SECONDS SUCCUMB TO LAST GASP EQUALISER TO FINISH 6TH
The Ressies turned up to bottom of the table White Star Dandenong for the last game of the season with some unfinished business for 2008. Sitting in sixth place before the final game there was still a slight chance, if all the results fell our way, that we could clinch the bronze medal and finish third! That would be an outstanding achievement considering it has been an indifferent and challenging season and we have stepped up a grade.
A few early Saturday morning phone calls flew about with some ins and outs. With a number unavailable, Pete Jones and Shayne were drafted in with Big Little Tez (or is it Little Big Tez?) found at the bottom of the barrel for number 14. Magnet had declared himself fit for his Ressie debut for season 2008 and also announced that this game would his swansong for Scotch Old Boys after a somewhat inglorious career. After many, many years he was finally retiring (following numerous requests from his team mates - mostly from Eamonn - at the end of the last 10 seasons) at the grand old age of … OLD!!
The match started with Pip in at Sweeper with Doidgy and PC in front of him. Across the middle we had Jonesy, Daz, Christian and Al King who was also playing his last official game for the club after announcing he was moving overseas next year. The three up front were Greavesy, Pallis and Alex all still vying for the top scorer of the season trophy! White Star started the match well and did not look like a team that had only won one game all season. In fact, they dominated the first half and hit the crossbar twice, much to Mikey's amazement.
The Scotchies were looking a little disorganised due to the number of new recruits to the team that had not played together as a unit all season long. But the goal eventually came to the Reds (in white today) after about 35 mins. Alex
with the ball on the left played in Pallis, whose eventual shot was well saved by the keeper. Greavesy was on hand to blast the ball into the roof of the net and score on Greaves Reserve. Aint it great when the stars and planets perfectly align themselves! The score remained 1-0 at half time with a couple of half chances to Pallis, which was blocked by the keeper, and Christian blasting from long range with other notable chances.
The chat at half time was muted but positive - not even Eamonn had much to say. We were in the lead and needed to remain positive and work together as a team. The results were coming in from around the grounds and we were sitting in fourth spot so there was still much to play for! Into the second half and White Star continued to play well. However, they must have all come from the Big Daz school of football as each time they got the ball, irrespective of how far out they were, the call was on to have a shot. Which would explain why they are bottom cause Mikey did not have to make even one save from the 20 or so shots on offer.
Midway through the second half and on came Magnet and Shayne to replace Jonesy and Alex, who hobbled off. With Terry coming on to replace Al King, later on. The scores were coming in from around the grounds and we were still in fourth place and needed to hold out for another 10 mins. Magnet had our best chance in the second half with his shot / come cross that nearly went over the keeper's head, but the keeper re-positioned to deny him a goal in his final game. Then with seconds left (and after the ref's watch had buzzed for full time) Magnet performed in a manner more true to form. After Magnet gave away a needless corner all 21 players (bar the White Star keeper) were in the Scotch penalty area. Magnet decided to mark one of their taller strikers and allowed him to soar high and completely unchallenged to nod in the equaliser over Shayne on the far post. A rather befitting way for Magnet's undistinguished career to end says Eamonn. There was not even enough time for the kick-off to be taken.
1-1 the final score. With the 4th best attack and the 4th best defence in the league that last gasp equaliser from White Star condemned us to 6th spot when 4th was on offer. We had lost the 2nd least amount of games all season but it was the 8 draws, and the most in the division, that had cost us a higher league position. Still a very commendable achievement considering we had stepped up a league and a big thank you to all that contributed to the success of the Ressies during the 2008 season!
Now it's to the off season to see how many kebabs Tiddy can tuck away before pre-season starts in January!
1-1 the final score
PP
