Tough Start to the Season for Guantanamo

19th June 2008

After three weeks of pre-season training and a number of new key signings, Racing Guantanamo AFC went into the first 2008 B-Liga season match against Broome City with high hopes.

The team had built on a successful Broomedesliga Futsal season by signing up newcomers Greg Blackmore and Ben Walker who had added some depth and experience to the side which was still one of the youngest sides in the league.

The match began positively with the side being warned not to panic and try to settle early. Guantanamo had a reputation of conceding early goals, and the defence, consisting of captain Ryan Platten, Andy Smyth and Tim O’Brien were determined to change that.

For the first five minutes the side looked sprightly, attacking with determination and defending with grit. However, all that changed when a Broome City cross was turned into the back of the Guantanamo net by Smyth for an own goal, leaving goalkeeper Francois Kruger stranded.

It was a nasty blow to Smyth, who had been inspirational in the Orange defence since the futsal season.

The side pulled together and again came out attacking, with Blackmore, Joel Hamling and Jon Falconer all threatening the City goal.

However, with the early buoyant mood in the Guantanamo camp waning, the City attack managed to slip one through to make it two. This goal seemed to destroy the morale of the players in Orange who started to look dejected.

Another three goals went in before the end of the half with the Guantanamo heroes walking off with heads down.

The players marched on to the pitch in the second half with a renewed sense of purpose. Hassling the City players and keeping the pressure on seemed to do wonders for the squad who looked more competitive and hungry.

Sensing the changing mood, Platten gave a speech at half time pressing the need to go out and enjoy the match, keeping pressure on the City players at all times and to keep the talking going.

Francois Kruger made a cameo appearance on the field as Joel Hamling succumbed to his intense training schedule and could no longer carry on running.

Jorge Pereira dropped back into a starring and solid role in defence as Walker pushed forward to link up with Nicky Anear who was causing havoc among the Broome City defence.

Indeed, it was Anear who provided one of Guantanamo’s best chances of the game when he was brought down by a slide tackle in the box and a penalty was awarded. Unfortunately the youngster slammed the ball into the post which ricocheted off and out of the reach of the Orange players who were charging in.

Tired legs began to weaken the resolve of the Guantanamo heroes toward the end as the match finished 9-0.

Next week will see the team try to regroup and regain some of the form that saw them finish the indoor season on such a high, and restore some of their dented pride.

Racing Guantanamo Matchday Squad
Ryan PLATTEN, Jorge PEREIRA, Jon FALCONER, Joel HAMLING, Nicky ANEAR, Tim O’BRIEN, Greg BLACKMORE, Ben WALKER, Andy SMYTH, Chris HINGSTON, Francois KRUGER

Final Score
Racing Guantanamo AFC 0 – 9 Broome City

Attendance
4