2008 ROUND 4
Plenty Valley Lions vs LUSC Third XI 0 - 6

Goals:
Karauzum, Onur E (3)
Dimoski, Michael (3)

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We came into the game today with uncertainty about the opposition and whether they would provide a sterner test than anything we have faced this season. With senior players AD & Lino coming into the team to get some match fitness, there was the potential that our team could have let their guard down and just turn up and expect to win.

From the pre-match build up to the first whistle, there was a sense of determination about the side that suggested we would have a good game. Aside from some players arriving late our preparation and frame of mind was at the level required to ensure we would give ourselves every chance to play well.

On yet again a subordinate pitch, we set about playing well from the onset. Plenty of good passing and movement around the ball saw us attack with purpose and create some chances.

The team really showed what it is capable off with some swift passing and movement that left the opposition mesmerised. Big Mika, Onur, AD and Kaiden in particular playing their parts in attacking pieces of play that were delightful to watch. Both fullbacks Jaryed & Chris H were at their usual running best providing the link between defence and midfield and often providing support to the midfielders. Tristan was able to show his dribbling skills on the right on several occasion easily by-passing his man and getting the ball into the box. The opposition were prepared to contest the disputed ball, however once in possession they lacked composure and creativity to create any real chances to threaten our goal and often turned the ball over.

The one lowlight of the first half was our goal scoring wiz - Micky Jones getting a knock early in the game and going down injured. Unfortunately he couldn't shake it off and had to come off which saw Lino come on for his first run in the team.

On the odd occasion that the opposition managed to get passed one of our midfielders or defenders our team work would show through with the next player stepping in to cover and extinguish any threat. The Big Sturg and Lino being predominate in this regard.

The first goal didn't take long to arrive with Big Mika being the first to get his name on the score sheet. The second and third didn't take much longer either with Mika adding another and Onur getting on the scoresheet. Kaiden could have got in on the act, but for a little more composure, sending his rebound shot wide by inches. With a 3-0 scoreline heading into half time, we were well on top of the opposition who were starting to bicker amongst themselves and having slightly dropped their intensity.

The halftime message from Raf, was to keep doing what we were doing with his only concern being that the defence could have looked a little better than what they did.

The second half saw guys including Bruno Hleb, Arturo, Damian and Pavlova man getting their chances. The match progressed on the same basis as the first half with many chances being created and several corners being won. With corners being something we worked on during the week, the players followed instructions and looked more likely to score from one with plenty of movement in the box. Next week we need to score at least one from a corner to take advantage of these set pieces.

There was a period where we reluctant to defend as team, which saw the opposition get forward on a few occasions. Although they didn't create many clear-cut chances, they were nearly gifted a goal when DDDukes (Dukes echo) decided he would entertain us and do everything right except hold onto the ball from a less than fierce shot by the opposition, by palming towards the oncoming striker. Fortunate for him the Big Sturg was on hand to save his blushes and tackle before clearing the ball when really, the opposition should have scored. Maybe we'll leave the entertaining for the front half next time Dukes.

Lino, having his first game in the team showed his quality with some assuring control and passing in midfield. He really made the opposition look silly at times.

Mika completed his hatrick and Onur put in his second to put us firmly in control. The last remaining thing to be seen was whether Onur would complete his hatrick; after somehow conceiving to hit the crossbar and miss some clear chances, he set the record straight with a goal that could have been offside...

The opposition were reduced to frustration with some unsporting challenges and spiteful behaviour which the ref failed to stamp out. However we managed to keep our heads and put the result on the scoreboard and end up running out 6-0 winners.

Today the whole team played well and started to show what it is capable of. Better players for mention this week include goal scorers Mika & Onur as well as the Big Sturg & Lino.

There are still some areas we can improve on which we will talk about at training, but overall we're doing more right than wrong. With hard work comes good results and a more enjoyable game. Keep up the good work lads.

Lets look forward to what should be our hardest match of the year to date, when we host 2nd placed Watsonia next week.