match report - Allstars vs TPR - Group Cup 29-11-09

The The Allstars put in a good old gritty performance against title chasers TPR, on a soaking wet, boggy pitch at Parliament Hill – needing to beat their opposition by two goals to stand a chance of progressing from the group stages of the Group Cup.

Some absentees in Jules and Luke, meant Glyn had to play his first 90 mins in 6 months, and at left back -having not yet come through a full training session – not ideal.

But it was Gowers who were hungrier from the start. Several opportunities arose for Ollie and Owen, the strangest of which was converted by Owen from a somewhat mishit cross which the keeper could not keep out.

TPR to their credit bounced back and threatened the allstars goal, with some sustained pressure, but overall the back four were clearing their lines well, on a very difficult surface.

That was until right on half time, when the TPR midfielder was not closed down and had a free shot from 22 yards which he converted into the corner of the net. Speedy had no chance.
1-1 HT

Gowers started the 2nd half the stronger side, and again numerous good chances came for Owen and Ollie, but none were converted. Worrying opportunities missed.

Then it was TPRs turn to put pressure on the Gower defence.

Good wing play from the opposition caused Gowers problems, and crosses were firing in left right and centre for a good 15 mins.

And credit to the Gowers back four – somehow they kept that pending goal at bay.

And then the turning point of the match. A dubious offside decision allowed the TPR striker to skip away from Wrighty, and create a one on one from himself. But up steps Ossack with those long legs of his, sliding across the area blocking the striker as he released his shot. It was a tackle as a good as scoring a goal.
Refreshed and relieved, the Gowers then came back into the game. A strong finish from Ollie, from Owen and especially from Toby, caused big problems for the back four of TPR.
A penalty was awarded to Gowers after a random miscontrol from the TPR defender – up stepped Owen determined to overcome his penalty fears. Unfortunately those fears are still there, after he walloped it straight down the middle, a bit too hard and the keeper saved.

But Owen more than made up for it with some excellent work down the left, crossing superbly for Toby who tapped in finishing well.

2-1 and 10 mins to find one more goal.

TPRs attitude and lip was shocking right from the off. And it was compounded by their frustration of being behind – 3 yellow cards later Gowers had them rocked.

A couple of surprise shots by Glyn fully tested the keeper – who was TPRs best player.

And with just a few mins to go – a quality free kick from Lawrence found Toby 8 yards out and he directed the ball sublimely into the top corner – to give gowers the two goal cushion they so needed.

The last few mins boiled over even more, and the match was concluded with a horror stamp on Ollie’s chest – which deservedly saw red.

Overall a very pleasing 3-1 win indeed – a tough match in tough conditions.

Special mentions to go to Dave Goldsmith – for an accomplished performance in centre of midfield, Toby for two quality goals, Speedy for a couple of important saves, Wrighty for coming through his first 90 mins and playing so well, but MOTM was Dave Ossack who bossed the Gower defence throughout. Didnt put one foot wrong, and saved a certain goal.

Progression from the group requires TPR to beat Virgin by no more than a couple of goals. Its complicated but we have a decent chance – especially with two best 2nd places going through as well as winners of each group.
Onwards and upwards boys.