AP Cows suffered a shock 4-1 loss to Uni last weekend, a result which catapults us into fifth place and gives us a huge boost ahead of Saturday's match. Coming off a bye, the Cows blamed the break and "shite refereeing" for the loss on the official IAFA website. Other results included IFS drawing 1-1 with Old Boys and Russell Vale drawing 3-3 with Makos.
Jamberoo and Pumas drew 1-1.
The table shows we have everything to play for but we will likely need three wins from our final four games to make the semis.
This is how the finals contenders sit.
IFS 33
Pumas 27
OBFC 26
Jamberoo 25
CH 24
Cows 23
RV 23
Makos 20.
Please remember tomorrow is family day for the Hogs.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Jamberoo, rhymes with . . .
Can it be true? According to our availability charts only Graeme P is likely to be missing from the 19 this week, leaving us with a couple of players too many for the visit of Jamberoo. Now I'm sure there are a couple of you out there concealing knocks that could do with an extra week's rest. If that's you, get in quick to register your willingness for a week off or stand by as management makes some tough decisions. It would be a fantastic boost to arrive with 16 players for another must win match against a team we have yet to beat in two seasons.
The club is also putting on a family day this weekend, so bring your wine hog and little hoggies along to support the day. We are on the back field at 1pm. I think the back field has been kinder to us than the main field this season already.
The club is also putting on a family day this weekend, so bring your wine hog and little hoggies along to support the day. We are on the back field at 1pm. I think the back field has been kinder to us than the main field this season already.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Crows 2, Chogs 3
A goalscoring cameo from Fungus sealed a desperate come from behind win with the season on the line. Two down after quarter of an hour and with their young keeper in amazing form, the Chogs refused to lie down and were rewarded with a second win in the past nine games.
The Crows scored two from long range as the 3-2-3-2 lineup failed to mark up sufficiently under attack but a change to 4-4-2 brought more solidity at the rear. While the Crows ran the game around their three young 'uns, they were vulnerable at the back and gave us some good openings. GD sizzled a shot towards the top corner and thought he had scored his first goal of the season, only to have it tipped away. Still we maintained the pressure and Andy got us on the board with a fantastic strike which left the keeper flailing. While that goal gave us confidence Balgownie came close again, striking the bar before the break.
Injuries were again causing concern - Phil and GP succumbing to ankle problems and sending Fungus to his car to get the kit he had packed just in case.
We got the best possible start to the second half, however. Gary J got free of the defence to get one on one with the keeper but stumbled over ther ball under pressure from a defender. We managed a crack on goal which was cleared of the line but Gary retrieved it and cut back a perfect ball to GD who hammered in the goal which had eluded him for too long.
Yet another draw wouldn't be enough and we responded as Fungus entered the fray. Andy got free on the left, drew the keeper and sent in a pass across goal. Despite his limiting groin injury Fungus gave it everything and got to the ball in time to ram it home. He could have added a second soon after and Sean missed another chance to give us a two-goal cushion, dinking the ball over the advancing keeper but also over the crossbar.
As time ran out, their hard kicking keeper came up to take a freekick at goal inside our half. It was the first time he mis-hit one all day and as we scrabbled to take advantage of his field position he came across and hacked down a Chog. The ref gave a freekick but incredibly no card.
Andy got involved in a tangle with the oppition defenders and picked up a yellow for a late challenge on their keeper. Gary J came off with a swollen knee and thankfully the ref called it off after two minutes of injury time, with the coach cowering behind the dugout too afraid to watch the closing seconds.
Well done guys. Jamberoo this week and another three points a must.
Please check in with your injury updates.
The Crows scored two from long range as the 3-2-3-2 lineup failed to mark up sufficiently under attack but a change to 4-4-2 brought more solidity at the rear. While the Crows ran the game around their three young 'uns, they were vulnerable at the back and gave us some good openings. GD sizzled a shot towards the top corner and thought he had scored his first goal of the season, only to have it tipped away. Still we maintained the pressure and Andy got us on the board with a fantastic strike which left the keeper flailing. While that goal gave us confidence Balgownie came close again, striking the bar before the break.
