Match Report: Thirds vs Middle Park

Sunday 5th August 2012, Central Park Malvern

Central Park 3 - Middle Park 2

Rangers show Magnussen how to hold out a fast finishing opponent.

It was a cold and blustery day at Malvern park, and as the clock struck 12.40 we had 5 players ready to go.

With the late arrival of players into the changing rooms at 12.45 the writing looked like it was on the wall for a Central Park. With noticeable exclusions from the starting line up, Colin opted for goal to fill the large gap left by Tim.

With a quick warm up and the toss decided, the game got under way.

So the onslaught began, Middle park came out the blocks like Usain Bolt, with only Colin to deny several chances, the post was struck so often that he feared they would collapse under the barrage. The defence held tight under the wing of Captain Steve.

A savour arose from the ashes to slot in what I can only describe as a “Zidane inspired moment”, the ball floated as it left the boot in a wonder strike by Alex to defeat the aw struck keeper. 1 zip.

With Duracell bunny Tim on the right and a strong defensive display Malvern could feel the metaphorical wind changing. The child hood memories of Packie Bonner and the influence of Jackie Charlton a long ball from Colin let Gaz loose on a one on one with the keeper, with the sleak skills of a true striker he netted the ball and to the delight of the building crowd, Malvern Park where in 2 goals clear. With Rich menacing the Middle park back line it wasn’t too long until his strike partner Gaz finished off another 3-0.

Middle park came out fighting in the second half and with free kick was awarded out side the box, with a four man wall the Middle Park striker managed to drive the ball low and it was deflected past the stationary keeper 3-1.

With a strong display in the middle of the park the game was swinging by to Central Park favour. Against run of play a defensive lapse by Central Park the Middle Park boys slotted another 3-2 and the game was in the balance. Gaz with the hat trick in his sights and the pride of the golden croc was as keen as mustard, only to be frustrated by the lines man on several occasions. Substitutes where limited and the right back position was filled in by no less than 4 players throughout the game with Stu left to hold the advancing attack.

The game was on, and the Middle Park boys had a renewed confidence and continually reminded Daniel that he didn’t want it? Post match no comment was given by the left back.  With the onslaught of several corners the central park defence kept solid. Even the gift of an open net and a free header the boys from Middle park where unable to capitalise. With a blistering shot from out side the box the Central Park stand in keeper pulled of what can only be described as a match winner as he pushed the ball around the post to the safety of a corner. The Middle park heads dropped as Central park dominated the reminder of the game to the end with a strong mid field display.

Thanks to Steve for the post match oranges.

Best: Jeremy

The rest: Rich O, Gaz, Colin, Stu