Match report - Virgin vs Allstars - league
Allstars silence NME’s title challenge
A return to green pastures prompted the return of some meaningful opposition for the Allstars. After countless weeks of re-arranged fixtures and weak opposition a tasty looking game was now on the menu.
The Allstars lined up with a familiar back four, strengthened by the return of very own ‘JT’ after a well rested winter break! Flanked by the adventurous Suresh and long throwing Ollie, Dave and Tom can really guide the team from the back.. The middle four was also a strong looking outfit with the bullish tenacity of Aron aligned with Chad’s craft and guile in centre mid. With Samps and Yianni always willing to provide strong running and good delivery’s in the final third, the midfield now has a fine balance. The introduction of Jamie up front with Blandy is always going to trouble any side at this level as his awareness touch and vision is second to none.
It was great conditions for the game, albeit slightly windy but on a well manicured pitch at Ranulf Rd (credit to the grounds man, whoever he is!) the Allstars would always be able to play their brand of football. The Allstars started the game quickly working extremely hard from the front 2 downwards, hassling the Virgin team not giving them time on the ball. This proved fruitful as a long ball up from the defence was pounced upon by Blandy as he forced the Virgin defender into making a mistake, nicked the ball from under his feet and finished by poking around the keeper. 1-0
Another well worked move involving Jamie (Pedro) and Yianni released Blandy on the left who crossed for his strike partner at the far post who despite sliding full length, narrowly missed extending the Allstar’s lead. The game settled slightly as Virgin’s strikers had various sniffs down the channels but ultimately nothing came to fruit. The back four were operating as a tight unit clearing when necessary and operating a good line to catch Virgin offside. Chad’s and Aron began to assert their authority on the game with strong challenges all over the pitch. In particular was Chad’s ability to turn out of trouble and feed a teammate in near impossible situations, a talented player who has cemented his place in the team in his first season at the club.
With a fragile lead the Allstars were saved by a save of true class by Ulrich, the Virgin attacker hit a vicious swerving shot that was heading for the top right hand corner, with half the team convinced it was in, Ulrich flew throw the air and managed to get a strong right hand to the ball sending it away for a virgin corner. There is no doubt that Ulrich has brought a lot to the team and with saves like that, a team will respond positively knowing that they have stalwart as the last line of defence.
Two thirds of the way into the first half and the Allstars managed to double the lead. The ball found its way to Yianni on the left hand side 40yards to goal. Showing some very tidy close control and strong upper body work he managed to shrug off several ‘would be’ tacklers, progressing into the penalty area he then put boot to leather and slammed a shot into the near post leaving the Virgin keeper with singed fingernails.2-0 and the Allstars could deservedly breathe easy.
Half time and Phil urged us to up the game as despite the 2 goal advantage, the game was not won.
2nd half began slowly with no real chances for either side, the game really changed for the worse when Virgin were awarded a dubious penalty of which they duly dispatched. 2-1 = Game on!
The Allstars now really needed to kill this game off, a draw at this stage of the season would not only dent title hopes but confidence within the squad. The team began to get on top again as gaps opened in the channels, this resulted in several corners from which to attack from. With Blandy off corner duty it was Jamie’s responsibility and he delivered time and time again from either side and amazingly with either foot! One such corner was swung beautifully to the back post, Dave Ossack readying himself to nod in the decisive goal only for Blandy to take it off his head (photo to follow). Dave reminding Blandy that he should listen to the call!
The decisive goal did come however with good work from Ollie and Samps down the right leading to an opening for Blandy to whip in a cross for his strike partner who got in front of the defender to guide home. 3-1 A lovely goal and one which really settled the team.
MOTM – Difficult to pick as no-one played badly and the whole team worked well together for the full 90 minutes. But this week it goes to Ulrich for a wonderful save and for several consistent performances in recent weeks. Notable mention to Jamie who linked up fantastically well with teammates and maintained a strong work rate throughout.
