| Report
: |
These derby matches are tricky encounters; one team with seemingly everything to lose and one team with seemingly nothing to lose. Friends pitted against friends and sometime team-mates finding each other with competing agendas on a Saturday afternoon.
To the credit of all those involved, the 4s and 5s have produced two competitive games this season, each played in a sporting yet hard-fought manner throughout, followed by some well-deserved beers at the club afterwards. Take note 2s and 3s!
Two things were very evident from Saturday’s game – the continued solidity of the 4s and the continued improvement of the 5s. The 4s managed to keep possession for most of the game and were rarely troubled at the back. The 5s were undeterred however, and kept in the game through a disciplined approach to their structure and a vigorous defensive display.
Two first half goals for the 4s separated the sides; former 5s’ captain Si Hibbitt slotted home a scorcher of a strike from just inside the D and Nick Burt got an incredible touch on an interestingly-aimed short corner strike by Mike Irish. The 4s were unlucky not score a couple more before half time, with Geoff’s helmet deflecting a B Rye flick in a crowded D and Rob Taylor’s thigh making a goal-line save (unpunished!) shortly afterwards.
Continued hard work in the second half from Monkey and Brett at the back for the 5s kept the score unchanged and a mid-air goal-line save from Steve Andersen denied a late third for the 4s. Finally, a short corner awarded to the 4s just as the ball was crossing the goal-line sealed the final score at no more than 2.
Special mentions to Tabs (on his 4s’ debut) for a terrific strike which just floated wide, having somehow managed to find himself inside the 5s’ D, and young Alex, whose improvement throughout the season was very evident up front for the 5s.
All in all an enjoyable game, which left the 4s still very much in contention for promotion and the improved 5s believing that they can compete with any team in the league these days. Bring on Saturday.
|
