After being so close to victory last week against the Weebie Choppers (I accidentally put Wee Scotties...my apologies), the CS7 came into this match with a sense of determination, and a desire to improve. Nachos had insider information on the team, as he had played them previously with his former club, The Spice Blokes. His analysis that CRAPP were not as good as the Weebie Choppers gave us further incentive to perform.

Starting lineup:
Goalkeeper: Ginger
Defence: Posh (making his debut for CS7 after stint in Noosa) , Psycho
Attack: Nachos (c), Overlord
Substitutes: The Beast, Winger.

It was apparent from the opening kickoff that the CS7 were the more superior in the skills department. Overlord and Nachos in particular showing excellent ball control. It didn't take long for the lads to go right into attack. After a quick pass, Posh unleashed a powerful strike that struck the keeper full in the chest. Less than a minute later, Posh struck again with a strong left foot that left the keeper stranded in no-mans land. CS7 1-0. He shined early in his debut game, but a lack of match fitness saw him come off earlier than expected.

At the other end of the pitch, Psycho was once again a pillar in defense. CRAPP didn't seem to find any way around both him and Winger. When subbed on, Beast as well was playing a solid role in defence. Any balls that did get past the last man were capably handled by the gardening-gloved goalie guru, Ginger.Midway through the first half, Overlord scored after another good buildup from Winger and Archie to make it 2-0. A few minutes later it was 3-0 when Overlord again found his way through a loose CRAPP defence. This was the best football that the CS7 had played all season. The weeks experience and the fact that the players were getting used to each others style of play made a big difference. Late in the second half, a perfectly executed play earned CS7 another goal. From a free kick, Beast passed to Winger who quickly passed the ball down the left wing to Overlord. A quick, deft pass to the centre found Nachos who tapped in for a classic goal. As has been the case previously, CS7 noticibly tired late in the half and CRAPP took advantage by peppering the ball mercilessly at Ginger who parried , dived and leaped as well as Baryshnikov to keep the ball out. Pretty much on the stroke of halftime, CRAPP finally scored after a shot between Beast's legs was mishandled by Ginger and dribbled over the line. 4-1 to CS7 at the half.

The second half wasn't quite as skilled, as both sides began to tire. The ball changed possession quite a lot as passes went astray, and nobody seemed to be able to really grab hold of the game. Early in the half, CRAPP scored after an unfortunate own goal by Posh, who upo until then was playing very well. A shot had come in toward Ginger, and Posh tried to clear the ball away but only succeeded in putting the ball into his own net. That gave CRAPP some small hope, and they renewed their attack with a bit more vigour again testing a tiring defence. Midway through the half, Psycho managed to pass the ball to Overlord who beat his man and headed toward goal with Nachos and Beast streaming forward on each wing. Overlord elected to take the shot himself, but hit it straight at the keeper. However, the keeper couldn't hold on to the ball, and Beast pounced on the loose ball and tapped it in for a rare goal. Its probably the only time you'll see him perform his "Beast Backflip" celebration this season!

CRAPP scored again towards the end, and as both teams were gasping for air CS7 was able to hang on for a well deserved win. Nachos had a few chances to put the match beyond doubt, but he could not find his usual finishing prowess in several one on one opportunities with the keeper.

There is still some improvement, but its clear that the longer we play together, the better we will be as a team. Winger is under a slight injury cloud for next game, but a hyperbaric chamber is on standby in case its a closs call.

Player Ratings:

Ginger - Top notch game again. Ultra consistent and a very safe pair of hands. 9/10
Psycho - The pillar of the defense. Intimidates the oppostion into mistakes. Great game again 7/10
Posh - Oustanding debut. Like the Beast, a little below peak fitness but if his first strike is any indication a big season awaits.8/10
Overlord - Two excellent goals and gives every impression there are many more to come 8/10
Nachos - Created a lot of opportunities to score, and slotted one home himself. Solid game 7/10
Winger - Wasn't as involved as last week, but his deft passing was a great asset. 7/10
Beast - Marked improvement from last game. Made a few critical stops in defence and even managed a goal. 7/10
 
 

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Michael Conroy