Injuries were again causing concern - Phil and GP succumbing to ankle problems and sending Fungus to his car to get the kit he had packed just in case.
We got the best possible start to the second half, however. Gary J got free of the defence to get one on one with the keeper but stumbled over ther ball under pressure from a defender. We managed a crack on goal which was cleared of the line but Gary retrieved it and cut back a perfect ball to GD who hammered in the goal which had eluded him for too long.
Yet another draw wouldn't be enough and we responded as Fungus entered the fray. Andy got free on the left, drew the keeper and sent in a pass across goal. Despite his limiting groin injury Fungus gave it everything and got to the ball in time to ram it home. He could have added a second soon after and Sean missed another chance to give us a two-goal cushion, dinking the ball over the advancing keeper but also over the crossbar.
As time ran out, their hard kicking keeper came up to take a freekick at goal inside our half. It was the first time he mis-hit one all day and as we scrabbled to take advantage of his field position he came across and hacked down a Chog. The ref gave a freekick but incredibly no card.
Andy got involved in a tangle with the oppition defenders and picked up a yellow for a late challenge on their keeper. Gary J came off with a swollen knee and thankfully the ref called it off after two minutes of injury time, with the coach cowering behind the dugout too afraid to watch the closing seconds.
Well done guys. Jamberoo this week and another three points a must.
Please check in with your injury updates.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Where is it?
Hi all
Roo's previous post suggested we are playing Balgownie at home. It's an away game at 3pm. Although Balgownie's home ground is listed as Judy Masters Park, this game appears on the draw as being at Kooloobong Oval, Keiraville . I'm trying to get this confirmed by the IAFA types. I'm pretty sure that's where we played Uni last year, although if someone can confirm that please let us know.
We are struggling for numbers again so let us know if you can't make it. The Crows lost just 1-0 to Old Boys last week. I guess it doesn't need to be spelled out that this is a must win. I think a loss will likely end our finals hopes.
Roo's previous post suggested we are playing Balgownie at home. It's an away game at 3pm. Although Balgownie's home ground is listed as Judy Masters Park, this game appears on the draw as being at Kooloobong Oval, Keiraville . I'm trying to get this confirmed by the IAFA types. I'm pretty sure that's where we played Uni last year, although if someone can confirm that please let us know.
We are struggling for numbers again so let us know if you can't make it. The Crows lost just 1-0 to Old Boys last week. I guess it doesn't need to be spelled out that this is a must win. I think a loss will likely end our finals hopes.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Top 4 take advantage of lesser opposition
IFS, Jamberoo and Old Boys, as expected, took maximum points against the basement dwellers - although perhaps by not as a big a margin as they may have hoped - whilst the Puma Masters had a good home win over the Mako's. The results leave us 3 points outside the top 4.
IFS 5 Fernhill 0
Jamberoo 3 Uni 1
Old Boys 1 Balgownie 0
Pumas 5 Makos 3
Hopefully the next round of games should see us make up some ground (at home to Balgownie) as the top 4 all play each other (IFS v Old Boys and Jamberoo v Pumas). Russell Vale have potentially a tough game v Makos whilst Albion Park should expect to pick up three points v uni.
Table at
http://cia.com.au/spy/cgi-bin/table.cgi?fixture=fixture
Hopefully will be at training tonight but we have the builders in so it may prove a bit tricky. Not that I can run at all after Saturdays game (no change there I hear you say).
IFS 5 Fernhill 0
Jamberoo 3 Uni 1
Old Boys 1 Balgownie 0
Pumas 5 Makos 3
Hopefully the next round of games should see us make up some ground (at home to Balgownie) as the top 4 all play each other (IFS v Old Boys and Jamberoo v Pumas). Russell Vale have potentially a tough game v Makos whilst Albion Park should expect to pick up three points v uni.
