Match report

Thirds: Rd 01 - Southport (catch-up Home) PDF Print E-mail
Written by Chris Jobling
Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is.

Southport United 5 – MPFC 1

An unexpected game left the MPFC thirds struggling to field a full squad. However, with a few volunteers the makeshift thirds hit the pitch with a fancied new line-up.

In the last meeting between these teams MPFC played a quality game (lead by Rob Ledger 2 goals) and it took Southport the full 90 minutes to overcome an inspired Parkers.

The game was on from the start, the Parkers were keen to prove they had the skills and determination to match Southport. A change in the line-up had MC Mark in the centre. It was not long before a cross caught the keeper napping. A spilled ball landed at MC Mark’s toes and a swift left turn enabled MC Mark to put one away.

The Parkers were up and spirited.

The next twenty minutes enabled the Parkers newest keeper to demonstrate great composure and juggling skills. Todd’s display started with a little hand to head ball balancing on the goal line, and culminated with the very daring spill–recovery-spill–dive–save! A feat repeatedly performed during the course of the game.

It was encouraging to see such cavalier confidence at the last line and frustrating the hell out of the Southport strikers.

When the Parkers had a corner and MC Mark rose from the pack to slam a header just over the bar the Parkers were unlucky to miss out on a goal.

Somehow Southport scored. However the second goal was heartbreaking. From a clearly off-side position an opportunistic Southport player nudged the ball over the line, this rattled the Parkers. The Parkers totally lost their early composure when a controversial line call resulted in a third goal, the Parkers were dazed and confusion reigned.

Fortunately, half time allowed for a re-grouping. The first goal was critical it would be the difference between 4 - 1 or 3 – 2. It was a good cross and powerful strike by Southport who made it 4 – 1. With the sense of victory Southport started hunting in packs and the Parker defence was under enormous pressure. The Parkers were not going quietly into defeat and made several good advances but could not convert.

When a quick break by Southport resulted in a 5th the game was over.

As Gav (a stand in thirds) said after the game, “I think they were better then some of the reserve teams we play”.

B O G - Mark Schnitzus