(above)Buzz was determined not to miss another ball again due to his reach..
The Braves started strong (as they do), spraying passes wide and penetrating and stretching the Wailers defence early. Maz had a few handy runs down the flank in his testimonial game, and slid some nice balls into the centre. He was Johnny on the spot at the other end however when one of the Wailers hit a strong shot at the far post and Maz made a goal line clearance.
The Braves had the balance of the chances in the first half. After Eden settled, the Braves continued to push forward wide out, and Nick C**tstable shoveled a great ball to the lurking Crouchy on the far post only for him to f**k it up. Goal sneak Fox slipped into the area and hit a super first time left footer really wide of the post not so long after.
After a chilly halftime break and a rousing if somewhat critical team talk from a motivated Lenno, the Braves set off in pursuit of the goal that might separate the 2 teams on the night. The Braves big chance came from an unikley source- Joshy Mac hitting one of those long shots that Dunko had banned him from. It was hard, straight and true, hit the bar, came down (possibly over the line), hit the goalkeeper who then scrambled it back (possibly from over the line), amid a sea of appeals for a goal from the Braves. The ref said that he had a clear view (from halfway)and the ball had not crossed the line:( Disappointing for the Braves, but little Al Mitchell(world's greatest 16 year old ref), would have called it if it was in.
Eden then took to diving and trying to influence the ref, Fox's man in particular looking like Dunko in the early season with his theatrics. It worked for Eden when he took another tumble after a forceful challenge from the birthday boy. A penalty was initially awarded, but fortunately, Dunko was johnny on the spot to explain Law 12... An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper or player, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following four offences: (3)impedes the progress of an opponent, the ref rethinking his earlier decision and awarding a free kick instead.. Probably a penalty, but we'll take that one seeing as though Joshy Mac's shot was so close.
In the 88th minute Dunko decided to use a little more force than was necessary on a Wailer chasing the ball down toward the clubhouse and they were awarded a free kick. A reasonable cross was played in and the Braves hit no fewer than 3 clearances into their own players before the Wailers dribbled a mis hit shot toward the far post. Buzz was wrong footed and the Braves watched the bright brown night match ball sneak in for a thoroughly despised goal. One goal was enough, and the the fulltime whistle deflated the Braves. Never nice to loose to the Wailers
The Braves 3 man backline was exciting again, keeping the Eden attacks at bay time after time with the occasional heat flutter. Fox was tireless in the middle, keeping and eye on Gilly and Crouchy showed some proper mongrel at times, timing a nice sliding tackle at the heels of the Eden Sweeper who thought he'd teach him a lesson until Crouchy stood to his full height:)
Nick clocked up his regular 23km up and down the flanks and Joshy Maz and Pete were keen up front, even if the service was pretty ordinary in the second half.
Miko made a couple of mesmerising runs throughout the game, defying the medical community with his current knee instability.
Again, a big thanks for the boys who came down to fill in- Adam was super while he was on the left, his man never saw daylight. Buzz was very handy against a strong flank (even if he wished his legs were Crouchy's when wrongfooted for the lucky Eden goal) and Lenno was as lively as ever- on and off the pitch. Cheers to Jared who bought his new wheels down with Skip and Pete, and showed some Muss on the way home;)
Wolumla on Sunday- an almost must win game for the Braves- the 4 is becoming very tight now and Ressie's need a win to stay at the top of the table too.
See you there
Go you Braves!
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