Brisbane Force Vs Ipswich Knights 7th March
After a disrupted pre season we got down to business for our first fixture. I had the luxury of having a large squad to pick from with the goalkeeping spot my only concern as Zac Symons recovers from injury. Thankfully youngster Mitchell Freeman stepped up for his first senior game to wear the number 1 jersey.
The game started at a frantic pace, Ipswich settling better and causing us problems down our left flank with the speedy Aaron Wilman getting beyond us and delivering balls into our box. On one of these occasions Freeman made a good save at the far post to deny Ipswich an early lead. We worked hard to get back into the game and a nice passing move ended with Tim Richards and John Philps playing a neat 1-2 on the edge of the box only to see John’s shot sail over the bar. Ipswich opened the scoring through an unfortunate mistake from Freeman which Andy Korner tapped in from close range. Darryl Crook started to create problems for Ipswich, getting in behind their defense several times but we were unable to take advantage due to good defending or poor final ball. Our passing was nowhere near the standard required and because we gave the ball away Ipswich pressed forward and were given a dubious penalty which Andrew Korner converted to make it 2-0. Even at 2-0 down we looked dangerous on the attack and were rewarded when Crook and Qasim Riaz combined well for Riaz to send a rasping shot high in the corner which the keeper failed to hold. Half time 2-1.
Two changes at half time – youngster Nathan Sayer being replaced by Vaughn Hogan and Qasim Riaz with John Birt. We started the second half with more intensity and dominated the early stages, scoring a great goal when Bartec Zamorski played in Crook down the right who used his pace and fitness to deliver a perfect cross for the fast arriving Philps to score a clinical one touch finish. At 2-2 our confidence was high and our midfield, now in control with their passing and movement able to create plenty of chances but failing to convert. Ipswich had the occasional foray into our box but our defense held strong. Luke Martin replaced Anthony Holmes in the middle of the park and adapted to the pace of the game straight away linking well with Jesse Deveraux.
Then after a good passage of play Zamorski laid an early season claim for goal of the year with a majestic passing move between several players which ended with Zamorski linking with the attack, playing a 1-2 with Richards and striking the ball into the top corner from 25 metres. At 3-2 and looking comfortable it looked like the perfect comeback but with minutes to go the Knights’ Lucas Wilson earned a free kick which Ipswich took advantage of through another defensive error. Full time 3-3.
Team: M Freeman; R Palmer; J Castillo; B Zamorski; Q Riaz; D Crook; A Holmes;
J Devereaux; N Sayer; T Richards; J Philps. Subs: J Birt; L Martin; V Hogan , A
Coaches Note- On the second half performance we should be competitive this season, It will be a squad effort as this game showed with all 14 players contributed to the result and the ones who missed out will be working harder to push their way into the 14.We must continue to build on our fitness and ball retention over the coming weeks.
REMEMBER; MAKE YOUR LAST TRAINING SESSION YOUR BEST!
CHEERS OGGY
