2 Dec 2007: Raw Skills 3:2 Grasshoppers December 3, 2007
Posted by editor in : Uncategorized , trackbackThe most amazing thing about this game was that it was played at all. There was no standing water on the pitch, but the combination of the gale force wind and driving rain/hail, which kept up for the whole match, made these the worst conditions that any of our players are ever likely to play in. In the circumstances, the players from both sides deserve great credit for producing any kind of game, let alone the exciting end to end cup tie, which was eventually decided in the very last minute of the game. I’m told that the Grasshoppers medical insurance will cover the players for the pneumonia most of them are bound to contract over the next few days.
Raw Skills are clearly a very good side, doing well in the A league. Even in the awful conditions, you could see that they have some excellent players, notably the goalkeeper, who played as a second sweeper and was very quick to collect through balls. He also made several important saves to keep his team in the game. So the main thing we should take from this game is that we matched them throughout for effort, fitness and skill. There was very little between the sides, which clearly demonstrated to all watching that we would be more than able to play in the A league.
Before getting on to the game itself, it is important to recognize one contribution yesterday from someone who played no part in the game, but stood on the touchline throughout, soaked to the skin and freezing cold. He never stopped cheering the team on and although he must have been so disappointed not to get on, there wasn’t a word of complaint at any time. The parents all had coats, leggings, sweaters, boots etc, but Michael stood there in his kit and (non-waterproof) Grasshoppers top and gave a great example to everyone in what it means to be part of a team. So the next time any player or parent feels like complaining about being substituted, or playing out of position, please just remember the attitude that Michael showed before saying anything.
In the game, it was almost impossible to play any kind of decent football. The wind was whipping across the pitch, the rain and hail made it close to impossible to see into, and the pitch was getting heavier by the minute, with mud clogging up the boots and making the feet heavy. From the start we tried to do the right things though, keeping the ball on the ground and trying to play short passes where possible.
Having taken a load of flak from me last week, the defence was back to something like its best this week, with Max and Harrison both very solid and making important tackles. Thomas and Nick in the middle had a harder job, with extreme difficult in judging the bounce of the ball and clearing their lines into a gale. Nick isn’t the quickest player in any case, but with half of stuck to his boots, he could barely move. It must have been like trying to play in a deep sea diving suit. We ended the half 1-0 down, when Raw Skills attacked well down the left and we failed to mark up in the middle, giving their striker a free shot. Personally I blame
At half time, everyone dived into the trees to try and get some shelter from the wind and it was noticeable that some of the mothers didn’t emerge for the second half, clearly showing that they obviously don’t love their sons.
We started the second half well, but then disaster struck when a well taken corner somehow managed to get through Danny and over the line. I’ve always said he was rubbish and poor Danny was clearly upset.
But the spirit of the team rallied and we continued to put them under pressure. Cian was at an advantage to most of the players, because he doesn’t weigh anything and therefore didn’t get bogged down in the mud. He put Oskar through the middle and the United loving misfit finished well when one on one with the keeper.
We continued to make progress, although Raw Skills were very dangerous on the break. On three occasions at 2-1, they worked their way through our tired defence and looked certain to score. One resulted in a miss which will probably scar their striker for life it was so easy, but the others saw Danny make two quite brilliant saves to push the ball round each post. I’ve always said he was a great keeper! Who said football fans are fickle?
We got a deserved equalizer with about 10 minutes to go. The midfield trio of Harry, Tom and Cian again worked the ball well upfield (and uphill!) and in the ensuing scrum in the penalty area, Robert, who had been quiet until then, put his foot on the ball, made himself some room and finished well.
In the last ten minutes, both teams seemed to run out of steam in the awful conditions. Appalling for the watching parents, it looked as though we were heading for extra time and another 15 minutes out in the hail. Then, with 30 minutes already on the clock, Raw Skills were awarded a corner, which we couldn’t clear cleanly, and it fell kindly for an opponent to hammer past Danny for the winner. Those behind the goal said that an arm was used to control the ball, so perhaps it was a harsh way to lose, but with so little between the teams, it seems churlish to complain.
We weren’t quite finished. In the further minute the referee added on, we managed two further attacks, one involving Nick going further forward than he has ever been, forcing another good save from the keeper, and the other, a mad scramble involving pretty much everybody.
The players were understandably upset after the game, having put in so much effort in such bad conditions, but to a man they sportingly cheered Raw Skills and shook hands. All of the players should be proud of the effort they put in. As the watching club President said afterwards, they were a credit to the club, their parents and themselves. Raw Skills’ management and parents were also extremely complimentary about the team.
Goals this week for Oskar and Robert. Although in the conditions, everyone deserves great credit, honourable mentions go to Oskar up front- he actually got his shirt dirty!, Harry and Cian in midfield who put an enormous amount of effort in, and Max who had his normal solid game at right back. But MoM this week, with a performance of great character and determination, was
One last serious point, is that this game showed us all that we have absolutely nothing to fear from ANY team we play this season. If we continue to perform with the same team spirit, character and skill, we will win our league and be playing in the A league next season.
Did I mention the conditions?
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