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Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
148 Posts |
 Posted - 09/09/2007 : 17:01:47
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South Manchester came to Broadheath Primary with a reputation for slik passing and neat football, but left with all three points and displayed a ruthless streak as they beat the Metros 2 - 1 despite starting the game with only 9 players.
The game started predictably scrappily as both teams found their feet, but it was South Manchester that applied the early pressure and after the Metros failed to clear their lines took the lead with a shot that deflected cruelly off Calum and past Luke. (0 - 1  )
The game took a more sinister turn when a tustle between debutant Jake and a SM defender lead to a punch being thrown and SM quite rightly reduced to 8 players - a lesson to all on the pitch that referees will quite rightly not tolerate violent conduct.
The Metros rallied without really threatening to score and more sloppy play at the back saw South Manchester double their lead when the ball could have been cleared and Luke was left with no chance from close range. (0 -2  )
Half time gave coach Chris the chance to reorganise and talk to the team and it was a different Metros that came out for the second half.
Harry and Eddie both missed chances to pull a goal back and it seemed that it would be only a matter of time before the Metros would score - but chance after chance went begging and at the other end Luke was still being pressed into action to keep the deficit to two goals.
The SM tackling became more robust and a number of cynical challenges were overlooked by the referee before Harry final converted a chance from close range. (1 - 2  )
The Metros pressed and more chance went begging, and the SM keeper made a fine double save to maintain the lead as the SM team inevitably tired, but held on for what really only can be described as a shock win in the circumstances.
The Metros failed to clear their lines at times, drawing the fluent SM team forward and encouraging them when really they should have been under pressure, the mid-field failed to dominate despite the numerical advantage, and the strikers just weren't ruthless enough.
Oddly, despite that, no individual played badly and there were good performances from Ben, encouraging debuts from Patrick and Johnathon, and promising moments from Jake and Hash.
It was great to see Mattie back with the team, and with Paddy, Calum and Oliver still to add the squad is looking stronger, however better passing, tackling and communication will be needed if the Metros are to avoid a long hard season.
Team: Luke, Joe, Calum, Jonathon, Ben, Kenny, Tom, Patrick, Harry, Jake, Eddie, Hash & Matttie.
Man of the Match (as voted by your roving reporter) - Ben
Champagne moment: Luke's free kick save.
Referee 5/10,started well but missed some pretty blatant fouls, pushes and kicks.
Team homework: keeping the shape.
Rob
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Edited by - Rob Smallwood on 09/09/2007 17:15:27 |
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Metros v South Manchester - Sun 9th Sept
