2008 ROUND 3
LUSC Third XI vs University of Melbourn 3 - 0

Goals:
Karauzum, Onur E
Dimoski, Michael
Jones, Michael M

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Today the boys from the 3rds XI hosted University of Melbourne, looking forward to the match to try and string 3 wins to start the season.

With the element of uncertainty that precedes most matches we set ourselves a few team-goals to achieve in the first half. We started the match with a positive attitude working the ball around and seeking to use any space that presented down the wings. The opposition did not shirk from the contest and indicated that they would be a team not to lay down and one that we would have to beat. The first half saw us dominate possession with the game largely being played out in our attacking half. Our communication, build up play and formation were all working well, but we were lacking our cutting edge in front of goal as we spurned several great chances. We were nearly made to pay for our wastefulness when an opposition player managed to get behind the defence and run onto a throughball with only...wait for it...DDDUkes (DUKES echo) in his path. Fortunately the ref called offside when it didn't look the case. Aside from that, the defence was rarely tested by the opposition. The opposition was reduced to conceding free kicks and were at times lost when our players changed position.

For all our good play in the first half, we were approaching half time with the game still locked at 0-0. Just before the stroke of half time we had a throw in deep in attack on the left side. With some quick thinking Kaiden (?) took the throw quickly, a defensive error allowed Onur space to run onto the ball in the box which he buried into the back of the net. The goal was reward for the hard work we had done in the 1st half. It also demonstrated how simple the game can be at times. With the ref blowing half-time just after the resumption we headed into the break with he extra confidence that a goal delivers. It was visibly apparent that the goal just before half-time deflated the opposition.

With the score 1-0 at half-time and the team-goals being achieved in the first half, the half time talk more or less involved reinforcing the same message with an emphasis on improving our finishing. The second half was played out similar to the first with our midfield dominating and getting in attacking positions. To their credit the opposition defended well, always contesting the disputed ball and providing limited clear-cut opportunities with their midfield never too far away from the ball carrier. We were rewarded with several corners, however we weren't able to convert any - something of which we will need to work on at the training track. Eventually the second and third goals came courtesy of Micky Jones & Big Mika. A special mention goes to the opposition defender who provided the perfect headed flick-on for Micky to score the 2nd.

Again, everyone played fairly well. Better players for mention this week include Arturo, Onur & Jaryed.

We did most things well in this match with two things apparent that we can improve on. We need to start converting more of our chances and we need to create a lot more space and movement from corners instead of being predictable.

We can expect to play tougher opposition during the year, when we will need to take those chances. In addition, our defence needs to be prepared for when we encounter some quality opposition strikers.

A well fought 3-0 was the final score against an opposition who showed endeavour and kept running all day. A good start to the season, but most of the team would agree that we still have unrealised potential to bring out.