Table at
http://cia.com.au/spy/cgi-bin/table.cgi?fixture=fixture
Hopefully will be at training tonight but we have the builders in so it may prove a bit tricky. Not that I can run at all after Saturdays game (no change there I hear you say).
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Chogs pay the penalty (Chogs 1- Russell Vale 1)
A battling performance on Saturday once again saw us come away with less than we deserved. Due to injuries, holidays, cat burying sessions, overworked groins...we were down to a bare 12 for the game. (Apparently Andy is still en route to the ground). In some ways the lack of substitutes whilst making it tougher for everyone, may have helped us get into and keep a steady rhythm. We certainly finished the game stronger than Vale.
In a hard fought but fair game chances were at a premium. We went ahead early in the first half when Anthony managed to get his head on a cross from Sean that was going slightly behind him. It was a fine finish to a good move.
Unfortunately the lead didn't last too long as Vales tricky number 8 worked some space for himself and curled a fine shot (possibly aided by the wind) into the far corner. There probably wasn't a lot we could have done about that one.
Once again chances came and went, but to be fair we didn't really put their keeper under too much pressure.
Late on came the defining moment of the game (and possibly, although hopefully not, the season). Graeme Duncan went on a steaming run into the box and was *ruthlessly* brought down. The ref probably had little option to send the Vale player off. Whilst the sending off and the booking count (hatchet man Matt picking up a consecutive yellow card for walking backwards too slowly) may have given the impression it was a dirty game, unlike last weeks game it was a clean match played in good spirit.
With me off the pitch (probably thankfully else I may have been writing about myself here) Anthony stepped forward to take the penalty kick and win us the game. Unfortunately he chose that moment to hit probably his worst shot of the season, scuffing the ball towards their keeper. Vale's shouts of elation were rapidly drowned out as the ref ordered the kick to be re-taken for encroachment. The second attempt was hit better, but alas sailed over the bar. S*** happens - kudos for stepping up to take it in the first place.
Even then, against 10 men we had chances to win it, Vale clearing one off the line from a back-heel and Sean heading agonisingly over from a corner with virtually the last kick of the game. Dave went on a mazy run deep into Vale's half - (his pause to catch his breath was probably the only time he stopped barking out Sergeant-Major type orders throughout the match)
Two points dropped? Possibly, but with that commitment and spirit the season is a long way from over.
In a hard fought but fair game chances were at a premium. We went ahead early in the first half when Anthony managed to get his head on a cross from Sean that was going slightly behind him. It was a fine finish to a good move.
Unfortunately the lead didn't last too long as Vales tricky number 8 worked some space for himself and curled a fine shot (possibly aided by the wind) into the far corner. There probably wasn't a lot we could have done about that one.
Once again chances came and went, but to be fair we didn't really put their keeper under too much pressure.
Late on came the defining moment of the game (and possibly, although hopefully not, the season). Graeme Duncan went on a steaming run into the box and was *ruthlessly* brought down. The ref probably had little option to send the Vale player off. Whilst the sending off and the booking count (hatchet man Matt picking up a consecutive yellow card for walking backwards too slowly) may have given the impression it was a dirty game, unlike last weeks game it was a clean match played in good spirit.
With me off the pitch (probably thankfully else I may have been writing about myself here) Anthony stepped forward to take the penalty kick and win us the game. Unfortunately he chose that moment to hit probably his worst shot of the season, scuffing the ball towards their keeper. Vale's shouts of elation were rapidly drowned out as the ref ordered the kick to be re-taken for encroachment. The second attempt was hit better, but alas sailed over the bar. S*** happens - kudos for stepping up to take it in the first place.
