| Mens Over 35s Bs : Match Report |
| BACK |
| Dunbar Mens Over 35s Bs: 0 - Coogee A 1 |
| Battling GODs go down, but the dream is still alive |
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| 16 Aug 12:00 |
| Play-off game |
| Scorers: |
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Week two of the finals saw the GODs travel to a ‘mini pitch’ at Moore Park for a midday kick off in unseasonably warm conditions.
Whilst the game was not a sudden death match, it did nevertheless hold the key to a few other issues, not the least of which was the identity of the GODs’ opponents in next week’s knock-out semi final’
The result - a narrow defeat to league winners Coogee A - means that we now face an epic, all Dunbar semi final with the club at least assured of having one team lining up in the Grand final on August 30th.
The game was a good contest throughout, with the GODS battling hard all game and carving out some presentable opportunities, but on balance it was an excellent Coogee team that deserved to win the game. Indeed, were it not for an outstanding game in goal from Stuart, they could have won more handsomely.
Stuart pulled off several high class saves to keep the game goalless and had no chance whatsoever for the goal that was lashed past him from close range around the hour mark. The Coogee manager described Stuart as “the best keeper in the league” and I’m sure everyone in the GODs would echo those compliments. Now, just two more clean sheets please Stuart!
The game started at a rapid pace with the GODs more than matching their opponents in early exchanges.
Indeed, the game nearly got off to a dream start when Wes won the ball in the right corner, beat his defender and cut the ball back to Giggsy who was a fraction wide with his shot from the edge of the area.
The GODs continued to press, but were also being stretched by Coogee’s incisive passing and movement, with a number of their promising moves just about being snuffed out by the GODs’ defence.
However, the GODs refused to go into their shell and were always on the look out for the chance to break up play and launch a counter-attack. Matt T, Giggsy and Nige were especially combative in midfield and Wes always looked threatening up front.
Half time came with honours even and the GODs scenting a possible upset, despite the balance of play being against them.
Unfortunately the second half carried on where the first half left off with Coogee launching wave after wave of attacks, but the GODs standing firm.
In the end, it was one piece of magic from a Coogee attacker, turning his man in the area and smashing the ball home from close range that settled the game.
The GODs gamely pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but were also in danger of being picked off at the other end by a Coogee team who continued to look dangerous.
With the minutes ticking away, the GODs started getting closer and almost pinched a goal when a teasing right wing cross into the area was dummied and almost fell into the path of both Matt and Andy as they surged towards goal. Neither could quite get their foot to the ball and with it went the GODs’ last chance
We came, we battled hard and we nearly managed it (but not quite).
Now it is all to play for in the second Dunbar derby of the season. The game when we need to cement our position as the top O35 dogs in the club following our dramatic 3-2 win a month ago.
Now there are no second chances and we are just 90 minutes from glory. It can still be the year of the GODs
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