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All roads to glory contain the occasional speed hump. Just ask Cadel Evens slogging up the Alps, or Ricky Ponting and the Australian cricketers wandering around London on Monday afternoon, or Tiger Woods wondering how to kill a couple of days in Scotland after not making the cut in the British Open. So too for the Knights on Sunday. Facing Bulleen FC who were just below us on the ladder and who seemed to not be our greatest threat following the match at Larpent early in the season, the Knights slipped to an unexpected 6:2 away defeat at the Veneto Club.
The day started as bright as the midwinter sun. In perfect conditions under blue skies and with little breeze or rain the boys looked well prepared and ready for action. In stark contrast to Larpent, the match was played on a synthetic pitch that offered perfect conditions. So what went amiss – the pitch certainly played its part allowing the game to be played at a fast pace with the ball skidding along the surface and one goal to Bulleen resulting from the tennis ball bounce. Still no point in having a home ground if it doesn’t give you some advantage.
The Knights opened the scoring with as good a goal as will be seen anywhere in Melbourne this season. The Bens combining as they have all season with Ben 1029 releasing Ben Irvine through the left channel where he finished with a strong shot into the top corner. 1:0 up after about 5 minutes, and as good a start as could be hoped for. Leave then for a cappuccino from the Veneto Club and by the time you returned (and the service is pretty quick) you would find the boys 3:1 down. A couple of quick breaks with clinical finishing and an unlucky bounce off the plastic pitch and that can happen.
Still the boys pressed forward and were soon on the scoreboard again. Shots in from Felix and Ari bounced around the box then Ben 1029 fired through a sea of players to reduce the deficit. Midway through the first half and already five goals – surely the game couldn’t continue at this pace, could it? Actually it could and did. Both teams were making the most of the lightening quick conditions and moved the ball up field with speed. It was a tough day to be a defender on either side but Luke, Michael, and James aided by Aussie, Zac, and Adam in the back half of midfield did their best, and Filip was turning in a strong performance between the posts. John, Felix, Adrian, and Ari fed the ball forward where the Bens always looked threatening.
Both sides had chances – a free kick from Ben 1029 went close, and the Bulleen keeper was having a day out in goal saving several shots. Unfortunately, by half time it was 5:2 and the Knights were really chasing the game. As any fan of AFL will tell you – in a game that turns into a goal shoot out, one team can readily fall behind.
Half time and a chance to draw breath. Ross and Andres did a great job of keeping the boys’ spirits up and prepping them for the second half. The second half resembled more of a normal soccer match. Both sides still moved the ball well and launched attacks but the defences were able to hold firm for most of the half. Full time and a 6:2 win to Bulleen – probably the better team on the day but certainly not that much better.
A quick look at the other fixtures shows that this was the equal closest result this week in our league – must be a full moon or something. Enough time spent dwelling on things we can’t change, as Ross said in his post match address to the boys it’s time to put this one behind us and bring out your best in next week’s encounter – Cadel, Ricky, and Tiger send their regards.
Until Next Week, Rest Up, Train Hard, and Go Knights!
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