play was good enough to suggest that they still might get something from the match. On 29 minutes the Bs were awarded a penalty after Sid was brought down as he cut in racing in on goal. Jordan Coleman stepped up and placed his penalty firmly into the right corner. That lifted the team and three minutes later Sid got it back to 2-3. A long cross field ball was played into the right corner, Jordan chased it down and his cross to the near post was steered with a delicate touch by Sid, his eleventh of the season. It was well deserved by Sid as he had gone close with a few other good shots. George and Brett both had free kicks that went near and Brett had raced through a couple of times but the keeper had come out on top.

At the other end Daniel was called into action with a great save to reach a high shot and he also dealt very well with a couple of awkward high, lobs on goal. At half time it was 2-3 and there was all to play for.

In the second half the Bs continued to pass the ball around well and showed very good determination and fight to win the ball. Ciaran not only played well at left back but was the most vocal, constantly instructing and encouraging his team mates. Francis had a very good game winning and using the ball to good effect. George showed great control and produced some excellent passes behind the back four for the strikers to run onto. Jordan also showed good defensive play backing up his neat passing.

It was George and Brett who turned the game with two goals in two minutes. On 42 minutes Brett took the ball across the edge of the penalty area and looked to be lining up a shot when George took it off his toe and placed a right foot shot at the keeper. It looked as though he had it covered but it slipped through his hands into the net to make it 3-3. Then a great ball over the defence by Jay sent Brett chasing through and he shrugged off challenges from the defender and the goalkeeper before touching it home. He was well rewarded for his perseverance. The Bs made two changes, Kyle replaced Francis and Jordan Wright replaced Jordan Coleman. They also had most of the chances and Sid, Brett and Luis all went close.

On 55 minutes Brett looked to have sealed it. Picking up a good ball down the right by Jordan he controlled it well and then placed a high shot into the far corner. From 0-3 down to 5-3 ahead, the comeback showed great character and determination. Fed came on in place of George and went up front. Brett nearly extended the lead further beating the keeper in a one on one but, though he was forced very wide, his shot came back off the bar. With ten minutes left Princes Park got one back with a shot from the edge of the area. This made for a tense finish as the visitors went in search of the equaliser. They very nearly got it when they were awarded a free kick 20 yards out but their shot went just over.

The Bs held firm and won 5-4. Ciaran’s excellent contribution won him the man of the match though there were good performances from across the whole team.