Even then, against 10 men we had chances to win it, Vale clearing one off the line from a back-heel and Sean heading agonisingly over from a corner with virtually the last kick of the game. Dave went on a mazy run deep into Vale's half - (his pause to catch his breath was probably the only time he stopped barking out Sergeant-Major type orders throughout the match)
Two points dropped? Possibly, but with that commitment and spirit the season is a long way from over.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
CHOGS Awards Night Friday September 12th 2008
The biggest event of the 2008 soccer season is getting closer, the Oscars & Brownlow Medal award nights pale into insignificance compared to the glamour, the spectacle, the excitement, the shear cost of this world event, even the local Paparazzi are being offered ridiculous money for shots of the world famous CHOGS Soccer Team and their even more glamorous wife's "The Wine Hogs"
The big event will take place on Friday September 12th 2008, official invitations will be delivered by private security guards within the next 2 weeks.
All must attend this event, arrange your baby sitters early, dry clean those suits and evening gowns.....the biggest event of 2008 has nearly arrived!
Food, drink, dancing, awards and fun will be guaranteed throughout the night.
Further details will be posted!
Social Dave & "The committee"
Monday, July 14, 2008
Hogs one win off second place...
Admittedly we have dropped down to 7th place, but the performances over the last three games bodes pretty well. I think we've been unlucky to have only picked up two points in those games.
With only 4 points between 2nd and 8th there's still everything to play for.
Shellharbour stuck 4 past Balgownie, with one against them
Jamberoo surprisingly (to me) lost 3-2 at home to Albion Park who have now risen to third place.
Russell Vale drew with IFS, whilst the Old Boys hacked their way to an undeserved 2-1 win.
No score for the basement battle between Uni and Fernhill.
Gary, Shane has your ring and my chain. I forgot to get them back from him after the game.
With only 4 points between 2nd and 8th there's still everything to play for.
Shellharbour stuck 4 past Balgownie, with one against them
Jamberoo surprisingly (to me) lost 3-2 at home to Albion Park who have now risen to third place.
Russell Vale drew with IFS, whilst the Old Boys hacked their way to an undeserved 2-1 win.
No score for the basement battle between Uni and Fernhill.
Gary, Shane has your ring and my chain. I forgot to get them back from him after the game.
Fantasy Premier league
Hey all
The EPL kicks off in a month and once again I'll be hosting the Harper League fantasy football comp. Last year Fungus held off some determined challenges to reign supreme with no amount of sledging from Ant or myself able to break him.
If you want to join up follow this link. It's fairly straightforward. The code you will need (once you have picked a team) is 147195-35771
You can change your team as many times as you like before the first game of the season but then you get one free change per week. In brief: All players are given a points rating. You pick a squad for under 100 points. They score points depending on goals scored or clean sheets etc.
We can talk you through it if you are struggling with the technology.
Here's that link
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Old Boys 2 Chogs 1
Yet another bruising match against the Old Boys, yet another 2-1 result, yet another failure to make the most of our opportunities. Two soft goals against in the first half left us chasing the game and although the Old Boys barely threatened in the second period, we were unable to get more than Ant's consolation.
The Old Boys always come out kicking and it was the same story again - their No. 11 getting away with a dozen fouls before the ref finally pulled out the yellow card - one of four spread evenly across the teams.
They went a goal up when Hector and then Gary J failed to keep out a strong header but we recovered well enough and had some good chances. Matt miskicked when close to goal, Andy stormed through and powered a shot just over and Mark's drive was straight at the keeper. Ant floated a free kick over the defence and then just above Andy's head at the far post.
Our efforts received a kick in the guts with seven minutes left in the half, however. A long clearance came from the opposition keeper and with Hector back near his goalline, Kevin (guesting at sweeper) played a ball back to his feet. Hector lost control, the opposition striker snuck in and tucked the ball into the empty net.
We were running with the breeze and downhill in the second half and came out strongly through Ant's goal after 15 minutes. The chances kept coming while the Old Boys were restricted to a couple of poor long range freekicks.
Graeme D hit a powerful shot straight at their keeper, Ian scuffed his shot when alone and onside in front of goal, Gary J shot wide after four others had hacked their shots in a choatic goalmouth frenzy, the ball just eluded Andy as he bore down on goal and, right at the death, Ant couldn't climb high enough to meet a corner and his header went just over.
