Match Day 1 – 05/04/2008

First Team

Well, after a long wait and what felt like an even longer pre-season, we finally arrived at the opening day of the season. Saturday saw us take on Adelaide Uni 2 and, with several new players, we knew it was going to be a tough ask.

The game started positively for us. Beginning dominant, we were unable to convert the majority of possession and numerous chances into goals. JC and Phil worked tirelessly in the centre of midfield whilst Stevie G was proving a handful out on the right. Our biggest headache stemmed from Uni’s set pieces in dangerous areas. Fortunately, Tass was up to the task each and every time.

As the first half drew on, we remained the better of the two sides, but the scoreboard suggested honours were even. For all our possession and opportunities, our good work continually came apart as we attacked into the final third.

We returned after the break keen to shake of the frustration of the first half. The breakthrough came via Dimi as he broke on the left to calmly slot home what was to be the only goal of the match. The experienced defence, consisting of Frank, Jimmy N, Jimmy B and Fernando held firm and rarely looked troubled. Ange and Aaron were damaging in attack, with the latter being substituted for Reza and Stevie G for Syed. The fresh players created chances but to no avail.

All in all, very well played by everybody, yet improvements must be made in the final third for us to be a force this year.

By Dimi Agalidis