Chapman On Fire As Guantanamo Narrowly Lose Out

28th October 2009

Racing Guantanamo went into this match against Pearl Coast Pirates facing a mini-crisis of sorts. Earlier in the week, Captain Andy Smyth had criticised the team’s spirit, star midfielder Martin Kessler had reportedly refused to attend a team function and Guantanamo were on their worst losing streak since 2007.

The team lined up for the game again minus Tony Delaney (thigh) and Joe Tighe (Scouting), while team stalwarts Francois Kruger and Tim Gray were still on the long-term injury list. The team welcomed back the energetic Jack Reagan to the fold after a week away in Perth.

Pearl Coast has not been beaten in 4 games, and were sitting pretty at the top of the B-Liga table six points clear, having demolished all of their previous opponents – including a decimation of Racing Guantanamo that the Mighty Orange fans will soon want to forget.

Smyth had warned his charges against complacency, with the fiery Scotsman almost being sent off in last round’s game.

The match began on the defensive for the Mighty Oranges, as they struggled to contain a rampant Pirates’ attack. Pearl Coast had the advantage of speed over the Guantanamo defence, putting pressure on Smyth, Ryan Platten and Chris Hingston at the back to shut down attacks before they could get to goal. The Guanatanmo defence held up well though, and after a nervy opening 10 minutes, the Mighty Orange started to find their feet.

Some excellent fluid passing began to occur, with Martin Kessler controlling the midfield with all the classiness the fans have come to expect from the German. Jack Reagan and Gareth Vickery performed well shielding the ball and making several key passes and crosses for Jon Falconer and Luke Turner up front.

As the first half wore on, both sides seemed to be locked in a stalemate, with both teams defending and attacking well. The Guantanamo defence was bolstered by an in-form Andy Chapman in goals, who seemed to get a touch on every shot that came his way. As Chapman grew in stature throughout the game, the Pirates’ attack had doubt creep into their minds, while the Guantanamo defence drew confidence from their custodian between the sticks.

Just before half time however, a well timed through ball from the Pirates saw a blistering shot from Matt Sheridan at Chapman, who could only parry the ball back to the striker. Sheridan made no mistake on the second attempt, slotting it past the helpless Chapman.

The half time whistle sounded at 1-0, but Guantanamo were by no means out of it, and a positive attitude emanated from the club’s dressing room.

The second half saw even more drama, as both sides went close. Andy Chapman again was the saviour, with several world class saves to deny the Pirates a second goal. Down the other end, Luke Turner slotted the ball home to even up the scores as fans on the sidelines tensed for an exciting end to what was shaping up to be a classic match.

Danny Pinchas had two attempts in quick succession, prompting groans of frustration as the ball just would not go in. Another little Pinchas flick-on almost managed to find the net, while a massive shot from Martin Kessler almost wriggled home.

Terry Ragoonanan, who has been steadily improving throughout the season, almost found himself one-on-one with the keeper, but the big Trinidadian was denied by some good defending.

On the other side, Chris Hingston had what surely was his best game ever for Guantanamo, with the defender launching some excellent balls down the wing, one of which resulted in the goal for Turner.

With Ben Jones doing the dirty work for the squad in the middle, and Jackson Smythe improving on last round’s efforts to become an excellent addition in the Guantanamo backline it was looking good for the men in orange.

Tragedy struck in the last 20 minutes however, with Ryan Platten deflecting a shot past Andy Chapman, making the score 2-1.

In the last 15 minutes, it was all Guantanamo, with the Mighty Orange pushing hard for an equaliser. Only the efforts of former-Guantanamo player Ken Goatley stopped the Mighty Orange from getting their elusive goal.

The whistle blew for full time, and the Guantanamo players came off feeling deflated after the loss, but proud of their efforts. The match was hailed as one of the best B-Liga matches of all time, which fans will surely remember for years to come.

Final Score
Racing Guantanamo AFC 1 -2 Pearl Coast Pirates

Scorers
Goatley (OG)

Racing Guantanamo Matchday Squad
Andy SMYTH, Ryan PLATTEN, Chris HINGSTON, Andy CHAPMAN, Danny PINCHAS, Ben JONES, Martin KESSLER, Jon FALCONER, Luke TURNER, Jack REAGAN, Terry RAGOONANAN, Jackson SMYTHE