Following last weeks bye, FC travelled to Balls Paddock to take on Bulli-Gibson Park Rangers in another crucial clash as table toppers Bulli had already gotten 3 points through a forfeit and Port Kembla were facing struggling Coasters FC.
Balls Paddock is still a great field to play on, and with the smooth(ish) surface and plenty of width, FC were looking to take advantage and reverted to a 3-5-2 formation. The game started quickly with FC on the front foot looking to get the early goal. Early on Chappo hit a 20 yard shot with his right foot, and it looked to be going in, until a late fade saw the ball strike the left hand post and bounce away.
FC had another chance to take the lead with the ball falling the Mikey in the box, but despite hitting it nicely the keeper made a fantastic reflex save to keep the ball out. FC weren’t having it all their own way, as Bulli-Gibson Park broke on a number of occasions and FC were thankful for Dave in goals for a number of saves including a brilliant one-on-one.
The half ended 0-0, with FC frustrated for not taking advantage of their possession and field position.
After the half time talk, which focused on reducing elevated frustration levels and stressing patience, FC came out ready to play.
Unfortunately, the pattern continued with FC creating very good chances but not being able to take advantage. With a couple of great chances in particular being missed when it looked easier to score (no names mentioned).
But FC finally got on the score sheet when a ball through to Damo saw him with only a defender and goal keeper to beat. Using his strength, he managed to get round the defender and put the ball to the right of the keeper. 1-0, and some of the frustration had lifted.
Shortly thereafter, a nice run from Matt saw him get into the box, and following a somewhat fortuitous pinball effect, the ball fell back to him in front of goal. A simple tap in and it was 2-0.
Tails up, and it was FC continuing to dominate possession and field position with Bulli-Gibson Park looking to break quickly when they managed to get on the ball. They managed this reasonably effectively, with the help of the many players loaned to them by the other Bulli side for the game.
Despite this, FC managed to go 3-0 following a great run and ball into the box which saw a penalty given when the keeper ankle tapped Mikey. Neil made no mistake with the penalty, with what turned out to be his last touch for the match.
FC looked to close the game out, but a long ball saw a couple of fortuitous deflections into the path of a Bulli player – who managed to get round the defence and slot home.
3-1 was the end result, and despite the frustrations, FC managed to get the three points.
