Sunday, 22nd April 2012, Bayside, Cheltenham
Bayside stooged by Mr. T's Malvernites.
Central Park headed sea-ward for the second time in as many weeks to take on competition heavyweights Bayside Argonauts.
True to expectation, the Argonauts were coming off a 5-1 drubbing of the studious Monash University, and a similar result was probably anticipated here. Toss in the fact that Bayside has never been a happy hunting ground for the Burke roaders, who until this fixture had never left the the place with even a single point.
That said, as far as 'respectable losses' are concerned (a term used quite liberally down Malvern way over the past couple of seasons), last week's 4-2 defeat at the hairy hands of Beaumaris signalled a new beginning.
The late withdrawal of NZ import Damian to illness, coupled with the shock mid-week retirement of veteran Richard Price didn't get the better of Central Park, as they started the game much like they finished last weeks with some brilliant passing and movement off the ball. Spearheaded up front by Tim C, who if last week was a terrier, played more like a pit bull this round, chasing anything with a pulse or resembling a round object (including the portly Bayside no. 14 who we wouldn't forget).
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| (Causing a racquet - word is Pricey's tennis shots hit the net more often than they ever did up front for Central Park. We'll miss ya Pricey!) |
Frustration began to creep in to the ball hungry Argonauts, starved of possession and well kept by the Central Park defence who, led as well as ever by both Mario and Rod, quickly formed a fortress through the middle of the ground and anywhere near the 18 yard box. The half deepened, and pressure mounted on the home side to produce in front of their expectant following. Shots began coming in mostly long range, much to the satisfaction of Tim in goals who exerted more energy retrieving wayward balls than he did saves, anywhere from the carpark to the canteen.
In true Central Park form, fatigue meant cracks begun turning into leaks, and finally Bayside got a shot off from close range which Tim was able to get in the way of. A couple of corners and heart-in-mouth (and maybe one or two 'foot-in-mouth') moments very nearly paid dividends to the boys in blue.
After a significant period of attack down Bayside's end where Central Park were frustratingly trigger-shy, Bayside were able to punish Central Park's inability to score with a counter attack. Colin, who all day would keep two of the Bayside quicks to nothing more than a amble jog found himself caught out as the Bayside no. 7 (twinkle toes, as i certainly didn't hear him coming!), unmarked, was able to head home a cross at the far post. 1 nil on the stroke of half time.
The mood at half time in the Central Park camp was buoyant. Yes, we were a goal down - but quite easily could've been a goal up, or even a couple of goals down. I'm not exactly sure where that places us in football parlance, but either way, the lads had played extremely productive football in possession, and defended stoically.
As the second half unravelled, so too did the cockney flavoured Bayside coach, with tongue lashings aplenty served to his troops. The man was frustrated, things had not gone to script: CP's Steve, Rod & Mario were performing in concert more like The Three Tenors rather than The Three Stooges. Nick was outleaping and out muscling an opponent nearly a foot taller, whilst Paul, ah sweet, gentleman Paul - was being a right pain the arse to the Bayside defense, 'bullying' them off the ball in creating space and opportunities for the likes of fleet footed Daniel and serial pest Stuart.
Through a very tired and uncanny Lars Ulrich look-alike (circa 1981), Bayside persisted down the flanks, albeit briefly as time and again the ball was navigated or in the very least hoofed back to their own half, Tim in goals doing his bit to keep things steady and farm the ball out to the waiting Dave and co.
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| (Soccer-rocker: Lars Ulrich gets his 'downtime' in the South Eastern Div 3 soccer league with the Bayside Argonauts) |
Now as mentioned earlier in the piece, all of Bayside expected lots on this day, but one thing they, nor the Central Park lads for that matter, didn't anticipate was Garriet swaggering on up pre-match sporting the best mohawk since Mr. T. Coming off the bench and running at tired defenders, the CP little man threw everything he had at the Bayside back four, and not just his fashion statement. Sustained pressure was rewarded and finally the ball fell to Gaz, who after one step - then another - then another - then maybe just one more - ok, when you're ready Gaz - Gaz, you can see what the keeper had for breakfast now mate - WHACK! Slammed the equaliser in at the near post. 1 a piece as Gaz got his 2012 tally off to a flyer and left the the Argonauts bewildered at what had just happened.
The match would cease there, not before Colin 'Kamakazi' Brien would feel the wrath of yet another smaller opponent for the second week in a row.
A quality game, and one Central Park might well have taken the points in. Not a bad performance from any player as they continue to gel and sniff out that first win.
Best: Rod/Mario
The Rest: Steve, Tim C, Nick, Colin, Dave
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