Middle Park Football Club

Reserves – Round 2 Report v Preston South Ohrid

Perfect football conditions (cold blustery wind and the occasional spot of rain) prevailed for the Parkers second round clash against Preston South at stadium G.H.Mott Reserve.

Midway through the first half, the left back made a superb tackle and played an intricate one-two with the South African front man Chris Logie to race clear but ultimately scuffed the shot due to the strong opposing wind, the bumpy pitch and the head spin endured from crossing the half way line, not to mention missing out on the “striker” practice at training during the week.

This report is the resulting “punishment” dished out at half time instead of the hair dryer treatment. Some warm air circulating in the dressing room may even have been considered welcome. Perhaps not merited though as we did follow Lachlans’ (the gaffer’s son) game plan to a tea.

Now then, the first half report …. Forgive me for not being overly detailed due to the above mentioned head spin and forgetting my note pad. It was 2-0 at half time!

With a good finish Berry opened his account for the season. Dave Hearn provided the assist from the right. I’m reliably informed that Ali Cook produced a deft touch in the build up.

Chris was on hand to slot in the second following a shot straight at the keeper from Berry. Luckily Chris still had his head on his shoulders following a strangle hold on his neck earlier in the game for which the Preston South number 10 saw yellow.

We played some good football overall considering the conditions and should have probably had a healthier lead at the break. T

hroughout the game, the defence tried to set up the play but were forced to take a safety first approach generally with plenty of clearances and solid tackles from each of the back four. Captain Kateiva used his head to great effect at times and Dibbsy’s long kick outs were important in the conditions that prevailed.

The midfield battled hard throughout with some strong tackling from Ali Cook, Carl Thomas and Dave Hearn. Matt Lewis was full of running as always, even against the wind. The front men Chris and Berry persevered and helped carve out some good opportunities.

The second half began much the same as the first as the Parkers tried to press home their advantage and go home with three points in the bag. Some substitutions were made.

Will, Steve and Eric helped us continue to force the play although it was difficult for them to settle as they began to try and negotiate the swirling wind and uneven surface that those of the starting eleven were still struggling with at times.

The illusive third killer goal wouldn’t come and one of a few breaks against the general run of play allowed Preston South to score and give us a nervy and scrappy final fifteen minutes to content with. Luckily we held out for a deserved victory but we’ll need to improve to impose ourselves on this division.  
 

P.S.There’s only one Bobby Franklin, who has reportedly come to terms with being born in the sixties and decided to play with the Vets – Good Luck Bob! 

P.P.S.Dibbsy started to reminisce as soon as the above news filtered through – who will he call Dinosaur Bob on Sunday mornings?? JP