Stirring Performance As Guantanamo Pick Up Vital Point

26th June 2008

Racing Guantanamo went into last night’s game against league favourites NDFC hoping to restore some of their dented pride after last week’s loss against Broome City.

The Mighty Oranges had been dealt a blow to morale after a good pre-season campaign came to a screeching halt with a nine nil loss in their first game.

The players came together at the start of the game and took a vow to go out and enjoy the game, put pressure on their opponents and play the ball. Captain Ryan Platten also tinkered with the starting line up, pulling Greg Blackmore and Jorge Pereira into the backline to plug the hole left by Andy Smyth who was in Perth for the week.

Ben Walker started up front alongside the returning Luke Turner, with Tim O’Brien anchoring a new-look midfield alongside new-signing Matt Reen and Jon Falconer.

The game plan seemed to be working as the game began with Guantanamo creating a few chances and soaking up any pressure at the back. Indeed, it was the first game Guantanamo did not concede an early goal within the first ten minutes of the match.

Francois Kruger again proved his worth to the team with a commanding performance in goal – some excellent diving saves and brave charges out of the box.

A first goal did finally come from NDFC who were trying desperately to overcome the stubborn Guantanamo defence, with the players in blue trying to whip the ball in from the wings.

They managed to score a second, with fans on the sideline groaning in anticipation of another Guantanamo collapse. However, it was not forthcoming.

The players in Orange galvanised themselves into action, putting more pressure on the ball and allowing the young players to run at the NDFC defence. Matt Reen was proving that he should have a starting berth in the squad, giving a mature performance on the wing, and linking up well with Turner and Falconer, while Joel Hamling was brought on to give an even greater injection of pace.

The versatile Chris Hingston also came into the centre of midfield, hassling he NDFC players and making it even harder for them to play the ball.

A quick succession of goals saw a sense of optimism as the Mighty Oranges went into the half time with a 3-2 scoreline in their favour. Platten urged the players to keep playing as they were and not to relax.

The second half saw some exciting football played as NDFC tried desperately to put away their less-fancied opponents. Ben Walker dropped back into midfield as O’Brien dropped back into defence. Worried looks were exchanged as Jorge Pereira came off with a slight knock to his ankle but he managed to play on, epitomising the ‘never say die’ attitude of the Guantanamo squad.

Two more goals from NDFC made the match look like it would sway their way, but a final goal from the Oranges saw them pick up a vital point at the final whistle, and bringing delirious celebrations from the fans on the sidelines.

The draw is the first legitimate point Guantanamo have ever garnered from the B-Liga season, and fans hope that the heroes in Orange can keep their improvement going next week when they take on Hagen’s Heroes.

Racing Guantanamo Matchday Squad
Ryan PLATTEN, Francois KRUGER, Jorge PEREIRA, Ben WALKER, Greg BLACKMORE, Tim O’BRIEN, Jon FALCONER, Luke TURNER, Joel HAMLING, Matt REEN, Chris HINGSTON

Final Score
Racing Guantanamo AFC 4 – 4 NDFC

Attendance
6