Guantanamo Lose In Crowd-Pleasing Game
12th March 2008
Racing Guantanamo Captain Ryan Platten refused to hit the panic button today after watching his side slip up again this week in front of a record crowd against Sampayne Sepakbola.
The team again had to do without Dan Walker, who pulled up with a hamstring on Tuesday in training. Influential Vice-Captain Tim Gray also was missing after being called up on state duty and had to fly to Perth.
There was some good news however, as the side welcomed back Adam Shanley who returned to the squad after his week off. Platten also unveiled new signings Joel Hamling, who rejoins the Mighty Oranges after a stint with Division A side KWAKT, and newcomer George Perera, signed from overseas. Chris Hingston and John Falconer made guest appearances for the team as Guantanamo moved to fill their team list.
The match began somewhat nervously, with both sides unable to make any clear chances on goal. Both sides defended well, and Francois Kruger in the Guantanamo goal took a strong command of his penalty area to deal with any likely attack. The crowd came alive during the game, which flowed from end to end, but it didn’t look like they would be cheering a goal anytime soon as time and time again, attacks faltered in the last third.
An unlucky goal conceded just before half time seemed to take the wind out of the hard-fighting Guantanamo side, and a second soon followed.
As the second half began, Guantanamo moved Perera up front, aiming to provide him with service from Shanley and Hingston. Perera looked hungry for a goal, and Falconer and Hamling seemed willing to get up there with him to help out. However it was not to be. Another four goals from Sepakbola galvanised the team in orange, and the last thirty seconds saw a major push for a goal.