Adding injury to insult, Gary J had to be carried off with a knee injury near the finish after the last of many dangerous shoves in the back from their big front man. All we took away was a sour taste from the poor spirit the game was played in and the opportunities missed.
The Old Boys always come out kicking and it was the same story again - their No. 11 getting away with a dozen fouls before the ref finally pulled out the yellow card - one of four spread evenly across the teams.
They went a goal up when Hector and then Gary J failed to keep out a strong header but we recovered well enough and had some good chances. Matt miskicked when close to goal, Andy stormed through and powered a shot just over and Mark's drive was straight at the keeper. Ant floated a free kick over the defence and then just above Andy's head at the far post.
Our efforts received a kick in the guts with seven minutes left in the half, however. A long clearance came from the opposition keeper and with Hector back near his goalline, Kevin (guesting at sweeper) played a ball back to his feet. Hector lost control, the opposition striker snuck in and tucked the ball into the empty net.
We were running with the breeze and downhill in the second half and came out strongly through Ant's goal after 15 minutes. The chances kept coming while the Old Boys were restricted to a couple of poor long range freekicks.
Graeme D hit a powerful shot straight at their keeper, Ian scuffed his shot when alone and onside in front of goal, Gary J shot wide after four others had hacked their shots in a choatic goalmouth frenzy, the ball just eluded Andy as he bore down on goal and, right at the death, Ant couldn't climb high enough to meet a corner and his header went just over.
Adding injury to insult, Gary J had to be carried off with a knee injury near the finish after the last of many dangerous shoves in the back from their big front man. All we took away was a sour taste from the poor spirit the game was played in and the opportunities missed.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Who's in?
So far we have John, Dave and Sean out for the weekend. Fergus knows he should be out as wel but the fire is burning deep down inside and he'll play for sure. Mark returns this week but if you won't be there and you're not listed here please let us know.
The game is at 1pm at Guest Park, Fairy Meadow. Turn right onto Balgownie Road from the Princes Highway between the school and the mortorcycle shop and it's 100m down on the left.
The game is at 1pm at Guest Park, Fairy Meadow. Turn right onto Balgownie Road from the Princes Highway between the school and the mortorcycle shop and it's 100m down on the left.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Hands up if you knew Helensburgh soccer was older than JB?
By GREG RENDELL
Guys,
You should all be aware that there is a celebration planned for 60 years of Junior Soccer in Helensburgh on 19th July in the new Workman’s Club. You may have seen banners around town. It would be great to see representation from the HOGS with a few tables. We already have a couple for the Sweat Hogs.
There is entertainment, plus DJ and dancing later. $35 per head for 3 course meal.
How about getting a few numbers together. I need confirmed numbers ASAP as we have to give an indication to the club.
THZero adds: If anyone is interested can they respond here or let Ian or Social Dave know. Sorry Ian but you seem the right man to help the Social Davemeister collate any interest.
Guys,
You should all be aware that there is a celebration planned for 60 years of Junior Soccer in Helensburgh on 19th July in the new Workman’s Club. You may have seen banners around town. It would be great to see representation from the HOGS with a few tables. We already have a couple for the Sweat Hogs.
There is entertainment, plus DJ and dancing later. $35 per head for 3 course meal.
How about getting a few numbers together. I need confirmed numbers ASAP as we have to give an indication to the club.
THZero adds: If anyone is interested can they respond here or let Ian or Social Dave know. Sorry Ian but you seem the right man to help the Social Davemeister collate any interest.
Training video part 1
As the finals places look increasingly as if they could come down to goal difference I've decided to post this excellent training video which should be of benefit to our attackers and defenders alike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMZiNQcEang
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMZiNQcEang
Around the grounds
None of the top four teams recorded wins last weekend but the sides immediately below us ramped up the pressure on the finals places.
Puma Masters were unable to capitalise on IFS's 1-1 draw against us and fell 4-3 against Albion Park, allowing that bunch of thugs to join us on 20 points and sneak ahead into fourth on goal difference.
