Match Report 26 May 2007

MAY

29

Round 7 saw the boys from Horseshoe Bay venture into old Adelaide town as the Southern Breakers faced off against FC Adelaide in what many believed would be an easy day out for the lads from Neill Road. The gods were smiling as the Breakers thankfully didn’t bring any of the southern weather with them and the mild autumn sun set the perfect scene for an entertaining afternoon of football. The First team returned to winning ways and the Reserves can keep singing after another comprehensive victory.

Reserves Match Report

The game started with plenty of pace and Adelaide attacked the Breakers defence in waves. The boys linked together well with some good passing football but were struggling to construct any solid attempts on goal. The Breakers did little to worry the Adelaide defence in the meantime but the frustration was building on the sidelines – we needed a goal and fast! The tempo of the match was starting to drop. Some supporters were more content to watch the demolition of the club rooms being undertaken by an enthusiastic Vlahos, until once again controversy struck. Referee Katsambis was again forced to make a hard call as the Breaker’s keeper tumbled his way over the top of Syed on his way to the ball inside the box. Was the keeper being obstructed? Was Syed the victim of a blatant foul? The referee wasn’t going to take the risk at this early stage of the game and as the ball had rolled out to touch the call was for a corner, much to the dismay of the coaching staff and fans. It would turn out to be a case of poetic justice though as Syed whipped the ball into the 6 yard box where Michael was waiting to finish with a strong header – 1-0. Now the stage was set, everybody wanting a piece of the action. Nicky “the Kid” was chomping at the bit, hunting down his opposite number like a terrier desperate to tear the ball away, and after missing a simple chance earlier on, made amends with a cracking shot deep inside the box from an impossible angle by the touchline – 2-0. Fernando, in his comeback game, dazzled with his flamboyant passes and his unique South American flair inspired Paul Kaka, who couldn’t resist trying his trademark “Roberto Carlos” runs out of defence, eager to have his name on the score sheet. But it was an unlikely hero who would put away the next goal – after being sidelined by injury for much of the season, George Stav snuck one past the keeper with a crisp low volley at the back post, the perfect reward after his injury fight-back – 3-0. No goal-fest would be complete without a trademark volley from Micky Fournakos and he set the crowd alight with another absolute pearler that dipped and swerved all the way to the back of the net from way outside the 18 yard line to round out the half at 4-0. After the break, the Breakers had a second wind and somehow slipped through the defence, beating Keg who was stuck on his line – 4-1. Keg made good use of the body for a few nice saves but there were some questionable close calls when it seemed as though he was refusing to come off his line. Nevertheless, that would prove to be the only chink in our armour as Adelaide punished the Breakers even further with the increased attacking pressure. There was also some fine tuned defensive tactics orchestrated by Simon Julian who lead the charges out of the back assisted by some great running off the ball and possession play by Lee to his left. Three more goals were added with Yves returning to scoring ways, rounding the keeper brilliantly who was floored by the time a cheeky tap made its way over the line. Sam played the role of the super-sub, scoring within minutes of taking to the park with a well struck shot after plucking the ball out of a scramble and Syed was rewarded for his consistent performance also putting one through to close the deal at 7-1.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Two excellent results in the last two weeks. A team full of voice and spirit working like a well-oiled machine. The Reserves seem to be carrying that good feeling right throughout the club at the moment.

First Team Match Report

There was plenty of positive energy in the air heading into the First Team’s game. You could practically smell the desire to win and there was plenty of voice, not only on the park but also from the sidelines as Stoney was back! And his cries of “C’mon Adelaide” resonated through the boy’s hearts. Head coach Ziatas also looked very relaxed and Jimmy Koufalas was able to sit back in satisfaction after the Reserves victory. This energy seemed to settle the lads, playing well as a team and bringing all of the players into the mix. The return of Phil “the Gentleman” Giorgiou from suspension was welcomed, Reza “the Wizard” playing up front added a bit of spice to our attack and it was not long before Stevie G netted our first with a superb strike reminiscent of something his Liverpudlian namesake would pull off. The crowd was on their feet – could this be the start of something special? Would we finally pick up the 3 points at home? Lots of movement and good running off the ball led to several chances being created but that familiar feeling of missed opportunity was starting to set-in yet again until Stevie G did the unthinkable and put away his second for the afternoon – 2-0. Falidis made his return to First Team football and did not disappoint the selectors with another brilliant display, this time on the left wing. The Breakers did not have much going for them but in a shock counter attack managed to slot one through at the Hounslow Avenue end – 2-1. The tempo was shifting as Adelaide became more aggressive in attack, not wanting to again see a lead slip away. Then it finally happened – Angelo “the Spartan” Antonis finally put one away and Coach Ziatas’ looming substitution was postponed. It is rumored that Ange was heard to say “surely I’ve earnt my 300 souvlakia now” but this has so far been unfounded. It wasn’t long before the constant attacking play again paid off with Antonis claiming the glory from a tap-in destined for the goal-line courtesy of a powerful JC goal-kick and some slippery hands from his opposite number – 4-1. At the half, spirits were high with two players now aiming for a hat-trick. The win seemed inevitable but the Breakers, again scoring against the run of play, shook everybody up a little considering that fateful fightback from the MA Hawks that cost us the game back in Round 3. Everyone was desperate for history not to be repeated – 4-2. The players delivered by upping the tempo. Shane and Reza shared a lot of the ball up front, and Soteriou played the ball out from the back with composure. Phil G and Stevie G controlled the midfield and some gutsy hard-ball gets from one of the toughest in the league, Benny “Baby Bird” Ward gave Adelaide the edge over the frustrated Breakers side. And soon enough – BANG! That man again, Johnny Falidis, sealed the deal with a long range strike beating the keeper in mid-air – 5-2.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The team responded well to coach Ziatas’ mid-week pleas to play more of a team game. Adelaide’s fighting spirit proved to be the edge and some good chances were finally put away. The question now is who will be made to fight for their place in the squad for next round? With several key players due to return, a place in the side will be rarer than hen’s teeth with plenty of depth all over the park to worry those who may not have impressed. Expect intense scrutiny from the coaching panel in the build-up to team selection.

By Jonathon Milne