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 Meanwood's important match against Inter Mi Nan was treated with a great deal of confidence; perhaps too much confidence as the majority of the team expected a walkover. Inter Mi Nan were on top form and had almost caused a massive shock when they almost beat Omar Superstars the previous weak. On the other hand, Meanwood had been playing well but hadn't been finishing off opponents. A win for Meanwood would see them challenge third place, a loss would see them one point off seventh place. All was to play for.
Several of Meanwood's key players had turned up at Goals in slightly worse for wear. However, they were willing to fight for the cause and Meanwood lined up with a full team. Ayden Fertug resumed his place in net and was accompanied by Richard Bissitt, Anthony Mckieth, Daniel Woodward and Alex Jones who was making his return to the side. Gafa was the unlucky player who had to spend the first five minutes on the bench. The match started disastrously for Meanwood as they failed to keep their composure and deal with an Inter Mi Nan down pour. Meanwood seemed jaded and were unable to defend against quicker and more energetic team. Inter Mi Nan had several chances early on but Ayden Fertug was able to get down low and save them. However, it didn't take Inter Mi Nan long to score when a defensive mistake let  Inter Mi Nan break through and place the ball coolly past Ayden. Meanwood were struggling to get to the pace of the game. Fortunately, Meanwood responded and managed to get a few shots on target but the majority of these went wide. However, Alex Jones did come close when his strong shot tested the keeper. Jones followed this up moments later with a shot that went wide and also hit the post. However, Inter Mi Nan were beginning to take advantage of Meanwood's lack of enthusiasm and stamina and broke free and sent a shot goal bound that Ayden Fertug did well to stop. Unfortunately, Ayden could only parry and the ball fell to an Inter Mi Nan player who slotted home to make the score a shocking 2-0. Five minutes had gone and Gafa wanted to come on as a sub. However, the starting team refused to let him…. possibly because they wanted to sort out their own mess. Meanwood then tried to come back into the match and Alex Jones mounted a few more attacks but these came to no avail. Meanwood were looking one hunderedth of the team that they had been in previous weeks (e.g. the team that beat Inter Mi Nan 13-5) and were struggling to keep up with the pace of the game. Inter Mi Nan broke forward a few more times but Ayden Fertug just about managed to save them. However, Inter Mi Nan could not be denied for much longer as they capitalised on another unfortunate defensive mistake. Meanwood were a team in crisis, the game seemed to have been lost with only ten minutes gone. Gafa finally came on. Would Gafa be able to rescue Meanwood? Well…no but he did manage to string a few passes together and create a few chances. Alex Jones then managed to pull one back for Meanwood after he drilled a low shot into the bottom right hand corner. Alex Jones had been knocking on the door for some time and deserved his goal, although many spectators would argue that Meanwood didn't. Meanwood had finally started to wake up and threatened to add to their total before half time through Gafa, Bissitt, Mckieth and Jonesy. However, they were denied by a solid Inter Mi Nan keeper. As the half time whistle went Meanwood walked to their net knowing that they had let themselves down.
Surprisingly, Meanwood started the second half brightly. They passed the ball around confidently and completely dominated the match in the opening ten minutes. However, there was no desire to break forward and score, as Meanwood seemed content with keeping possession. However, they did a good chance when Gafa played Mckieth clean through. Unfortunately, Mckieth slipped and sent his shot narrowly over the bar. Woody also managed to break forward and have a strong attempt on goal. Meanwood found the second half break through that they deserved when Bissitt drilled a thunderbolt into the bottom corner of the net. A world class strike from a dedicated Meanwood player, nicely done. Meanwood were then beginning to sniff for an equaliser and Jonesy almost scored. However, Inter Mi Nan cruelly counter attacked and scored when an unmarked player was clean through and placed the ball past Ayden Fertug. Meanwood tried to mount a comeback and score when Mckieth sent a decent shot into the top left hand corner of the net. However, Inter Mi Nan responded immediately and added a fifth leaving Meanwood embarrassed. Gafa sent a stunner towards goal. However, this unfortunately hit the cross bar. Mckieth then had a goal disallowed after the referee pulled Meanwood back for a foul. The referee finally blew his whistle on one of Meanwood's lowest moments.  Meanwood's Man Of The Match- Nobody Nobody deserved man of the match because nobody played well. Some players played average but didn't offer anything special. However, Alex Jones did play quite well on his return but he didn't receive much service up front and was forced to go alone. Bissitt was steady at the back and did his job. Conclusion It's a bit difficult summing up this performance. Actually it's quite easy - Meanwood's worst 5-a-side performance EVER. Right, now that's over with. What went wrong? Meanwood just seemed completely jaded and lacked passion. Personal issues might have affected the performance of some players but as a team Meanwood lacked passion and a togetherness that has seen them threw some difficult times. When Meanwood did begin to control the game, they forgot the score line and didn't chase the game as much as they should and could have. The best thing Meanwood can do is to simply forget about this performance and get back to playing the way they can. On another day, Meanwood would have hammered Inter Mi Nan. Wait…they did 13-5 a few weeks ago. Meanwood have let themselves down but they are the youngest team in the Mens League and will learn from their mistakes. Meanwood remarkably are still forth, although one point separates them from seventh. Next up is a match against Real Oriental…Meanwood won't be losing that match. Don't even think about it, no chance! |