NLSA Molson Challenge Cup



Sunday, August 10, 2008

Feildians: 3 Mount Pearl: 2 Game Report by Gord Dunphy

Photo by Gord Dunphy

Feildians look to secure 2nd place with a 3-2 victory over Mount Pearl

In a contest that very well may have decided the 2nd place in the overall standings, it was the Feildians that look like they have put themselves into a great position to secure 2nd place in the league. The St.Lawrence Laurentians have all but officially wrapped up first place. After today's victory, the Feildians are in second place with 22 points and with 5 reminding games things are looking great. Currently, the Feildians are 1 point up on Mount Pearl with 2 games in hand and they are 3 points up on Holy Cross with 3 games in hand.
In today's match it appeared that both teams came out right from the opening whistle, realizing full value of what was at stake. Both teams ran the field well, showing good ball control and great ball movement. Seldom did both teams play any high ball and referee Robbie Antle allowed a good flow to the game while -------( Photo - David Webb)
controlling the temple when emotions from either team ran high. The first ten minutes, the Feildians seemed more determined than usual playing fairly physical and took it to the Mount Pearl team. But at the 13 minute mark Shannon Francis, who was patrolling right midfield, picked up a loose ball and let a beautiful shot go with his left foot from about the 30 yard line, and it beat the Feildians net minder Mike Organ cleanly. From then onward in the first half the tide turned. It was Mount Pearl controlling most of the play but neither striker Sean Drew or Justin Pickford could penetrate the Feildians defence. The Feildians on the other hand counter attacked well creating chances at the 30 minute mark and at 35 minutes. In both cases, Chris Bury had great scoring opportunities but he couldn't finish. In the dying seconds Steven Croft was the beneficiary of a midfield turnover. He walked in on a clear cut break away, striking a shot off the left goal post.
Then in the second half things changed for the Feildians and they were not to be denied for their efforts. Actually,the Feildians squad probably put together and played their best half of the season in this game. They took control of the game,winning more of the free balls than their opponents and goals came as a result of their determination. At the 52 minute mark David Webb caught Mount Pearl keeper, Matt Peddle, off his line and as a result of Peddle being a relatively short goalie, the Feildians were put on the score sheet. Then at the 60 minute mark it was Cris Roche who reaped the benefits of a corner kick as he hit a shot from about the 18 yard line beating Peddle to his left. Next came David Webb again, at the 70 minute mark,as the Feildians were awarded a penalty shot after the Feildians Chris Burry was obstructed inside the box. Webb,who is a proven penalty shot specialist, hit the penalty shot, scoring and leaving Peddle and Mount Pearl team bewildered and in shock. Webb's second goal of the game now puts him in the scoring lead with 8 markers on the season.The Feildians team certainly seemed to be on a mission in the second half but as one would do with a 3-1 lead they kind off slacked back on the attack and went into a defensive shell. Generally, when one stops running and you play defensive, you allow the other team to attack you. In most cases you pay the price and that's exactly what happened in this game. The Mount Pearl team took control of the last 15 minutes of the game but it wasn't until the 86 minute mark that Sean Drew connected for a Mount Pearl goal. But as it turned out it all was in vain as the Feildians held off Mount Pearl team in the dying moments and Mount Pearl went down to a 3-2 defeat.

No comments:

Post a Comment