FFSA 2nd Cup Round vs MetroStars

N.E. MetroStars 7 - 0 S.C.O.C.S.C. Considering many SA football 'pundits' were predicting scores of 13+ to nil, this was a fantastic result against a semi-professional side many divisions above us. NE MetroStars are considered by many to be the top side in the state, and boast 3 ex-Adelaide United players, the former captain of the U/20 national side, and the 2008 National Youth League golden boot winner. Metro came out firing from the whistle, moving the ball around beautifully on their extremely wide pitch. It was obvious they were looking to score a number of early goals and then coast into a comfortable win. Despite losing the frail and aged Al after only 20 minutes, Haydos, Dan, Dunsy and Jack's desperate, tenacious and tough defending saw Metro limited to snatched half-chances and poor long range efforts for much of the first half. Indeed Chris found himself with a golden opportunity (one of many!!) to put Scotch 1 up 30 mins into the first half with a one on one that he sent inches wide of the far post. Only one moment of slack marking saw Metro slot in a single goal before the break. Rooney was replaced by Toby at the break, after a hardworking performance up front, trying to feed on scraps, and Rev gave his usual inspiring pep talk!! After a bollocking from their coach that could be heard in Marden, Metro scored 2 quick goals before the Scotchie boys settled back into the match and again shut up shop for the next 30 minutes. Continued brilliance from the back four again limited Metro to poor shots, but it was about this time that our midfield and strikers began to believe that they could mix it with the big boys and we started to create a few scoring opportunities. Dain, Ferg, Chris, Toby, and Gammy worked tirelessly to win the ball in the midfield and provide the forwards with some service, but it was the pure class of Andy 'Timmy' Timmas that created three wonderful chances that unfortunately the experienced metro defence and keeper manged to put enough pressure on our forwards for indecision to rob us of a deserved goal! Quinnny then came on for Dain and unfortunately got a corked thigh after only having played a few minutes, leaving us with only 10 players for the last 15-20 minutes. It was in this period that Metro's class and superior conditioning took it's toll as they fired in a quick four goals to end the match. Special mention has to go to Dave 'The Wall' Lonardo for his inspired stint in goals today. Classy save followed classy save from a guy who has come a very long way since he first turned out in a Scotchie shirt. I think he suprised a lot of people today, and not just those from MetroStars. Keep it up Dave mate, use it as a platform to build from, you can hold your head high and be very proud of yourself!! Best - Dave Lonardo 3, Matthew Duns & Andrew Timmas 2 each, Dan Adams 1