Game Report - 2012-01-15

Champions Elect

It was billed as one of the biggest games in Valtaro Wasteels recent history. Going into the game, Wasteels were 5 points clear at the top of Division 1. Fairfield, who were in 2nd place, were the only team to have defeated Wasteels in the league this season. Both sides were the form teams in the division, having remained undefeated in all of their previous 9 games and neither would want to give up that run of form.

A rallying call was made via various social media for, ex players, friends, and WAGS to come along and support and they duly obliged. 3 wives, Tania, Maria Luisa and Claudia, Wasteels Hall of Famer, Mario Cattini, 2 ex sponsors in Stefano Fiori and John Fugaccia and 2nd team Captain and Vice Captain Govanni Del Maestro and Rob Morris. Wasteels biggest and most loyal fan, Pasquale Lunghi, was also in attendance making sure everybody on the sides was suitably stocked with sweets.

Il Mister, had the luxury of choosing from a full squad and was also able to name 5 substitutes given that the 2nd team did not have a fixture this weekend.

After a good start on a very hard and slippery surface, Cioni hit the outside of the post from a narrow angle after having intercepted a miss kick by the goalkeeper. Wasteels had a scare of their own and almost gifted the opposition a goal when Meola fumbled a routine catch onto the post. The rebound was making its way to a Fairfield striker for a 1 yard tap in when Margelli showed immense acceleration to make a flying tackle and keep the scores level.

Moments later, Wasteels were celebrating when a move from defence to attack culminated in Cioni, converting a Marchini. M. cross. The blues seemed to be taking control of the game and restricted their opponents to long shots which Meola was dealing with comfortably. However there was little he could do when after defending a corner, Wasteels failed to close down a loose ball on edge of the box and the Fairfield midfielder, crashed home with a fine half volley. Meola Got a hand to the shot but the sheer pace of the strike was too much.

Wasteels continued to push and despite having a 5 point lead at the top of division 1, were playing like a team who wanted more and would not settle for a draw. Just before 1/2 time, a quick throw on the right hand side found its way to Malavasi 2 yards from goal. The ball pitched up perfectly and Malavasi struck a speculative half volley of his own which went up and down like a falling leaf, the shot made famous by Brazilian legend, Waldyr Pereira or 'Didi'. The goalkeeper stood motionless as he watched the ball hit the back of the net.

The break came and Wasteels knew that the next 45 mins would be a test of character. Il Mister and our awesome away support could not have asked for more when almost immediately after the restart, Kelmendi struck into an almost empty net after a great cross and knock down by Malavasi and Marchini, R. respectively.

Fairfield threw men forward in search of the 2 goals they needed to draw at the least, and they were given a lifeline when once again, after failing to clear our lines after a corner, a Fairfield midfielder, controlled with his right before hitting a wonderful looping effort over Meola's head and into the top left hand corner.

Gangemi, Davison and Da Silva replaced, Kelmendi, Di Cesare and Cioni, and this gave Wasteels fresh legs for a brilliant finale in which Malavasi collected a spilt cross from the goalkeeper to grab his second of the game and Gangemi played in Da Silva who finished with a trademark lob and world cup winning celebration.

Fairfield finished the game with 10 men after the sending off of their midfielder for verbal abuse aimed at the match official.

All in all, a terrific performance from Wasteels when they really needed to produce one. Many will think that with an 8 point gap, the league is sewn up now but this is the biggest mistake anyone at the club could make. Having not won a trophy for over 10 years now, we must make it a priority to approach all remaining games with yesterday’s mentality. Only once we are holding the league trophy can we celebrate properly otherwise all the clean sheets, wonder goals and freezing Wednesday night training sessions will have been a waste of time.

UP THE STEELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subs:

Author: Claudio Bardetti

Back