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Tigers choke on Hawks, but U20s shine

» Posted by Jackson on 26-Apr-09

On Saturday night at Lambert Park, the Under 20s buried Stanmore 4-0. In First Grade however, Balmain slumped to a frustrating 4-1 defeat, leaving the side winless after six matches.

First grade photos of the match here. Thanks to John Sowden.

Under 20s finally secured Balmain's first win for the 2009 season, demolishing Stanmore 4-0 at Lambert Park on Saturday night. The Tigers went up 1-0 in the first half, but the Hawks forced their way back in the match during the middle stages. The Tigers rode out the storm, before hitting the visitors with a barrage of goals that sent the Hawks packing. The match also featured a fine penalty save from Jerry Martin, diving full stretch to his left to snuff out any hopes of a Hawks revival.

The First Grade fixture played out in stark contrast to the Under 20s. The Hawks took an early lead, punishing Balmain's lack of organisation at a corner to score with a powerful header. The Tigers pulled up their socks and set about taking control of the match. For the next hour, Balmain were superior and created a couple of prime chances that unfortunately remained unconverted.

Tiger endeavour was finally rewarded as Balmain capitalised on an attacking throw-in. From Carl Modena's delivery, Craig Andrews' height wreaked havoc in the Hawks' penalty area, and in the ensuing scramble Dave Hardwick hooked the ball over his shoulder to lob the keeper.

It was evident the Tigers' run of draws was to come to an end, one way or another, as the game opened up. Liam McCormack hit the inside of the post, and the Hawks' had opportunities at the other end.

Sadly for the home side, it was the Hawks who found the breakthrough. A nippy substitute forward made an enterprising run as the Hawks counter-attacked. From 20 metres out, his powerful finish beat the unsighted Hiro Fujiwara and the Tigers were down.

It was to get worse soon after. A sloppy giveaway in midfield lead to another counter, and a smart finish later wrenched the match from Balmain's reach at 3-1. Moments later, a belting Hawks' goal from 30 metres consigned Balmain to an embarrassing defeat.

Six matches without a win and the Tigers are getting desperate. Can they overcome the hoodoo next week against high-flying Inter Lions? The Tiger Ladies' Club will be hoping so.

Finally, a warm congratulation to Ivan, Leo and the Under 20s, who in recent weeks have looked capable of beating anyone. They will now be hoping to build on the weekend's victory and continue the climb up the table.

Comments

  Posted by MrX at 09:01 AM on 27-Apr-09

A great through ball from u20s GK set the tone for the game showed vision, ability, composure and a real instinct for the game which was finished well to put the side 1-0 up. Possibly the type of player who could steer first grade back on track in a free role in midfield, maybe in the mould of a Messi or Kaka. For you older readers a Lothar Matthaeus role. JB would have to be considering it???

  Posted by MrX at 08:05 AM on 29-Apr-09

With speculation rife as to my identity and the return of Alex last night I would like to wish you boys the best of luck for the weekend. JB has done a good job in big Als absence but couldnt get the win. JB was a good player in his time and done ok in his career, I wish I could of coached him at a young age probably could have taken the kid all the way to the top.Good egg as a coach too but felt in tough games didnt use the clip board enough. Ok blueprint for the game is as follows get the ball to the morroccan kid who wore the undies/ bike pants to training a couple of weeks ago he is the best you've got. Eamonnnn on the wing both left and right. Lets get a win on sunday boys and sing the song! Give me a buzz if you need anymore info on your individual role for the game. 20s GK not required to call.

  Posted by officer barbrady at 09:54 AM on 29-Apr-09

That was very flattering. Thank you MrX. I must admit though that the keepers at Balmain certainly make me look good at training. I have played both left and right wing at once before, crossing the ball in, deep in the pocket, only to sprint behind the defence and nod the ball home. It is tiring but for the good of the team. I would like to see MrX start up his own weekly blog on the website. He certainly doesn't come across as an ar#e licker in the slightest........

  Posted by MrX at 01:56 PM on 30-Apr-09

Hi guys a quick note for training tonight if everyone could please work on their overhead kicks and drop balls. Its going to be tight on sunday and it could come down to a drop ball on halfway.

  Posted by MrX at 10:20 AM on 01-May-09

Well does someone want to explain what you boys were doing at training didnt see one drill with drop balls or overheads involved??You better hope that there is not a stoppage in play that is not a free kick to either team possibly for a dog on the field maybe two balls on the park at once or a suspected head injury behind play ?? resulting in the ref calling a drop ball??? 20s gk dropped now even from 20s possibly to rest up for the big clash with Zagreb in a few weeks?? X will be watching the game closely on the weekend so you boys better perform. Looking ahead to next weeks training I have spoken to AK and JB and we will be working on what we do when we take a throw in and the ball doesnt enter the park and is required to be retaken?

  Posted by officer barbrady at 12:12 PM on 01-May-09

Well I don't know where MrX was at the training last night but leading top goal scorer and the ever photogenic Tom Sowden and I were practising our drop balls in between drills. Former male model from Miranda, Steve Byrne was on hand conducting the drill.....

  Posted by MrX at 12:59 PM on 01-May-09

X agrees with the photogenicness of swoden and the chiseled features of the man from the shire. But Barbrady this is a football forum not a list of people you would like to stay home and watch "the Notebook" with. I have never been in a drop ball contest without emerging with a compound fracture or severe laceration(it goes without saying that I played on) so in short your doing it wrong.

  Posted by Bigears at 01:01 PM on 02-May-09

You're just lucky I didn't join in.. There would have been red cards flying..

Good luck on Sunday boys. I'll be monitoring you from the south coast..

- Wrongfully Accused..

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