There’s another old saying in England “a game of two halves” and it certainly applied to this match.
Due to holidays and injuries both sides only had 11 players each, so there were no substitutions to interrupt the flow of the game. In the first 5 mins the Cobras found themselves in the unusual position of being 2-0 down before they had even had a shot at goal. Slowly they worked their way back into the game and when one of Harrison Benn’s lethal corners found the back of the net to make it 2-1 it appeared the momentum was back with Russell Vale. However Tarrawanna caught us flat footed at the back for the third consecutive time regaining their two goal cushion with a 3-1 lead. Most teams would have capitulated after this set back but not our little Cobras. In the few minutes left leading up to HT, a free kick from Harrison Benn somehow stayed out but in the goal mouth scramble that followed Jordan Errington was on hand to tuck the ball away 3-2. Then right on the very stroke of HT, Jordan Errington burst into the box and from an acute angle lobbed the keeper to pull the game back to 3-3.
During HT you could sense that Tarrawana’s heads were down but our lads were buzzing, it just needed a couple of minor positional adjustments and we were ready to go. Yet from the K/O it was the home side that took the initiative by forcing three consecutive corners but the Russell Vale defence held firm. In fact that was the last time they threatened our goal because Russell Vale then moved into top gear to score five consecutive goals. Christian Baade Mortimer scored a goal either side of Harrison Benn, 6-3. Then not to be out done by his brother Bailey Baade Mortimer added a seventh before Tom Curren capped a fine display with the last goal, 8-3.
Looking back on the game there was nothing Ethan Johnson could have done about the three goals we conceded, Tarrawanna broke very fast and their finishing was razor sharp. In the second half our sweeper Jack Donnelly had a better handle on the game and with Brody Armour, Clayton Walker and Tom Curren in front of him no team were going to get past this defensive line up and score three goals again. I believe in the latter stages of the comp Tarrawanna will certainly give Oak Flats, Kiama and Unanderra a run for their money.
From a coaching perspective I could just burst with pride watching these kids they never give up and always try to play football the right way. To come back not once but twice from a two goal deficit and still go on to win the match is the litmus test of true Champions.
Here’s a strange fact, we’ve scored 65 goals in 13 competitive games this season but have yet to be awarded one single penalty…..go figure?
N.B. Please accept my apologies there will be no training on Wednesday 18 July because I have just been informed that I’m off to Coffs Harbour for a couple of days on business. My wife is going to kill me it’s actually our wedding anniversary!
YNWA
Coach
