The Immovable Object Meets the Unstoppable Force

25th March 2009

Racing Guantanamo met Blue Hypes in what was marketed in the media as the Ali vs. Forman match of the soccer world. The Immovable Object Meets the Unstoppable Force. Two undefeated teams finally meeting at the top of the table in a match that was sure to produce a top class match.

And it didn’t disappoint.

Attended by the largest ever crowd in Broome Soccer Association, the match delivered a treat in terms of football and atmosphere, with both teams showing why it truly is the Beautiful Game.

Guantanamo began the game again without legendary goalkeeper Francois Kruger, who was still missing through injury. Mark Hunter, who had ably stepped into the South African’s massive shoes last week, again deputised for the 2007 Footballer of the Year. Another new signing graced the orange and black with Estonian star Raiko joining the attack.

Tim Gray was also missing with a possible cracked rib, leaving it up to Martin Kessler to provide the midfield grunt against the strong Hypes side.

The match began well with Guantanamo going one up with a typical Kessler goal. The Mighty Oranges signalled their intent by putting massive pressure on the Hypes players, and it showed when Guantanamo got another one through Kane Fitzpatrick.

It was a to-and-fro effort with both teams going in hard on the ball, and the Mighty Oranges were displaying a kind of intensity not seen before in their matches.

Captain Andy Smyth led well in the centre of defence, and was solid in the face of some hard Hypes attacks. Switching with Ryan Platten at the back, the pair managed to hold out most shots on goal.

Newly appointed vice-captain Joel Hamling continued to grow as a player, tracking back well and supporting the defence and attack as needed.

Guantanamo were pushing hard and went in to the first half break at 3-1.

At half time, Smyth reminded the players of their duties and pushed the orange players to continue their focus.

The second half saw a more defensive Guantanamo take on a more attacking Blue Hypes. The Mighty Oranges looked like they were losing, rather than winning.

Mark Hunter kept the orange hopes alive with a string of great saves, as well as providing a presence of mind at the back to soak up any wayward balls that had been missed by the defence.

Chris Hingston took his opportunity to shine with a great goal launched from the top of the D and smashing it into the back of the net. Indeed Hingston was looking strong in the midfield, and managed to stop several crucial Hypes attacks.

Terry Ragoonanan also continued his improvement, with a few deft touches showing that the Caribbean man could become an integral part of the Guantanamo team. Danny Pinchas also looked good again, showing bursts of speed, agility and toughness to support the orange flanks.

As the second half came to a frantic close, the huge crowd on the sideline voiced their appreciation of what was possibly the greatest match ever in the Broomedesliga.

Guantanamo must now take their momentum into their next match with the strong Grasshoppers, who could pose an interesting challenge.

Final Score
Racing Guantanamo AFC 5 – 1 Blue Hypes

Scorers
M. Kessler, J. Hamling, C. Hingston, K. Fitzpatrick, Raiko

Racing Guantanamo Matchday Squad
Andy SMYTH, Ryan PLATTEN, Danny PINCHAS, Terry RAGOONANAN, Martin KESSLER, RAIKO, Mark HUNTER, Joel HAMLING, Kane FITZPATRICK, Chris HINGSTON