Darwin feel the wrath as Foresters finally click into gear!
11 Feb 2008
Darwin Athletic 1 v Foresters 'A' 7
10.2.08
At long last we got the result that some of our recent efforts have deserved!
Before the match started we were dealt several blows with Joe twisted ankle, and Jake broken nose, and also Tom Beck not being available. We wish both Joe and Jake a speedy recovery
However due to the recent signings of Philip and Mirkan plus the return of Jordan from a broken arm we were able to travel with a strong squad of 13 players.
The match started in glorious sunshine and we started, as we were to finish with Mirkan firing just over in the first minute. We took the lead after only 5 minutes following a good through ball from Christian, which enabled Jack to run through the defence and shoot past the keeper. The second goal came shortly afterwards with a 'Ronaldo style' run - Mirkan ran from the half way line, beat several players, rounded the keeper and calmly side footed home - a remarkable goal.
However, we were not having everything our own way with the defence of Calum, Phil, George and Shashi making good tackles at various times to prevent Darwin testing Jorge. Calum in particular was pushing forward and causing the home side trouble on the right handside. Foresters were then awarded a penalty following a foul on Jack; up stepped Christian to fire the ball so far in the corner of the net my initial thought was he had a missed. A brilliant penalty!
Ryan was passing the ball well from his role just in front of the back four and with now Dan getting involved on the right wing, we were causing problems on both flanks.
Three nil up and my nerves were getting bad could we hold on for a victory? The next goal was important. Darwin started to have there best spell of the game and Jorge was forced to leave his goal and make a crunching tackle to prevent a goal, also he made a smart save from a Darwin corner. Then came to me the best goal of the game a quick intelligent throw from Jorge realised Shashi on the left who played Mirkan in, off he went again with defenders bouncing off him he smashed in a suberb left foot shot ... another unstoppable goal!
Half time came, and we introduced Luke at right back who looked confidant on the ball throughout & Phil and Ryan swapped positions. However, Darwin got back into the game following a corner which we had several opportunities to clear, the forward eventually miss hitting his shot into the net.
Then cometh the hour cometh the man! Mirkan scored with a great lob from distance to complete his hat trick on his debut, and finally we were settled and playing some great flowing football. Still Darwin would not give up and the striker was unlucky when firing narrowly wide. Phil was tackling & passing the ball well in the midfield with Ed laying some excellent through balls & getting both wingers involved, and we were creating numerous chances to add to the score but for the Drawin keeper who made some excellent saves.
With 15 minutes to go we made further chances with Jordan coming on following his long injury and Calum replacing Ed who had not stopped running the whole game.
Jordan made an instant impact when Jack for number six tapped his cross in. The defence was still working hard with George making some very solid tackles, and Ryan still chasing every ball.
Foresters were awarded another penalty following a push on Jordan in the back and up stepped Christain again to fire home his second.
Well done to all the players and the local ref who kept control at all times, and thanks to all the parents who travelled. Hope it was worth it?
MOM - Mirkan for 3 brilliant goals & causing endless amounts of chaos in the Darwin defence!
Julian