2:2 Draw not enough for Donald Gray
Old Boys vs Gore 19th August
Old Boys 2 (Jared x2) – Gore 2
Last time around Old Boys were soundly beaten by Gore in a second half performance that beggared belief. The team were looking for a marked improvement as they head into their final matches. The League was out of reach but the opportunity to come away with a Cup still existed as the Larry O’Rorke challenge cup was up for grabs following Gore’s win over Park the previous week. So, a win was the mission for the day.
Old Boys without Elliot had chosen to travel with 13 as Div 1 played in town and had a must win season defining match vs Gore of their own. They would win 2-1 and secure the League with a match to go – Well done lads, massive effort this season with such a young team.
It was a warm day in Gore and Old Boys went to the long sleeve white alternate strip to avoid a clash of colours. Starting the match with a reasonably defensive setup the coaching team were well pleased when Jared Cuff was put through on goal by Jordy following a mistake by Gore and he calmly slotted his shot in the corner.
Gore probably had the possession and territory stakes in the first half but apart from a couple of brain fades, our goal wasn’t seriously tested. So, a 1-0 half time lead with a great effort from everything battling for everything on defence. The message at the half was can we pinch another goal and pressure them into mistakes. It looked like they were short on subs and might tire but this turned out not to be the case.
Ben went on to replace Fozz as his back was about broken to try and create some chances up front. Cuff had another great shot well saved with 20 to go and at the other end Britton was called in to make a couple of great saves. We delayed the final sub as long as possible for Danny who was full of the flu and unfortunately couldn’t get through the 90. Reuben on in place for him at centre back.
With 10 minutes to go the game roared into life as Gore finally got on the board following some average marking from the new man on. This buoyed the home team who backed this up with a go-ahead goal just a few minutes later. Less than 5 to go and Old Boys just had to throw guys forward. Jared received the ball in a central location with space in front of him and for some reason the keeper moving out of the way enabled him to pass the ball into the net. 2 minutes to go and we went in search of a winner but couldn’t find it.
A draw seemed like a fair result and certainly a vast improvement on our last clash. For the coaching staff, having led for the majority of the match it felt more like points lost and a chance to win Larry.
Quick turnaround for our final DG match vs Park on Tuesday night. The winner of this match will end up runner up in the League. A position we feel the players deserve.
