Match Report: Gene’s team left it very late two secure a point in a hard earned 3-3 draw yesterday afternoon. The opener came from a Zamani howler, the ball sliding straight through the ’keeper’s legs in one of the softest goals you’ll see all season. A poor Zamani clearance saw the second goal soon after. Gene’s Team were under the pump at 2-0 down and it was going to be very difficult to get anything out of the game after the disastrous start. But Gene’s team rose to the challenge magnificently. The lead could have been halved early but for a controversial ref decision - he blowed the whistle for a fowl, everyone stopped bar Nisbet who continued his run and scored easily, the ref then allowed the goal and after protests from the opposition he (rightly) changed his decision and disallowed the goal. Despite eventually getting the call correct, it was bizarre refereeing and somewhat of a blow to morale for Gene’s Team to have been given a goal only to have it taken away. But in the end it mattered not as Nisbet would soon get back on the scoresheet after being set up by Turner. Then right before the break Gene Schirippa struck home his opening goal of the year in beautiful fashion, tucking it away into the corner of the net. It was a true captain’s goal and lifted the whole team’s spirit. Coming out after half time having fought back to 2-2 it was Gene’s team’s game to win, unfortunately an excellent goal by the opposition on the break meant that Gene’s Team was going to have to dig deep again. The second half performance was very good by all Gene’s Team’s players, but most especially the opposition goalkeeper who made save after save. But as we entered the final few minutes, it looked likely that the game was up. The winner finally arrived after McManus dummied a shot before laying the ball off to the free Nisbet who smashed it home and secured, what could prove to be, a crucial point. Player Ratings: Alex Brown: 6.5 A rather anonymous performance from Brown on first glance, however he was rarely beaten in one on contests and areal duels and regularly built attacks from the back. McManus: 7.5 Often played a lick up role in transitioning from attack to defence. Simplified his game from last week to great effect, and created a number of good opportunities. Nisbet: 8.5 Was selfish on a number of occasions, shooting when a man was free to his left or right, however its hard to find much else at fault in his performance. Scored two, assisted one, and was a catalyst for many of Gene’s teams chances and provided a focal point in attack. MOTM Mills: 8 Was a constant nightmare for defenders with smart runs and good passing, all that’s missing from Mills hitting peak form again is that final ball. Piper: 8 Was a little anonymous in the first 45 minutes but had an outstanding second half where he was virtually unstoppable. Was exceptional going forward and in defence. Seems to be getting back to full fitness. Schirippa - 8 Two very strong performances in a row for the captain. His ability to break down attacks before they can develop is second to none, he worked tirelessly running up and down the field, was vocal organizing the defence and scored a cracking goal. Turner - 7.5 Turner’s inability to get on the scoresheet could be seen as worrying sign for the star striker. However his all-round game was excellent yesterday, bagging an assist and making many excellent and dangerous passes, crosses and lay offs in the final third. In recent weeks has also been tracking back on occasions to help out defence. Zamani - 3 Unfortunately we can’t give the big money signing a very high mark after the first goal today. That is simply the nature of goalkeeping - as a striker 7 mistakes and 1 piece of good play and the good play is remembered, but a goalkeeper 7 excellent saves and one howler and the howler is all that is remembered.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:32:29 +0000
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