Stunning Guantanamo Victory Heralds New Era; Pereira Retires Amid Huge Fanfare

30/7/08

It was another historical night for the Mighty Oranges as passionate Guantanamo fans made their way to Male Oval to farewell classy striker Jorge Pereira in his last match.

Pereira, who announced his retirement last week, was treated to the first ever testimonial match held under the Broome Soccer Association banner, such is his popularity with players, fans and officials alike.

Guantanamo announced earlier in the day that they would be able to field almost a full-strength squad as Pereira, Andy Smyth, Greg Blackmore and Ben Walker all returned from injury. Missing from the squad were Tim O’Brien, Joel Hamling and Jon Falconer, who had his bike stolen just before the game and arrived late.

Due to a mix up in the fixtures, this was the first time this season that the Oranges lined up against last year’s champions Pearl Coast Pirates.

The match began in earnest, with the Oranges trying to farewell Pereira in style, and they did not disappoint. Young gun Luke Turner, who has been a prodigy this season began a long run toward the Pirates goal and was clipped inside the box. Just as the referee blew the whistle however, Turner managed to right himself and slot the ball into the top corner without the need for a penalty.

Indeed, Turner was proving himself to be a menace, and with the ever-reliable service from Ben Walker, there seemed to be little the Pirates could do as he threatened to score again and again.

Jorge Pereira also proved why he is considered one of Guantanamo’s more potent players, with the Cape Verde Islander reeking havoc every time he touched the ball. Indeed, Pereira managed to score an excellent goal off of a superb corner which was whipped in by Greg Blackmore.

With a stunning goal by Ben Walker from almost 35 yards out, the match seemed to be swinging all the way to Guantanamo’s favour, but the Pirates managed to pull one back.

Andy Smyth was again back into the centre of defence and he marshaled it well alongside captain Ryan Platten on the right. Chris Hingston on the left also proved himself to be made of solid stuff with some excellent tackles to halt any Pirates attack.

The Guantanamo midfield, usually the problem area, managed to put in a very solid performance, with Adam Shanley showing some silky skills not normally seen from a Scotsman, and Greg Blackmore providing some excellent runs.

As the second half began, Guantanamo seemed to sit back, content to rest on their laurels, and they were punished as the Pirates hit two quick goals. Not to hit the panic button, the Mighty Oranges again moved forward and it was Pereira again who slotted home to put Guantanamo back in front.

It was a match for sensational goals, with Joe Tighe deciding to get in on the action, with the Irishman swerving a great goal into the bottom left hand corner of the net from outside the box.

Francois Kruger has another great game in goals with some great saves, including a dive to his right to deny a goal on the line. Kruger was the subject of some severe mind-games from the Pirates coach, who had signed Kruger’s son, Steven Chapman on a one game guest stint. If Kruger was nervous facing his son he did not show it, again proving that he is not called ‘The Rock’ for nothing.

The match finished with a 7-5 victory to the Mighty Oranges, with Jorge Pereira scoring two, Luke Tuner scoring two, Joe Tighe scoring two and Ben Walker with one.

Guantanamo now have the next two weeks off to celebrate their emphatic victory, but unsure times lie ahead with the retirement of Pereira and the departure of Greg Blackmore and Ben Walker who have signed up to a new team in Darwin.

Racing Guantanamo Matchday Squad
Ryan PLATTEN, Francois KRUGER, Jorge PEREIRA, Luke TURNER, Joe TIGHE, Greg BLACKMORE, Ben WALKER, Adam SHANLEY, Andy SMYTH, Chris HINGSTON

Final Score
Racing Guantanamo AFC 7 – 5 Pearl Coast Pirates

Attendance
4