Sunday 20th May 2012, Albert Park
Middle Park 1 - Central Park 2
Upper Class of Middle Park no match for Master Class of Central Park.
It would take the longest of memories to tell you when Central Park last came from behind claim a victory (actually, i'm pretty sure we did it last year in our one and only win for the season...) HOWEVER! the Burke Rd boys proved it could be done again, putting in a magnificent performance against a highly fancied opposition at Albert Park on Sunday.
A last minute venue change, the annual Yuppies in the ergh.... i mean 'Pets' in the Park festivities complemented by an Albert Park traffic jam made life bloody difficult for the visiting Central Park. Disruptions aside, the message was clear on the back of last week's shock loss - "no slow start".
Completing more laps than Mark 'DNF' Webber, and competing for a car park as aggressively as DNF Webber would for a respectable place on the grid, Gaz and Tim N circled the Albert Park circuit acutely aware that kick off was fast approaching. The boys finally made it into the 'garage' for a last minute kit out and team meeting. Stressful stuff!
The Central Park exchange student program continues to prove a marvel, this week the Thirds reaping the windfall of a Masters bye and able to meet the personnel shortfall through the experience of Paul Davies and Lars Lindstrom, keen for a run. Throw in Tom Davies from the CP Youth Academy and it was a strong line-up.
A thoroughly entertaining match ensued and it was end to end stuff, both sides using the flanks to set up attack. Tom was causing all kinds of headaches for an opponent marking him like a shadow, continually holding the ball up and creating space for himself. Middle Park weren't without sound ball movement of their own, and Colin was quickly reminded what a 2 week lay off can set you back as he commenced an enthralling tussle with Middle Park's Nordic whippet.
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| (Unfortunate or Uncanny? - either way, the Middle Park winger was at least a decent bloke) |
The talk was good, and a great energy about buzzed around the boys so naturally you know what comes next...... yep, a f*cking goal against the run of play to the opposition. Actually it wasn't before the forward presence of Stephen 'Phantom' Justice made an appearance for CP and went close with a powerful header just over the bar. This was followed by an atrocious piece of defending that allowed a Middle Park midfielder to amble in to goal and somehow get a shot past 3 of Central Park's finest, only the post saving them from a moments embarrassment. Then came a rare lapse from Dave, who i'm certain gets more possession via head than toe, allowed a shot on goal forcing Tim into a stinging save. THEN, from the resultant corner, Middle Park would be awarded a penalty against an extremely unlucky Captain Cresswell who not much more than massaged the back of a NIDA bound Middle Parker. A well stuck penalty gave the homeside the half time advantage.
With Mario preferring linesman duties over sweeping for the sake of a troublesome groin, Central park continued their 4-3-3 set up, Rod as usual taking his weekly quota of punishment for the sake of keeping things safe at the back. Well supported by Dave, having another fine game, pushing attackers off the ball and setting up for the likes of Damian and Jeremy to ferry the ball downfield.
Perhaps a changing of the guard is upon us, as there was a genuine belief that this match was very much for the taking despite being behind on the scoreboard - an idea that was no doubt laughable in days gone by. Deficit aside, Central Park worked as hard as ever, Lars showing age is no barrier, mincing down the touchline like a 20yo Michael Laudrup. Tom, proving that he really is Wonderboy, added another string to his bow with throw in's a contortionist would be proud of, landing on the head of a 20c piece, then hit Stephen J with an absolute cracker that was beautifully steered off the rear of Stephen's cranium for the equaliser.
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| (Freak: Tom Davies pulls another party trick) |
A very meek Middle Park were suddenly kicked into gear and straight back on the attack. A slick long ball (which they really invested heavily in!) catching Central Park on the back foot.
(Quick Fact: At half time Colin could be overheard voicing his concerns about the zippy presence of the before mentioned Nordic Sven, to which Tim in goals facetiously responded "good thing he hasn't got much of a first touch - you'll never live it down if he takes one off ya Col!").
Well, it only took Sven's next touch to put egg well and truly on Tim's face as he met a seemingly innocent cross with a scorching volley that almost had Tim in the spinal ward and most certainly eating dirt. Fortunately, he was able to tip the ball over the bar in between mouthfuls of humble pie. 1 a piece it remained.
Chances continued to present themselves to Central Park, and unlike last week the boys had the depth to rotate and launch an all out assault. A welcome change from 'late withdrawal' to 'late inclusion' came CP's way as Nick pleasantly surprised all bar his physio, and showed even on one leg his worth and dominance in the air yet again.
Bodies went on the line, as Kamikaze Colin copped a bootful of leather in saving a certain goal. Fearing his Chippendales career had eluded him, Colin rose, relieved that an ivory set resembling a baby grand was still very much in his keeping. Just to be sure, Matt came on in replacement and continued his versatility as a steadfast right-back (and he says he can't defend!).
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| (Life after football: Colin Brien - photo courtesy of Daylesford Convent) |
They say one good turn deserves another, well one shit one deserves similar - that's the best metaphor i could churn out right now so i'll just press on eh? So, Steve would be granted the chance for some redemption in giving away that atrocious first half penalty. A lazy and blatant (one of many for the day) handball would prove Middle Park's undoing. The referree pointed spot-wards and Steve did his best Harlem Globetrotters impersonation 'skillfully' teasing the keeper with a shot that wore the post before resting in the opposite side of the net. 2-1.
Most satisfying, Central Park would step up a gear and run out the game the stronger - again a very foreign concept for even the most ardent of Ranger's fans. Tom, who'd clocked up more km's on the park than DNF Webber had done on the neighboring sandpit, deserved a goal more than anybody in an inspiring performance which didn't once see the lightly built lad flinch.
The team confidence continues to build, with a place in the top four on offer should the boys be able to knock off Elwood at home - yet another opponent sitting above them but a very winnable game.
GO CENTRAL!
Best: Tom
The Rest: Dave, Rod, Paul D, Steve C
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