Tempers Fray As Guantanamo Remain Unbeaten

8/4/09

Racing Guantanamo again defied the odds to remain unbeaten, and top of the Broomedesliga table with a two all draw against the Grasshoppers.

Mark Hunter, who had been so solid for the last 3 matches finally bade farewell to his time in an orange shirt with his last game in goals. Hunter has decided to move interstate after it had been leaked that Guantanamo Legend Francois Kruger was ready to make his return between the sticks in the next match.

The match began with an intensity not seen in the Broomedesliga before, with both sides aiming to gain the upper hand early. The Grasshoppers had set out to make life difficult for their orange opponents, and the match became physical early.

It was always going to be a rough game, and that was proved early, when several players were upended after strong challenges, but it was Guantanamo who gained the lead after a Raiko goal secured a 1-0 scoreline.

With the Grasshoppers resorting to their trademark tempers, it seemed that the match would ramp up in ferocity. Both Grasshoppers and Guantanamo players engaged in verbal confrontations over challenges and runs of play, but it seemed like the players in blue were losing the mental battle after Grasshopper Bill Shaw removed himself from the field over a disagreement about a tackle.

The Guantanamo players removed themselves from the controversy and tried to pull the game back to their style of play, but were not able to do so before the Grasshoppers pulled themselves back level.

At half time, both sides went in 1-1, with Guantanamo captain Andy Smyth urging restraint and focus.

Martin Kessler was again proving to be the difference in the midfield, while Captain Smyth and Ryan Platten both took their defence roles seriously and managed to block several attacks.

The standout performer however was Tim Gray, who managed to maneuver himself into some excellent attacking positions ands battled for every ball.

It was not looking good however when the Grasshoppers pulled in front after a headed goal. Goalkeeper Mark Hunter, who was having a great game, could not stop the forceful header, and Guantanamo fans on the sidelines let out a sigh of exasperation, sensing their first defeat could be on the cards.

Martin Kessler however was having none of that, and the German managed to swing one in 5 minutes from time evening up the scoreline.

With Danny Pinchas, Joel Hamling, Chris Hingston, Kane Fitzpatrick and Terry Ragoonanan giving their all, the Grasshoppers failed to find the killer touch, and the Mighty Oranges limped home with a point under their belt, remaining at the top of the table.

Final Score
Racing Guantanamo AFC 2 – 2 Grasshoppers

Scorers
M. Kessler, Raiko

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