Interesting round played in week six of the competition, AGM have been seriously slowed down after making a super start to the season being locked down to another 2-2 draw two weeks in succession by the competition dark horses Cable Jockeys, this time they were lucky only scoring in the final minute, the Gumbies delighted as they finally made a break through getting their first win of the season over Commsec Utd, the Chugglaz again losing their game by one goal to the impressive Drama Queens, maybe they should change their name to minus one? And finally the Fortinhos lost miserably to Power Rangers who for the first time in their history are at the top of the ladder …
game 1: Any Given Monday vs Cable Jockeys: Any Given Monday (AGM) and the Cable Jockeys played out a tough, scrappy game this week and ended up sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw. With keeper Boutros still missing and key players Gobi and Shabaka adding to the absentee list, a patched up AGM, with Luke Girgis making a first ever appearance in goal, set out to hold on to their place at the top of the table. The Cable Jockeys began strongly with AGM struggling to cope with their quick counter-attacking game and they were soon a goal down after a defensive mix-up. AGM slowly grew into the game but too often their approach play was let down by a poor final ball. Both teams struggled for possession and there was little fluency to the game as the first half came to a close.
AGM started the second half with a sense of urgency and an equalizer came within a few minutes of the restart. After good defensive work, a quick counter sent Masterson on a mazy run down the right of the court and he finished with a sharp shot across goal which left the Cable Jockeys’ stand-in keeper little chance. AGM were growing in confidence but fatigue was beginning to set in and the fitter Cable Jockeys soon took advantage of gaps in AGM’s rearguard to put themselves in front once more. AGM lost possession with Markorios, Masterson and Eskander all pouring forward in search of a second goal, and the Cable Jockeys countered quickly to slot in a second goal of their own.
With time and energy running low, AGM’s play became more erratic as they desperately searched for an equalizer. A number of last ditch tackles and important stops from keeper Girgis kept the score at 2-1, while Markorious spurned a glorious chance to level the scores when he just failed to make contact with a ball into the box. With only two minutes remaining it fell to Masterson to equalize with a goal that was almost an exact replica of his first, the Cable Jockeys unable to contain his long range shooting. The game finished 2-2 and both teams had will have reason to be pleased with securing a hard fought draw. Match report compliments of Bishoy Eskander
Game 2: Gumbies vs Commsec United: Didnt get to watch this game though the result was a convincing win to the Gumbies , making it their first win of the season.
Game 3, Drama Queens vs Chugglerz:September 19 marked Chugglaz’ talisman Will Chen’s birthday. Chugglaz task was made a little easier with key drama queen players missing and some injury concerns to their already dimished side. None the less, the Drama Queens were out to spoil the party… and they ensured the birthday boy was in for a tough day at the office when some nice exchanges down the left hand side saw Chen stranded leaving a simple tap in for 1- 0. Drama Queens added more pain soon after with top scorer Sam Griffith doubling the score with a well taken free-kick. Chen may be a little angry with himself as on another day, that would probably have stayed out… The Queens however began to lose shape and direction towards the end of the first half and D. Wang inspired a mini-comeback; teasing, stepping and cunningly drawing in 3 defenders before passing to an open man who slotted home from close range clinically past the keeper for 2 – 1.
The Drama Queens are known for dropping into lulls (especially after half time) and they were exposed again as some sloppy defending and dogged determination with D. Wang heavily involved helped Chugglaz force the issue and make it 2 – 2. Nervous moments continued with little being created, birthday boy Chen’s long balls forward were consistently causing considerable issues at the back for the Drama Queens. However late in the half hero turned villian as D.Wang clattered into the back of an attacked streaming in the box. No complaints from anyone and the ref pointed to the spot. Golden Boot contender Sam Griffith sent Chen the wrong way for 3 - 2 and added another brace to his collection. The Chugglaz tried to launch several late attacks however the Drama Queens hung in to stay in finals contention… there was still time however for one last piece of action with Sam Griffith down the right finding half a yard inbetween 2 defenders, curling a glorious left footed goal bound effort towards the top corner only for Chen to deny the hat-trick seeker with an equally amazing diving fingertip save at full stretch. (Definitely one for the highlight reel… Happy bday Will!) Match report compliments of Ming Chang
Game 4: Fortinhos vs Power Rangers: The Fortinhos would probably agree with me in saying this was probably their most miserable loss ever … The scoreline was’nt so bad but it was the way they went down. They initially scored the first goal which was the only consolation of the game, they actually scored another one a bit later but that was into their own nets. Power Rangers first goal came from an impossible deflection from the corner line, which seemed to be out in the first place, then Men in Blue scored into their own goals and then copped a penalty which also seemed to be controversial … Just was’nt their night. On the brighter side the Power Rangers enjoying their first look down the table from up top, and it comes from an effortless win over one of their arch rivals ..
The Expendables were away with the BYE
That does it for this week … am looking forward to next weeks game …
