1st X1 Match Report

NPBHS (4) v FDMC (3)

EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING!!

On a bitterly disapointing afternoon, which saw FDMC throw away a commanding 3-1 second half lead, it was later confirmed that they will make the National tournament after all courtesy of a wildcard for the Central Region. In the heat of the moment, it will be no crumb of comfort for many of the players as they look back on a game that they should have won.

In an evenly contested opening to the game, both sides took the initiative early and both defences were tested. FDMC threatened the most with Tomas MOSQUERA and Andrew CROWE spearheading the attack and creating a number of half chances. NPBHS replied at the other end looking dangerous from set pieces and corner kicks - showing signs that they would continue to be a threat in this area. It was just before half time when Andrew CROWE pounced on a corner kick that was not properly cleared and stabbed home the first goal of a frantic game. Tyson BRANDT grabbed an equaliser moments later when he found himself unmarked in the six yard box from a routine free kick that FDMc failed to deal with.

1-1 at half time and playing into a stiff breeze, FDMC went looking for another goal and Andrew CROWE popped up again to score his second from close range. In a period of dominance, Tomas MOSQUERA added a third mid way through the second half and at that moment NPBHS looked dead and buried. FDMC contained their opponents well for the next ten minutes and looked comfortably in control of the game as they passed the ball well and stretched the game at every opportunity.

On a rare forage forward NPBHS earned a corner kick which they duly scored from and the goal seemed to lift their dampened spirits. Sensing a comeback it was the home teams turn to pile on the pressure and in a five minute spell they had a series of corners that FDMC struggled to deal with. Tyson BRANDT popped up to head home his second of the game and hand a lifeline to a fortunate Boys High team.

With 5 minutes to go, a mistake or a poor decision was going to change the game in an instant and it was unfortunately both that cost FDMC the game. A hopeful through ball from midfield stretched the FDMC defence and as the NPBHS forward raced after the ball, the outstanding Thomas DRAVITZKI made a valient attempt to win the ball on the edge of the penalty box, but found himself a fraction late as he made contact with the player. A foul certainly, but the referee saw fit to red card DRAVITZKI and award NPBHS with a penalty from his position on the half way line.

Amazingly the game seemed to stand still for an eternity as he trundled his way towards the penalty box, paused to inspect any number of slide marks in the mud and pointed to the spot. Tyson BRANDT used all of his experience to step up and tuck away the spot kick giving NPBHS the most remarkable of come backs and a last gasp win.

At the final whistle, the feeling of disappointment was evident as the home team whooped with joy, realising how lucky they had been to come back from the dead and so the magnificent season long run without a loss comes to a bitter end.

A magnificent achievement in itself and i suppose an inevtiable consequence of our own success - the pressure of maintaining that run. It is not the defeat that now matters but the manner in which the players respond and with such a great group of individuals, i am certain that they will return to winning ways in style in their next game on Saturday.