Champagne Football From Guantanamo Nets Three Points

Wednesday 3rd September 2008

A dazzling display of football wizardry from Racing Guantanamo on Wednesday night was more than enough to take all three points from opponents Pearl Coast Pirates and seal a club record score in the process.

Guantanamo went into the match with their strongest squad yet, with Nicky Anear and returning young gun Joel Hamling coming back into the squad. Also making his debut was Scott Beattie, with the Broome Bulls man making his first appearance in orange after long and protracted signing talks with the club which stretched back to the start of the futsal season.

In typical Guantanamo style though, the Mighty Oranges again started on the back foot, conceding an early goal to the Pirates. Captain Ryan Platten had given a pre-match talk to the side on the importance of focus and communication, and frustration was etched into his face as his side went down again so early in the game.

However, the scoreline would not stay the same for long with the Guantanamo engine room kicking into overdrive and sending wingers down the left and right flanks to invade the Pirates 18-yard box. Danny Pinchas looked comfortable on the ball, providing Guantanamo star Luke Turner with the ammunition to attack the Pirates goal several times before finally finding the back of the net to make it all square.

At the back, the Guantanamo defence was starting to firm up, with the established back three combination of Chris Hingston, Andy Smyth and Platten starting to gel into a tight-knit unit. Despite having several promising attacks the defence stood up, well supported by the jostling midfield.

Indeed, the midfield was looking better than it ever had, with quick substitutions providing tired legs with quick breaks before again leaping into the fray. Vice-captain Tim Gray was having a sensational match, not only with his on-field play, but his organisation of the players on the bench was world class, keeping the players rotating around.

With Guantanamo sensing their dominance of the match, the blood began to rise, and fiery Scotsmen Andy Smyth and Adam Shanley were involved in near-scuffles with the opposition. Smyth had to be spoken to by the referee, while Shanley was the subject of a quick talking-to by Platten, the captain sensing that the continuance of his demeanor could lead to a yellow or possibly red card.

This was a new intense Guantanamo that fans had never seen before and they were loving it.

Scott Beattie was having a stormer of a game, his superior fitness levels an obvious advantage, while Nicky Anear was again giving it his all in pursuit of his first win with the club.

Jon Falconer signaled his candidacy for man of the match with a sensational goal just before half time, the feisty winger blasting in an unstoppable shot from nearly 20 yards.

As half time was signaled, the Guantanamo players marched off the field with their heads held high. Vice-captain Tim Gray again cautioned the players to keep focused and communicate in order to keep their lead against the talented Pirates side.

The second half began with a quick Guantanamo goal before the Oranges started to feel the Pirates apply more pressure on the ball. Pearl Coast were desperate not to lose, and pushed forward with increasing urgency.

However, in all of their best laid plans they did not factor in the dominating figure of “The Rock” Francois Kruger who stood tall in the Guantanamo goal. The very presence of Kruger is enough to strike fear into the hearts of opposition attackers, and it was no different this night. The indomitable South African’s mere presence was enough to make the Pirates’ attack scuff shots wide, and the ones they did manage to get on goal were easily saved by his quick reflexes.

A final five minute period of pressure paid a consolation goal for the Pirates, but it was not enough. As the final whistle blew, fans on the sidelines went into raptures as the Mighty Oranges cheered on the pitch.

Adam Shanley and Luke Turner both scored a hat trick, with Scott Beattie bagging a brace and Jon Falconer’s sensational goal making it nine. Danny Pinchas should have been on the scoreboard too, but the referee gave it handball. HawkEye™ replays proved it was a legitimate goal in the aftermath of the match.

It was an historic win for the club, and people around the world will now be wondering if they can keep this momentum going into the last four games of the season.

Racing Guantanamo AFC Matchday Squad
Ryan PLATTEN, Tim GRAY, Chris HINGSTON, Andy SMYTH, Jon FALCONER, Danny PINCHAS, Adam SHANLEY, Luke TURNER, Nicky ANEAR, Joel HAMLING, Scott BEATTIE

Final Score
Racing Guantanamo AFC 9 – 4 Pearl Coast Pirates

Attendance
6