IFS lead the way with 28 points, Pumas are second still on 23 and third-placed Jamberoo were held 3-3 by the Makos to move to 21 points. Russell Vale's result is yet to be posted but if they beat Uni, as expected, they will be will be one of three teams on 20 points.
Just below, Old Boys beat Fernhill 4-0 to move onto 19 points ahead of our match against them this weekend.
Four points now separate the teams between second and seventh place but second placed Pumas can be caught by us this weekend as they have the bye.
Puma Masters were unable to capitalise on IFS's 1-1 draw against us and fell 4-3 against Albion Park, allowing that bunch of thugs to join us on 20 points and sneak ahead into fourth on goal difference.
IFS lead the way with 28 points, Pumas are second still on 23 and third-placed Jamberoo were held 3-3 by the Makos to move to 21 points. Russell Vale's result is yet to be posted but if they beat Uni, as expected, they will be will be one of three teams on 20 points.
Just below, Old Boys beat Fernhill 4-0 to move onto 19 points ahead of our match against them this weekend.
Four points now separate the teams between second and seventh place but second placed Pumas can be caught by us this weekend as they have the bye.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
JB's cat scam
We've had OP and groin strains, kidney stones and heel spurs. But now come news of the most ridiculous injury of the season.
Skipper John B reveals he wasn't hurt getting out of his car, as falsely reported on Saturday.
"In the realm of ludicrous, I was burying our recently demised cat ( yes it was dead ) in the backyard," John tells Coastal Hogland. "Due to the rigamortis it had stiffened into a position such that the hole I had to dig in the solid clay of our backyard was of such customised shape that it involved a pick, mattock & shovel. Obviously I'm not built to be an undertaker for within minutes of finishing the burial, my lower back went into such a spasm I was unable to get up, down or even roll without shooting pains.
"Now 2 bouts of chiro & many voltarin tablets later it is just starting to ease up."
John says "this has happened to me before (ED: he obviously has trouble keeping cats alive) and usually rectifies itself over several days."
The skipper is out for the next two weeks (snow sports) but there are fears that it might be longer if the RSPCA cottons onto his record.
Skipper John B reveals he wasn't hurt getting out of his car, as falsely reported on Saturday.
"In the realm of ludicrous, I was burying our recently demised cat ( yes it was dead ) in the backyard," John tells Coastal Hogland. "Due to the rigamortis it had stiffened into a position such that the hole I had to dig in the solid clay of our backyard was of such customised shape that it involved a pick, mattock & shovel. Obviously I'm not built to be an undertaker for within minutes of finishing the burial, my lower back went into such a spasm I was unable to get up, down or even roll without shooting pains.
"Now 2 bouts of chiro & many voltarin tablets later it is just starting to ease up."
John says "this has happened to me before (ED: he obviously has trouble keeping cats alive) and usually rectifies itself over several days."
The skipper is out for the next two weeks (snow sports) but there are fears that it might be longer if the RSPCA cottons onto his record.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Chogs 1 IFS Rangers 1
The Chogs' finals aspirations will receive an acid test over the next fortnight after an injury struck team drew with the table leaders on Saturday.
Before the start of the round six teams from third placed Jamberoo to eighth-placed Makos were separated by just five points. Depending on the results elsewhere there is a good chance the draw will have dropped us out of the top four but most of our rivals still have a bye to come.
The next two weeks - against Old Boys FC and Russell Vale - are critical to our chances. In fact it is likely to be a tense fight to the finish before we can secure a top four place and a first finals appearance by the Chogs.
With Ian and Fungus on the sideline despite their injuries, and John suffering a back strain on the mornning of the match, we began with three substitutes to the Rangers none. That level of dominance didn't last for long, however, with Dean coming off early with a hamstring twinge.
We created the best chances early on - Michael blazing over from close range and Ant miss-hitting his first time shot after a superb cross from Gary H out on the right. With Matt and Andy closing down the midfield runs of our opponents and Dave keeping his back four organised and focussed it came as a surprise for us to slip 1-0 behind with IFS' first real threat.
