Title race ends with a whimper
Old Boys vs Thistle 5th August O’Rorke Park
Old Boys 2 (Mike, Ethan) – Thistle 2
Coming off an 11-0 trouncing of Waihopai the previous weekend, scoring goals would not have been expected to be an issue for the men in red in this match against an improving Thistle. Unfortunately, a lack of precision in front of goal and some dodgy defending saw a 2-2 draw eventuate. The 2 points lost removing all but a mathematical chance of catching Gore especially with their vastly superior goal difference. The match started in perfect conditions with the sun shining and no wind to speak of. The Team welcomed the debut of Britton Dowling in goals following a drawn-out transfer.
The men in red started well, dominating possession and creating some half chances. Around the 20 min mark we were rewarded when Jordy found some space down the right and could cut into the box before crossing to Mike for a first-time finish. Text book goal and what we have tried to practice regularly.
After this we went off the boil for the rest of the half and manged to concede a goal where an isolated striker found space to manoeuvre around two defenders. Into the second half and once again it was a case of needing to shoot more often and get shots on target to force saves from the keeper. Mike had a great chance to double his tally but blasted over the top from close range. Cuffy also guilty of putting a shot wide.
Worse was to come when a series of defensive errors allowed Thistle a finish from six yards out. Fozzie was the first to break down with the Fridge entering the fray before Cuff succumbed to a back injury giving Ben a chance. Thistle were playing deeper and deeper and only looking to create on the break meanwhile with time running out Old Boys were pushing for the equaliser. A series of close calls from quality crosses into the box before we were awarded a penalty when Danny was given a huge shove at a corner.
Up stepped Ethan who is deadly from the penalty spot and he didn’t disappoint. Last 4 minutes and both teams had a good chance for a winner but it wasn’t to be.
A big point for Thistle but for the men in red the draw left the coaching staff feeling flat about one that got away. Short turnaround to our Charity Cup semi-final on Tuesday night and the lads will need to lift quickly.
