After a good win last week and with a couple of
senior players into the side Monbulk went into this game supremely
confident. Unfortunately the boys struggled from the start and
seemed to lack some enthusiasm and were second to the ball on most
occasions. With the midfield unable to control the ball or the tempo
of the game the backline was under constant pressure. Thanks to the
experience of Simon at the back Monbulk were able to hold Monash at
bay.
Monbulk were lucky when Monash had a goal
disallowed for off side. Despite this the boys could not spark and
were luck to go in at half time nil all.
In the second half Monbulk came out fired up
and gained a free kick just over half way. Simon sent the ball into
the box and found Sam unmarked and he was able to score with a
header. One nil up Monbulk looked to gain some confidence and tried
to take control of the game. While they could not take complete
control as both sides were able to create chances. With ten minutes
remaining Monash threw everything forward however Monbulk were able
to hold off for a hard earned victory.
Written By Aaron Violi
With Monash unable to use their own ground
due to the poor state it was in, the game was changed to Monbulk's
ground, and could prove as a bonus home game for them as the second
round would also be played there. A couple of days rain enabled a
little give in the ground, but also didn't allow for it to be cut
which produced an uneven surface to play on. The game started with
both teams creating very little by way of scoring opportunities.
Monbulk had to start Chrissy out wide on the left, and Case, making
his senior debut for 2007, out wide on the right. Both players took
time to adapt to the unfamiliar roles, and Monash took advantage on
a few occasions, getting around the back of them. On the other hand,
both were offering in attack which kept the Monash players busy as
well. The backline looked solid as ever, and the new look midfield
was finding its feet. Monash were struggling a little at the back,
with Brechan and Wellsy working tirelessly, but when they were able
to clear, they always had numbers around the ball, and attacked in
groups of 4 and 5. This made Cowie work hard as the defensive
midfielder, and our defence needed to be constantly alert. Monbulk
continued to create chances, with Daine, back from suspension,
running Monash ragged. He should have scored a couple in the first
45min, but also put some great balls across that weren't capitalised
upon. The half ended at 0-0.
Monbulk started the second half well, and
were putting pressure on Monash. Chrissy came out all guns blazing,
and his work ethic was spreading to the rest of the team. With 10min
gone, a great run by Wellsy out wide on the left, and an even better
ball, found Daine unmarked at the back post to make it 1nil. A
deserved lead for Monbulk. Case's work was done and came off for
Choc on the right. Monbulk continued the pressure, and Brechan was
denied by an excellent save by the keeper from close range. After
this Monash started committing even more men forward, and almost
scored after a goal mouth scramble. They were denied by a brilliant
save from Stubbsy, who came from nowhere to get a fingertip on a
certain Monash goal. This proved to be the telling point in the game
as straight after that, a terrible challenge by Monash's frustrated
central midfielder resulted in a red card, and Monash were down to
10 men. This was meant to be game set and match for Monbulk, and
after some good work by Brechan earned him a penalty, he smashed the
ball home for a well deserved goal, and it was 2 nil. But Monash
were not to be denied, and they continued to surge forward in
numbers. Out wide Choc was having some difficulties coping with the
Monash wingers pace, but he was always well backed up by the Bras's
and Nick Hurleston. Noodles came of in the last 10 replaced by
Weasal who went out wide, and Choc came in the middle, and Jezza
made his first appearance for the injured Brechan. Monbulk's defence
stood firm for the remainder of the game, and they held on for a
good 2 nil win. The boys will be looking to make it 3 in a row next
week to the unpredictable Berwick Kings.