A ball was slipped through to their teenage striker (he kept calling "pass it Dad!" and dad finally did), Dave stuck his arm in the air ala Arsenal in the 90s, the offside flag stayed down (rightly from my view) and the pimply one rolled the ball past Hector and into the far corner.
IFS had a surge of confidence after their goal and we needed to hang tough to prevent a second and get to halftime without further concession. The second period began much the same as the first with pressure from the Chogs and the equaliser can after 20 minutes. Gary H and Ant broke forward and Gary 's well timed pass took out the defender. Ant gathered it in and swept it past their keeper.
We had the better of the rest of the match and probably deserved victory. Ant smashed a shot just wide of the far corner, Fungus broke through on the right but was unable to float the ball over the advancing keeper and keep it on target and, at the death, Kevin lifted a ball from the right over the keeper towards Ant but it drifted out and landed on the roof of the net.
There was one final scare, when IFS had a free kick on the edge of our box from the same range as we've conceded against Jamberoo and the Makos recently. Hector was better placed this time, with a clear view and not behind his defensive wall, but the shot didn't get that far.
After the miserable performance against the Makos we have now come out even against two good top four sides. Last season, and again this year, our Achilles has been the performances against our lower placed rivals. This is when our commitment can not afford to waver.
Before the start of the round six teams from third placed Jamberoo to eighth-placed Makos were separated by just five points. Depending on the results elsewhere there is a good chance the draw will have dropped us out of the top four but most of our rivals still have a bye to come.
The next two weeks - against Old Boys FC and Russell Vale - are critical to our chances. In fact it is likely to be a tense fight to the finish before we can secure a top four place and a first finals appearance by the Chogs.
With Ian and Fungus on the sideline despite their injuries, and John suffering a back strain on the mornning of the match, we began with three substitutes to the Rangers none. That level of dominance didn't last for long, however, with Dean coming off early with a hamstring twinge.
We created the best chances early on - Michael blazing over from close range and Ant miss-hitting his first time shot after a superb cross from Gary H out on the right. With Matt and Andy closing down the midfield runs of our opponents and Dave keeping his back four organised and focussed it came as a surprise for us to slip 1-0 behind with IFS' first real threat.
A ball was slipped through to their teenage striker (he kept calling "pass it Dad!" and dad finally did), Dave stuck his arm in the air ala Arsenal in the 90s, the offside flag stayed down (rightly from my view) and the pimply one rolled the ball past Hector and into the far corner.
IFS had a surge of confidence after their goal and we needed to hang tough to prevent a second and get to halftime without further concession. The second period began much the same as the first with pressure from the Chogs and the equaliser can after 20 minutes. Gary H and Ant broke forward and Gary 's well timed pass took out the defender. Ant gathered it in and swept it past their keeper.
We had the better of the rest of the match and probably deserved victory. Ant smashed a shot just wide of the far corner, Fungus broke through on the right but was unable to float the ball over the advancing keeper and keep it on target and, at the death, Kevin lifted a ball from the right over the keeper towards Ant but it drifted out and landed on the roof of the net.
There was one final scare, when IFS had a free kick on the edge of our box from the same range as we've conceded against Jamberoo and the Makos recently. Hector was better placed this time, with a clear view and not behind his defensive wall, but the shot didn't get that far.
After the miserable performance against the Makos we have now come out even against two good top four sides. Last season, and again this year, our Achilles has been the performances against our lower placed rivals. This is when our commitment can not afford to waver.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Chogs vs IPS 1pm at home
Please let us know if you are out of Saturday's 1pm game against top of the table IPS this weekend. So far Sean, Graeme P and Mark are listed as missing.
We scored a tough 2-1 victory over them in the previous round and this is a crucial match for our finals prospects. A win would put us in striking distance of the top of the table and a loss could see us slip out of the top four.
We scored a tough 2-1 victory over them in the previous round and this is a crucial match for our finals prospects. A win would put us in striking distance of the top of the table and a loss could see us slip out of the top four.
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