Substitutes Sparkle in Dashing Draw
Tuesday, 28th August 2007AFC Racing Guantanamo won the hearts and minds of all 14 spectators with their courageous 6-6 draw with Notre Dame FC last night. The side was forced to dig deep to field a side with seven regular starters being sidelined due to a combination of work commitments and equine influenza. Recruits included former Essendon and Fremantle (AFL) star, Tony Delaney and Andrew Wills (Geelong – Fremantle). Local Bidyadanga indigenous AFL football star, Terrence “Jostle” Jack also donned the orange shirt to play his first official soccer game, while pint sized junior, Denzel “Wizard” Wellington and his talented older brother, Brayden also joined the side.
The game was a splendid spectacle from the first whistle (actually it was a clap, there was no whistle) with both sides employing an attacking brand of soccer. AFC Racing Guantanamo soon proved they would be no walk over for their talented opposition with some furious counter attacks placing their more fancied opponents on the back foot. Tony Delaney proved a focal point in attack and his surging runs on the end of some cleverly placed long balls were rewarded when he found the net. The Guantanamo side continued to push and were rewarded with two more quality goals in the half prior to disaster striking when goal keeper, Andrew “Whippet” Wills badly twisted an ankle whilst casually letting through Notre Dame’s first goal. He was unable to retake his position. If nothing else this was noted as boosting spectator numbers to 15, a record crowd thus far for AFC Racing Guantanamo.
Despite a stirring half time address by stand in captain, Tim“Grey Beard “Gray the inexperienced Guantanamo outfit lost focus early in the second half with Notre Dame star, Jimmy Asimicopolous, proving punishing as he cut through an open midfield and often depleted defence to score some quality goals. Within the space of fifteen minutes a 4:2 half time lead to Guantanamo was turned into a 5:4 Notre Dame advantage. Despite the onslaught our team continued to strive for an equaliser and found it with five minutes to go through junior, Luke “Tiger” Turner.
With the game in the balance controversy struck with a close off side call denying a quality AFC Guantanamo goal. The disappointment was duly compounded when Notre Dame took advantage of their oppositions lack of knowledge re : soccer rules by taking a free kick in front of goal well before the side had time to assemble a wall. Evidently a defensive team has to first ask an umpire to step out the distance of the wall to halt an early kick.
