City v Waverly

After an enforced break due to holidays/odd number of teams/opposition calling off etc., City restarted their league campaign against Waverly last Saturday. A sign of the times that Waverly, an amalgam of three teams and historical National League campaigners are now reduced to one team at City's level so two genuine line ups prepared to do battle on a dry Autumn morning in Dunfie.

City were missing the legend Mr City but welcomed back the misser of chances and the reason behind shouts of FFS, Millsie.

Totally ignoring his history or maybe reenergised by his break from the sport, FFS was soon replaced by Deadly David. Two fast breaks by the City, or as fast as we can break, against a leaden footed defence and Miller put away two chances convincingly and City were two up intent minutes. A third might have followed as a defender went down in the circle and obstructed Miller from completing a first half hat trick but only for a foul to be given against Miller for no obvious reason to City.

For the remainder of the half play was fairly even, no clear chances were being created by Waverly but City could not increase their lead further. So to half time with City leading comfortably 2-0 and deservedly so. Apart from goal god Miller, other pleasing aspect was the closing down of Waverly's two best players in midfield especially by Ben.

Onto the second half and from the reporter's point of view City never really started but Waverly only created one good chance when their forward shot against the near post and the ball was cleared. Constantly City could not link up could between the defence through midfield to attack, conceded possession and allowed Waverly to spend most of the second half attacking without really testing Brandon.

One breakaway lead to the most exciting moment of the game, a midfield clash, a flailing City stick and cries of retribution from Waverly. Serious point - I easily could have red carded our unnamed player for violent conduct but in the setting of the game this was a very isolated incident, gave those involved a 5 min naughty step suspension and got on with the game. The players involved apologised to each other and the game proceeded without further incident. Please players do not replicate this as an away umpire could issue a straight red and 3 game suspension, be careful.

Back to the game and into the last five minutes Waverly work their way along our backline, cross into the goalmouth and after an almighty scramble  its 2-1. Within a minute or two Waverly forced a short corner and it was 2-2. A minute later, a dangerous clearance inside the City D, penalty corner and it was 3-2 to Waverly. Game over.

Game City should never have lost. We need to secure our own possession, have confidence in our own players to pass to them and free ourselves to take a return pass. Do not force a pass and lose possession, turn overs kill. Clean up the defensive tackling, losing out in the tackle is leading to poor recovery tackles or wild swipes which are automatically short corners. Think that body contact is not allowed and we will not give away stupid fouls. These are some of the points from the second half, the opinion of an ump who had to suffer watching a terrible second half after a positive first half. Criticism is my analysis and is intended to be constructive for the good of club and player. Onwards.