2008 ROUND 1
Fawkner Blues vs LUSC Third XI 0 - 7

Goals:
Jones, Michael M (3)
Dimoski, Michael (2)
Karauzum (1)
Onur E (1)
De Lucas, Arturo (1)

Go Back to Thirds Team Page here


Round 1 started with an away fixture to Fawkner Blues - a team we knew little about, but were expecting a solid hit-out based on the high grade that their first XI are in. If the ground was any indication of the quality of our opponent, then lets just say we felt like Arsenal travelling to Derby County. With the playing surface displaying the bumps and ridges of a golf ball with divots to match we knew some improvising would be necessary as convention might not have been as rewarding.

There was a good sense of focus from the team heading onto the pitch and a sense of anticipation given the duration for which we have been training and the select new faces in the team. We started the match fairly well with the players adjusting themselves to the conditions and keeping the team formation. We were fairly confident in the initial stages of the match that we would be the better team, but that we just needed to display that where it mattered most. The opposition were overwhelmed in the early periods of the match, although they remained defiant and looked their best when counter-attacking quickly with pace.

The first period was largely played in the oppositions half. Through some resounding pressure and perseverance we managed to open up a 3 goal cushion which included a goal to Mick D (which the ref gave as an opposition own goal), one to Arturo and a great rising header finish by Big Mika following a great second effort by Onur when he won the ball back and put in a precise cross. Another highlight of the first half was a passage of great one-touch passing between the midfield on the right side which really showed what our team is capable of.

We suffered a scare of our own when a shot from a free kick conceded deep on the defensive right wing came back off the crossbar and fell to the unmarked opposition player who somehow managed to header against the crossbar from 6-yards out with the goal gaping and Dukes still recovering from the unexpected initial shot. We managed to recover to clear the ball with the clean sheet still intact.

We entered half time with score 3-0 and it being pretty apparent that we would start the season well. The boys set a goal of imposing ourselves on the game knowing that our younger opposition would soon chuck in the towel if their scoreline declined further. To the boys credit we managed to meet our goal with the game turning into somewhat of a farce midway through the second half. A second half hatrick to Micky Jones and 1 goal to Onur capped of a good performance by the team. Micky Jones scoring a contender for goal of the season with a lobbing volley-flick following some aerial Ping-Pong with Onur.

Despite his 20-minute hatrick Micky Jones missed out on MOM (man of the match) honours to Tristan who grew in confidence as the game went on and helped pull the strings from midfield.

Overall, a convincing first round win that could have been much worse for the opposition with some better finishing.