A reality check

 

Methven F.C 1 v Western Generals 1

 

The game kicked off with both teams quite sluggish in possession and neither really seizing initial control. Methven kept trying to incorporate their traditional neat passing game but loose passes and poor communication remained the thorn in their side. 

The visitors on the other hand opted for the long ball tactic, which could have proved quite tricky for the mountaineers but the home sides rearguard were in fine form and Keeper Wasley's goal was rarely disturbed.

Finally the deadlock was broken when Peneycad played a nice one, two exchange with Smith on the far right. Making his way to the edge of the box, cleverly cut the ball back to the well positioned Jan 'Luccini' who proceeded to twist one way and another to completely confuse and lose the defender before riffling a low effort into the bottom right hand corner, 1-0.

Having finally found the net, you would have thought that Methven would push on and settle down, looking to add to their fortunes, however they never really got a foot hold in game. The Generals were feeling sorry for themselves at times, thinking they weren't getting the rub of the green until rightfully or wrongly they were awarded a penalty when Liam Sheppard went into too physically for 50-50 header. Much to Methven's disappointment, last weeks hero, keeper Wasley couldn't replicate a penalty save and the visitors levelled the score, 1-1. 

Half time came and their was much food for thought on how to penetrate and hurt the Generals in the second half with the theory of exploiting gaps in the midfield. However the visitors changed their tactics and sat deeper in their own half, happy to hold out for a draw or perhaps hit the Mountaineers on the break. Methven struggled to work their way through the tightly packed 2 banks of four and never got into a second gear to make the breakthrough. The visitors continued to use their long ball outlet and despite not testing the keeper at all since the penalty they had the best chance to win the match. A fine effort from distance rattled the post and Peneycad produced a fine sliding tackle to evade the approaching strikers rebound tap in. 

Methven continued to probe to no avail and committed more players forward in the dying moments. Their persistence almost paid off when Thabs Khabu had a glorious chance in the six yard box but his effort could only find the side netting; the match ended 1-1. 

This was a timely reminder that the season will not be as easy as once thought and Methven will have to up their game substantially for the remainder of the season if they are to reach the heights they want to achieve. The only positives to take from this encounter is that they are still unbeaten this season and are yet to concede a goal from open play.

Special mention goes out to Ginga Shimomura for his man of the match performance, playing at left back for the first time this season.

 

Methven go again against Christchurch United Presidents next Saturday 28th, 2:30 kick off at Spreydon Domain.