Soccer

Last week's game recap. Notice there is no mention of me. This is not because I didn't play; it's just because it was one of those games where I was completely invisible. Happens sometimes.

A FOUR GOAL BAG FULL aka OWN GOAL MAYHEM
(by Leon Ochsenbein)

Caulfield Cougars 2 vs MPFC 2
Scorers (MPFC): Own goal, Rob Ledger
Scorers (Caulfied Cougars): Tom John 1, Brian Donlevy 1!

In a scrappy game, MPFC drew 2-2 with Caulfield Cougars, repeating their result earlier in the season. In the process, their own goal tally has increased to 9 for the season, ominously close to double figures. Blustery conditions greeted both sets of players on another cold August morning, and a pitch that resembled the surface of Mars, or a cauliflower patch.

For once this season, Middle Park were quick to get out of 1st gear. Within 2 minutes, Ledger struck the up right from 18 yards out as the Cougars defence failed to shut him down. Unfortunately, Morris could not finish the rebound from 6 yards out. The Cougars players were not quick to shut down MPFC forwards and another chance was presented to Morris from Pearson, which was saved well by the Cougars keeper (who , it must be said was an indominatable presence in their goals). Another chance was created in the 20th minute when a long ball was chested down by Ochsenbein on the left wing who dribbled to the byline and crossed to Price, who could not finish. 2 minutes later stand in keeper Brooks peformed a superb save from 6 yards out, as a result in a lapse in concentration in the MPFC defence that was otherwise well marshalled by Alan "terrier" Marson. MPFC were playing well and went 1-0 down in an unlucky fashion, as a right wing cross was headed into the MPFC net by Tom John. This only spurred MPFC on more, who felt hard done by the scoreline, to equalise 5 minutes before half time. A cross by Ledger on the left wing was met superbly by Price at the back post, with his header rocketing into the crossbar and rebounding clear. The Cougar's keeper did not react quickly enough when the ball rebounded into his quite substantial midriff, and into the net for 1 own goal apiece at half time.

The second half started well for MPFC, winning the majority of exchanges in the midfield and forward line. Gusting winds made it difficult for players to judge their passes correctly and get a decent shot on target. Donlevy was unlucky not to score 20 minutes into the second half after he headed a cross from John on the right wing onto the upright. Price continued to do a superb job marshalling the midfield, and further chances to MPFC did not result in a goal. It became clear with both sides finding conditions extremely difficult to play in that a goal would come about by an element of luck. Alas, for MPFC that luck went to the Cougars. A cross from the left Cougars wing was inadvertently directed into the MPFC net past a wrong-footed Brooks who could not be blamed for the goal in any way. 2-1 to Cougars with 15 minutes remaining, with MPFC scoring both goals for them. MPFC set about getting an equaliser immediatley when an exchange between Ledger, Ochsenbein and Morris resulted in a shot from Morris going narrowly over the bar. Morrison was inches from scoring when a throw in on the left wing was flicked on by Ochsenbein, and volley from 20 yards out, narrowly going wide. MPFC got the equaliser they finally deserved when Morris was fouled just on the edge of the box, on the right wing. Perfect for left-footed Ledger, whose free kick defeated the Cougars keeper who showed the mobility of a Boeing 747. MPFC had a couple of minutes to search for a winner, and came close when a shot from 23 yards by Ochsenbein was tipped over the bar by the Cougars keeper. Soon after, the final whistle was blown. MPFC had to settle for a draw, when they felt they deserved a victory.

Next week sees MPFC take on Vermont, who shocked the footballing world when they destroyed league leaders Southport United 5-1 and find themselves locked on equal points with Kooyong and Southport. MPFC will be looking to spoil Vermont's title aspirations in what could be a blockbuster match.

Best On Ground: Gavin Price