This was the new look A’s with four 2013 virgins/debutants. Blacks were put under the pump early letting through a cheap goal with some lazy defending. Somebody should have laid a heinous tackle at some point.

Blacks responded with some good work up the field leading to an Air Force Lu tap over to Thom P who finished with a violent drive into the bottom left. The Wolves’ keeper took a look and decided to save his hands for later.

Blacks added a second after some midfield dominance gave Brennan time and space to put a sublime through ball to Reece who overcame his surprise to slot home. Initial thoughts by Reece “how the F did that get through to me?” It was Brennan magic.

Further good play up the left gave Uni a 3rd on 44 minutes. Foti with some genius passing set Dools free for a floating lefty cross. Air Force Lu rose above the defensive line to brutalise the ball into the net, showing the full power of the Chinese war machine. With 1 minute in the half Blacks decided to go to break early allowing Wolves another cheap goal.

The half time chat mostly consisted of explaining the offside rule to Reece, and being sour about cheap goals. Also there were no oranges. Next week someone bring oranges.

The second half was a different animal. After a couple more early offsides, Wolves started getting more possession and picked up the pace. Billy, Aaron, Foti and Gaku were under constant pressure and responded brilliantly. Highlights were Aaron’s clearances which ranged from 2x cars in the carpark to a Sergio Ramos penalty-esque clearance that just kept going up.

Hussain got busy with some sweet runs and could have had a goal when he beat the keeper, but tried to beat the keeper a second time for style points or something.

Tommy B and Kyle entered the fray, with Tommy having a shot on target with his first kick. Unfortunately the Iron Left was a little rusty at that point. Kyle was busy on the right, combining well with Gaku. Blacks got another goal with Reece picking up a long ball and nailing into the net through the keepers hands.

Blacks started sitting back and defending and all was solid until a debatable free kick came off Aaron for a cheap OG. Aaron picked out the top left with his head nicely and Rajan had no chance to get a glove on it, cheap.

Blacks spent the last 5 minutes trying to pass to Bilal who was able to eat up big chunks of time just by standing near the ball and growling.

The guys held on for a 4-3 victory. Best Div 4 start of the year to date. GG. Thom’s quote after the game “Have we equalled our points total from last year?” Almost.

Division 4B

Northern Wolves, a new team this year, a new challenge. With Will Johnswood having purchased a new shin this week it seemed the only thing that could stop him was UV rays. Decent cloud cover lead to a breakout game from the ‘Jwood’.

The first half of the game was all ‘Black’. Typically solid defensive work from Pete supported on strongly on all sides was the story of the early game. It didn’t take long for Jwood to get on the scoreboard, though racking up 3 for the half – a combo of weaving runs, pure pace, and mesmerizing step-overs.

Kelvin unlucky to have a top left bound curler tapped over by the keeper and Flynn bent the crossbar with a vicious drive.

Sammy C looked dangerous on the left, and Rajan and Dave directed play like Napoleon and Caesar, with devastating effect. Dools was only required to make the one awesome save to keep the sheets clean.

The second half brought more of the same. Jwood turned provider with a couple beautiful cutbacks, setting up Flynn and Dave for some well-deserved goals.

Wolves made a few aggressive changes, bringing more defensive work for the Blacks. Chris put in a solid defensive shift, with some devastating runs down the wing, while Sam W and Aiman were emulating Barcelona’s passing style on the other side.

Bilal and Tony entered the fray at 5-0, and after dropping a goal despite awesome ‘keeping, the Blacks responded quickly. Dave powering in another low drive, and Tony ‘meggsing’ the ‘keeper. Bilal found time to monster a few enemy midfielders, and held the ball up nicely.

Good work Blacks with a 7-1 win. Tony was quoted after the game, “it was ‘meggs’ so put me down for 2 goals”.