The Asian New Year Tournament Final
After cruising past the Korean team the week before, the lads liked their chances against a crack China Star team. But as previously said, these guys had been playing all summer and I was a little worried at the start, but a strong response from the Metro old boys gave me hope.
The squad lined up as, Garry, Steve Mellor, Ji, KJ, Marc, Mike, Cardiff, Danny, Walter, Ron Quick, Phil, Steve Taylor, Alex, Hayden, Mike Tull, Ken, Rob Harris and Barney, with great support from Jim, Pauline, Yvonne, Wesley, Brian Wood, Anthony, Carrie and the other girlfriends, wives and kids.
Before the game we had a one minute silence in remembrance of the Munich air disaster, well observed by all, then we kicked off and immediately the speed of the Chinese was to the fore as they launched two quick attacks, both cleared away by Cardiff. The Metro influence helped calm the game down and Steve Taylor and Ron linked well up the front but we couldn’t stick one in. Mike Tull had an exceptional game as well, but the Chinese kept double teaming the two forwards and no one got a clean shot on target in the first half. Though, we should have had a penalty after Colly was hacked down twice in the penalty area, but Greg (our old Korean ref) decided against it, despite Colchester Steves appeals. The second half turned into much the same affair with numerous breaks for us, but no rewards, the Star team had tired quickly and only had a couple of shots on target both saved brilliantly by Garry and the staunch defence of Cardiff, Danny and Steve Mellor combined with wonderful clearances by Walter made sure they weren’t getting any closer. KJ and Ji played well but lacked that touch from the week before and the game finished 0-0.
On to penalties and though we were confident with Garry in goal, penalties can be fickle things and disaster struck early as Mike missed the first, Garry managed to save one, and Cardiff and Rob scored, but when Colchester Steve missed his, the game was over. So it was strange feeling on the sideline after the trophy presentations and photos (check the local China newspaper, great pics), but the boys all sat down and had a beer and the atmosphere was great as people realised it had been a great game played in the right spirit and we were only starting our season compared to the more seasoned Chinese team.
Thanks to all who played and to all our wonderful supporters !
The squad lined up as, Garry, Steve Mellor, Ji, KJ, Marc, Mike, Cardiff, Danny, Walter, Ron Quick, Phil, Steve Taylor, Alex, Hayden, Mike Tull, Ken, Rob Harris and Barney, with great support from Jim, Pauline, Yvonne, Wesley, Brian Wood, Anthony, Carrie and the other girlfriends, wives and kids.
Before the game we had a one minute silence in remembrance of the Munich air disaster, well observed by all, then we kicked off and immediately the speed of the Chinese was to the fore as they launched two quick attacks, both cleared away by Cardiff. The Metro influence helped calm the game down and Steve Taylor and Ron linked well up the front but we couldn’t stick one in. Mike Tull had an exceptional game as well, but the Chinese kept double teaming the two forwards and no one got a clean shot on target in the first half. Though, we should have had a penalty after Colly was hacked down twice in the penalty area, but Greg (our old Korean ref) decided against it, despite Colchester Steves appeals. The second half turned into much the same affair with numerous breaks for us, but no rewards, the Star team had tired quickly and only had a couple of shots on target both saved brilliantly by Garry and the staunch defence of Cardiff, Danny and Steve Mellor combined with wonderful clearances by Walter made sure they weren’t getting any closer. KJ and Ji played well but lacked that touch from the week before and the game finished 0-0.
On to penalties and though we were confident with Garry in goal, penalties can be fickle things and disaster struck early as Mike missed the first, Garry managed to save one, and Cardiff and Rob scored, but when Colchester Steve missed his, the game was over. So it was strange feeling on the sideline after the trophy presentations and photos (check the local China newspaper, great pics), but the boys all sat down and had a beer and the atmosphere was great as people realised it had been a great game played in the right spirit and we were only starting our season compared to the more seasoned Chinese team.
Thanks to all who played and to all our wonderful supporters !
posted by Swanson Red at 8:00 pm
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home