Round 18, Sunday 8 September 2013

1.00 pm

Peninsula Strikers versus Sandringham

Result: 2:0 win to Peninsula Strikers

Goal Scorers: Kyle Piscopo, Anders Jaeger

The referee for the game this week was a no-show, so by mutual agreement, Pakenham provided a referee for the first half and Dave McKinney stepped into the role in the second half. The only thing for which we are extremely grateful is that we were playing a team that has consistently been gracious and amenable. Had we been playing another team the outcome may not have been the same.

Only a minute into the game, Kyle Piscopo headed the ball past the keeper for the first score and it was well into the second half before we witnessed another one; this time from Anders Jaeger who kicked a miraculous goal from the half way line, straight over the keeper’s head. Every player delivered solid performances and we were privy to the great team work that continues to develop every week. It becomes more difficult with each game to single out exceptional contributions and this was another game when the half time rev up from the coach was simply a reinforcement of what was already happening.

In the second half, with Dave McKinney acting as referee, the infamous tablet found its way into Team Manager, Cheryl Miscamble’s hands – but not for long! All of a sudden there were more coaches on the sideline while our appointed temporary coach was confounding the players and spectators alike. How the game did not fall apart completely from a coaching point of view is beyond comprehension but rest assured, a repeat performance is extremely unlikely!

The FFV should be ashamed of itself and be held accountable for failing to uphold its obligations, especially at this time of year, when so much can be at stake. We entered this round knowing that if Monash University was to suffer a draw or a loss and we had a win, the ladder would reflect dual top place holders leading into the final game of the year between Monash University and Peninsula Strikers. This is exactly what has transpired.