| O35Bs : Match Report |
| BACK |
| Dunbar O35Bs: 1 - Maccabi 1 |
| Another comeback but just short |
| Reg Bartley Oval |
| 22 Apr 11:00 |
| League game |
| Scorers: |
Matthew Ellison
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A Return to the Reg yields an even spoil
After the debacle of the previous week, the Dunbar lads were glad that there were no mistimed religious festivals that would block the Round 3 game. A return to the Reg was long overdue and the O35Bs were looking forward to the much anticipated match against Maccabbi.
A warm and humid Sunday morning was the setting and even before the match, many of the lads looked like that had had a swim in Rushcutters Bay. An early eagerness was shown with David White who gave Si Ford, who was sporting a modern yet stylish haircut (to celebrate the tour of One Direction no doubt), an early toe bruiser of a tackle in a pre game training drill. Straight to the bench White boy!
The game started at a fast pace as Maccabbi looked to take the advantage on the flanks. Their spacious game played havoc with the Dunbar back four who at times were left chasing the soles of the Maccabbi players’ boots who continually pressured the Dunbar goal. Clearly the week off and the humid conditions did not suit the O35’s team who struggled, especially with the large Reg Bartley Oval. The urgency was not their and on many occasions poor clearances, confusion at the corners and goal-box scrambles could easily have resulted in a few opposition goals, but the back 4 re grouped, stood strong, and kept all the Maccabi attacks at bay. Shane and Simon doing an excellent job running the back and working the off side line to perfection.
The spoils were even for some time and there were a few Dunbar chances that could yielded some goals with close shots by Leighton, Owen and Jake coming at infrequent intervals. Some great runs from in-form defender Craig McDonald yielding a number of solid strikes on goal, another example of the back 4’s versatility and resolve!
The first goal came as a result of a failed midfield clearance and saw the Maccabi team win a penalty spot kick. New recruit Shane Leach being punished for a minimalistic "hug and hold" on the coy Maccabi striker, something that regularly gets overlooked in this league. The goal was taken and even though Bruiser went the right way, the ball snuck under his chiseled diving body and into the goal at the Rushcutters Bay end. 1-0 Maccabi
However being in a similar position against Coogee, the Dunbar boys would not lie down and continued to work moves and set up chances. A return by Hodgo who linked up with Boris created many opportunities down the right side.
At the break, the Dunbar lads focussed and used the subs to minimise the lack of match fitness. The game opened up towards the middle of the second half and Dunbar earned a penalty spot kick. With our regular penalty specialist injured, Yani stood up to take on the task. Unfortunately for Yani and Dunbar, the shot went sailing towards the maxi yachts in Rushcutters Bay, and the score remained 1-0 Maccabi even though we were starting to dominate.
Not to be denied, the Dunbar goal came from a well taken corner by Dom which was perfectly headed into the goal by a flying 21(ish) year old Matt Ellison, who dived through the air like a pink and blue ballerina on speed, to dispatch with immense force and ease, something that the English team will need in the upcoming Euros! Now that Heskey has “retired” from international duty...cough cough....Ellison has declared his availability to the 3 lions...watch this space.....score 1-1
The Espirit de Dunbar did not fade with the missed chance as Dom continued his heroic “smash the player and get the ball clean, just like i teach the Socceroos” tackles on the left side, and strong runs by Boris and Ellison, and courageous defence by Si Ford, Macca, and Kev, all contributed to a solid team performance. A last minute chance by talisman Leighton ended in frustration, as the Dunbar boys watched as the ball sailed slowly across the goal from two metres out with no-one home. No luck for Leighton this week, but plenty more will arrive his way throughout the season
The O35B’s remain undefeated and are now looking forward to the other Dunbar team who are over 35! You know who I am talking about. Bring it on!
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