A return to green pastures prompted the return of some meaningful opposition for the Allstars. After countless weeks of re-arranged fixtures and weak opposition a tasty looking game was now on the menu.
The Allstars lined up with a familiar back four, strengthened by the return of very own ‘JT’ after a well rested winter break! Flanked by the adventurous Suresh and long throwing Ollie, Dave and Tom can really guide the team from the back.. The middle four was also a strong looking outfit with the bullish tenacity of Aron aligned with Chad’s craft and guile in centre mid. With Samps and Yianni always willing to provide strong running and good delivery’s in the final third, the midfield now has a fine balance. The introduction of Jamie up front with Blandy is always going to trouble any side at this level as his awareness touch and vision is second to none.
It was great conditions for the game, albeit slightly windy but on a well manicured pitch at Ranulf Rd (credit to the grounds man, whoever he is!) the Allstars would always be able to play their brand of football. The Allstars started the game quickly working extremely hard from the front 2 downwards, hassling the Virgin team not giving them time on the ball. This proved fruitful as a long ball up from the defence was pounced upon by Blandy as he forced the Virgin defender into making a mistake, nicked the ball from under his feet and finished by poking around the keeper. 1-0
Another well worked move involving Jamie (Pedro) and Yianni released Blandy on the left who crossed for his strike partner at the far post who despite sliding full length, narrowly missed extending the Allstar’s lead. The game settled slightly as Virgin’s strikers had various sniffs down the channels but ultimately nothing came to fruit. The back four were operating as a tight unit clearing when necessary and operating a good line to catch Virgin offside. Chad’s and Aron began to assert their authority on the game with strong challenges all over the pitch. In particular was Chad’s ability to turn out of trouble and feed a teammate in near impossible situations, a talented player who has cemented his place in the team in his first season at the club.
With a fragile lead the Allstars were saved by a save of true class by Ulrich, the Virgin attacker hit a vicious swerving shot that was heading for the top right hand corner, with half the team convinced it was in, Ulrich flew throw the air and managed to get a strong right hand to the ball sending it away for a virgin corner. There is no doubt that Ulrich has brought a lot to the team and with saves like that, a team will respond positively knowing that they have stalwart as the last line of defence.
Two thirds of the way into the first half and the Allstars managed to double the lead. The ball found its way to Yianni on the left hand side 40yards to goal. Showing some very tidy close control and strong upper body work he managed to shrug off several ‘would be’ tacklers, progressing into the penalty area he then put boot to leather and slammed a shot into the near post leaving the Virgin keeper with singed fingernails.2-0 and the Allstars could deservedly breathe easy.
Half time and Phil urged us to up the game as despite the 2 goal advantage, the game was not won.
2nd half began slowly with no real chances for either side, the game really changed for the worse when Virgin were awarded a dubious penalty of which they duly dispatched. 2-1 = Game on!
The Allstars now really needed to kill this game off, a draw at this stage of the season would not only dent title hopes but confidence within the squad. The team began to get on top again as gaps opened in the channels, this resulted in several corners from which to attack from. With Blandy off corner duty it was Jamie’s responsibility and he delivered time and time again from either side and amazingly with either foot! One such corner was swung beautifully to the back post, Dave Ossack readying himself to nod in the decisive goal only for Blandy to take it off his head (photo to follow). Dave reminding Blandy that he should listen to the call!
The decisive goal did come however with good work from Ollie and Samps down the right leading to an opening for Blandy to whip in a cross for his strike partner who got in front of the defender to guide home. 3-1 A lovely goal and one which really settled the team.
MOTM – Difficult to pick as no-one played badly and the whole team worked well together for the full 90 minutes. But this week it goes to Ulrich for a wonderful save and for several consistent performances in recent weeks. Notable mention to Jamie who linked up fantastically well with teammates and maintained a strong work rate throughout.
posted by Gower FC @ 2:35 AM
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