Sunday, March 05, 2006

District Cup vs Gorge

2 - 1
In a game which would result in a prolongation of post-season play for only one team this third match of the season between the two teams held a lot of energy and both teams came out to play! The early play saw sustained pressure at both ends. LakeHill had an opportunity to take the lead when a PK was awarded as a result of Maressa being forced hard to the ground on what the ref called an illegal tackle. PKs have not been one of the strengths for the PenBull Reds team as they have been 2 for 6 on PKs this season. On this occassion the ball was well struck but posed no difficulty for the Gorge keeper! With Maressa out of the action due to a possible neck injury Coach Bruce had to change his game tactics and rely on the rest of the players to play a 'first to the ball' game. Gorge with their excellent ball movement, good clearing kicks and hard work from players such as LaurenceP and JamieS kept the action in the LakeHill end. The half time score ended nil-nil.

As the game entered the second half the play started pretty even but with Maressa still out of action and BrianneC remaining in Goal some fans where wondering if this game was going to extra time!But in the 50th minute the game took a shift towards Gorge's favour as the LakeHill midfield and defense misread a mid-field pass on the left side of the field (which was passed to three Gorge players till it eventually) was struck hard and out of the reach of the LakeHill keeper to give Gorge a 1-nil lead. The remaining 20 minutes of action saw the ball in the Gorge end only 5 times including a corner kick. With Maressa back in action she was fed a nice ball from Tannis on the left side that left only her and the Gorge Keeper chasing the ball, unfortunately the ball was out of reach of both players and went over the line.

A little later Gorge scored an insurance marker for a commanding 2-nil lead. The last five moments saw the action in the Gorge end on two occassions and with almost evey LakeHill player in the Gorge 18 yard box a scramble ensued and the Gorge keeper inadvertently put the ball in her own net. However the clock ran out and Gorge victorious to play another game in the District Cup!
Despite the loss and the conclusion of the season the LakeHill Players look forward to their season end party and "jersey return (March 8th @ 6pm @ Clubhouse please)"!! The players wish to thank their Coach and Parents for their support and efforts throughout the season! They also wish to thank the concession stand ;) at Braefoot!