Sublime Performance From Guantanamo Nets three more points
18th March 2009
Racing Guantanamo took three points from the Hustlers to make it 6 from 6 in a match that could be considered to be one of the most nerve racking in the Mighty Oranges’ history.
An injury to goalkeeper and Guantanamo Legend Francois Kruger left many fans nervous as to who would be the custodian in goals for the night, but were not disappointed as the Tim Gray recruitment machine went into overdrive, resulting in the last minute signing of Englishman Mark Hunter.
Controversy also abounded earlier in the night as long-time Guantanamo recruitment target Ken Goatley, who had made two appearances for the Mighty Oranges over the years, turned out for the Razzle Dazzle Royals. Guantanamo fans booed Goatley, who had long denied that he was about to enter the Broomedesliga with another team.
The match began with captain Andy Smyth pleading for passion and grit in order for the Mighty Oranges to stay top of a congested table. The team rallied together for a superior performance with Martin Kessler, Joel Hamling and Kane Fitzpatrick linking well to get several top-notch strikes on goal.
Goals were not to be the word of the night however, as shot after shot went wide or were hit straight at the ‘keeper. Hamling in particular missed several key shots that on any other night would have fired home.
It was left to the league’s top scorer Kessler to fire a cool shot in order to prop Guantanamo up, as the team relied on regular substitutions to keep fresh.
The Hustlers managed to get several key chances, but were stopped by an in-form Hunter, who was having one of the best ever debuts in a Guantanamo shirt.
Danny Pinchas worked hard through the middle of the pitch, while Chris Hingston was having a particularly gusty game as a winger.
The first half came to a close with Smyth praising the Oranges’ workrate, and pleading for a continuation of pressure on the Hustlers players.
It seemed that in the second half Terry Ragoonanan took the captain’s words to heart, and the Caribbean man worked hard to force the Hustlers into mistakes.
As the match came to a close, the Hustlers took on a more aggressive streak with their attacking, and Guantanamo fans on the sidelines chewed away their nails.
They finally managed to break through the Guantanamo lines, leading to Ryan Platten chasing down the wayward attacker and colliding with goalkeeper Hunter. As the pair fell back the Hustlers player managed to get a shot on goal, but to the fans’ delight on the sidelines, only managed to hit the post before a covering Kessler cleared for a corner.
The referee played an extra 3 minutes of extra time that left supporters blowing their own whistles to try and stop the game and leave Guantanamo with their second straight win of the season.
When the whistle finally blew, the Guantanamo team went into raptures, knowing that this was an excellent win, and a major boost for any title aspirations they may have. A selection headache has now emerged for captain Andy Smyth, who must now choose between Guantanamo Legend and all-time appearances record holder Francois Kruger, and new star player Mark Hunter.
Final Score
Racing Guantanamo 1 – 0 Hustlers
Scorers
M. Kessler
Racing Guantanamo Matchday Squad
Andy SMYTH, Ryan PLATTEN, Joel HAMLING, Kane FITZPATRICK, Danny PINCHAS, Chris HINGSTON, Mark HUNTER, Terry RAGOONANAN, Martin KESSLER
