League Game 3

A disappointing defeat last night at the hands of a very good team who will surely be challenging for the league title. There is no doubting Lazio's ability but what makes this defeat much worse was our lack of effort and the mistakes that were made. We never got going as a team and too often left the opposition players with time and space to play football. 

Lazio looked to play the ball on the ground right from the keeper throughout the team. In particular, their centre midfield partnership of big and small easily outclassed a below par Balally midfield. Even though Lazio dominated possession and chances, it was two very simple defensive mistakes that gave Lazio their 2-0 lead going into the break. A corner from the left was whipped in to the edge of the 6 yard box. Marty came to collect but couldn't get through the crowd of players and off his feet. He claimed obstruction but the ref ignored the shouts and a tame header found the empty net.

Goal number 2 for Lazio came following a free kick out on Balally's right side of midfield. Balally lined up along the penalty spot inside the 18 yard box. The free kick was taken and initially it looked as if the ball was over hit deep into the box. Marty came rushing out however the ball was held up in the gale winds giving the Lazio player an opportunity. Marty made the initial save but it fell to their player again who rounded Marty and slotted into an empty net. The defender/midfielder who was supposed to be marking was no where to be seen. Simple mistakes lads!!

After the half-time break Balally rallied and worked hard to get back into the game but Lazio always looked threatening coming forward. With Karl K introduced on the left side of midfield we created a number of half chances before catching a break. The ball was crossed from Balally's left and after no one made a clear header the ball dropped to Paddy at the back post who slotted home high to the keeper's left. We sensed a chance to get the equaliser however after one attack broke down Lazio hit us on the counter attack with lightening speed. Lazio's striker finishing with aplomb high into the top left hand corner of the net. Not much Marty could do about that one. He did however make a cracking save after he was left exposed once again. Another quick break down Balally's left saw the striker one on one with Marty but he got down very well to his right and got a very strong hand to turn the ball high and over the bar.

Final score 3-1.

Goal: Paddy

A few heads were still recovering from Electric Picnic however that doesn't account for the rest of the team. We could try to make more excuses such as people not liking the new "system" or that we were missing players but in all honesty if you don't work hard and put the effort in you will be found wanting. Instead we just have to knuckle down and work hard as a team to turn things around. This is turning out to be quite a tough league we teams of a very high standard not normally found at Div 2 level. Which of course makes it a much more exciting league and a challenge we need to stand up and accept.