On a sunny Sunday the MP3’s headed over St Kilda road for the first of two local derbies this season, the first being against South Yarra ( the 2nd Vs Elwood this week ).
With a packed sideline – 18 supporters and 2 dogs ( great support – thanks! ) the Parkers took to the field searching for their first win of the season and knowing this would be a tough place to find it. A few changes to the line up saw Captain Spud partner Mark Hoey in central defence and it wouldn’t be long before rallying cries from Spud demanding to use our fire power!! ( thats for you Squigsey! )
The South Yarra forwards were kept quiet by a solid display from the back four and the first half did not see that many clear cut chances. With the second half underway the parkers knew this was going to be our half, midfield was tightening the screws and releasing some good passes through to our attacking players. A through ball made its way to Tom – he rounded his marker and found himself through on goal in the box, only for him to get a slight ankle tap but “honest Tom” stayed on his feet ( unlike the nasty Suarez ! ) and the shooting opportunity was snuffed out.
Tom was working their back line well and after another through ball from MP3’s newest member Dicko, saw him latch onto the ball and leave the defence in their wake. Tom heading through on goal – there were screams of ‘square it’ from the sideline for the unmarked Peaky but the ball never made it as Tom, quite fairly had a crack at goal but the little keeper made a decent save.
The match was gaining momentum and next up was Andy Peak who left his marker for dead with a run down the left wing but it didn’t end well with Peaky going off with a hamstring strain.
South Yarra had the next 2 chances ( only 2 ) – first a corner was sent into the box and South Yarra’s answer to Kanu blazed the ball over the bar from 6 yards out!. The next happened when parkers were playing the ball out from the back, Mark Hoey went to intercept and the ball deflected towards goal only for Rich to prevent an own goal.
Simon ( in his new boots ) was next to go through on goal and on the edge of the box he was fouled – the screams could be heard at the Alfred as he hit the ground, the helicopter was starting its engines ready to air lift him! The resulting free kick amounted to nothing…
A lofted through ball from Jason sent Daz on his way and went shoulder to shoulder with the burly centre back – this time not loosing out and cut back to the edge of the box but pulled his shot wide – another missed opportunity and will have to practise his shooting this season!
We had a few more chances but I cant remember them!
The final whistle blew and the Parkers got another draw but a 1 nil would have been a fair result. Next up Elwood!
Squad:
Rich Gorret
Ben Cooksey
Spud Morely
Mark Hoey
Adam Bell
Simon Tortorici
Mark McGuigan
Dave Houghton
Daz Slade
Tom Curran
Iain Dickoson
Jarryd Wright
Jason Hart
Andy Peak