FC Centaur vs Kiwi FC

FC Centaur vs Kiwi FC (win 3-1)
Wandsworth COMMON!!!
21 October 2006 2pm

Kiwi FC returned to winning ways this Saturday with a well deserved victory over FC Centaur in a good spirited game. The game started a little late as this time it was the Kiwis who were late getting their act together. Predictably whenever we play at Wandsworth Common, one or two people end up at Wandsworth Park, and so it was the case this time meaning Kiwis started the game with just 9 men. FC Centaur were known and respected opponents from previous seasons, however the Kiwis’ 4-3-1 starting formation began to dominate from the outset. Gav and Cappy controlled the ball well and they provided the foundation to launch some attacks. Steve McCormack and Chris Danrell pushed forward on the wings and made some positive runs into the final third of the pitch.

Even with 2 men down it seemed as though a Kiwi goal would soon be coming. With another wave of pressure sweeping forward; Gav made a strong run into the box, he beat 2 defenders and made it to the by-line. Under pressure he made a perfect pass across goal and found James unmarked at the far post; he had the simplest of tap-ins from about 3 centimetres out. 1-0 Kiwis.

Nick and Leighton made it to the ground after their little detour and Kiwis were back playing 4-4-2. They continued to control the game and apply more pressure on the opposition goal. Kiwi defence was strong, marshalled well by Chris and Dave at the back, they prevented Centaur from gaining any real scoring opportunities, and Keeper Adam was on hand to confidently deal with any balls that made it his way.

The Kiwi dominance continued and the Centaur keeper was called into action frequently to deal with more and more attacking raids. In the end though it was the simplest of goals that doubled the Kiwi lead. Chris Danrell applied some good pressure on the defender who was forced into a poor back pass to the keeper. The keeper really should have caught the ball and conceded the free kick but he tried to trap the ball with his chest, succeeding only in steering the ball into James’s path. The open net beckoned and Kiwis went up 2-0. It was no more than they deserved.

After such a dominant first half the only danger to the Kiwis in the second half would be complacency. Another goal would be needed to kill the game off and Kiwis started the second half from where they left off. Gav and Cappy continued to control the midfield with skill and precision and Kiwis launched more attacks. James had a few second half chances to secure his hat-trick but he failed to capitalise. The game though was played predominantly in the Centaur half and the Kiwi defence was sturdy and composed to break down any Centaur attack. Leighton had donned the gloves at half time, and he was called into action; making a couple of smart saves to keep the opponents scoreless.

Kiwis extended their lead further with a goal worthy of their dominance. Great play once again from Gav and Cappy; linking up well with each other with some good passes. They moved forward and found Adam in space in the centre, he controlled well and his finish was clinical for a goal of the highest quality. Surely that would see all 3 points in the bag.

Kiwis though lost a little bit of shape and concentration after that, allowing Centaur to control the game a bit and for a short while, Kiwis were on the back foot. A penalty was conceded, which was well taken by the Centaur captain and the Kiwi goal line was finally crossed. At 3-1, one sensed that Centaur might have a chance of scraping a point if they could nick another goal. This would not be the case though as Kiwis found their shape again and controlled the match until the final whistle and the game finished 3-1

It was a strong display from Kiwi FC and indeed the score-line probably didn’t reflect their dominance. But for some better finishing they could have bagged a couple more. The 3 points though is what matters and they were secured well. Man of the Match: Dave Capstick.