TFC Dynamo

strider · Status: Offline Boot Boy Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 16

Just thought I'd put up a little offering, for something to do and a change for you guys as well!

Pollok Wanderers showed up in high spirits, but low confidence as they took on Dynamo for the second time on a wet, windy Sunday afternoon. The lack of any 11's games since the first meeting, and the fact more than half the team was not long sober from the previous night led to this rather ambivalent mood throughout the squad. It seems, however, that this state of affairs worked in our favour, as we decided before the match to just enjoy the game, not worry about the result too much and try to concentrate on losing less goals than before. This freedom allowed a few of the team to play a relaxed, natural game which gave rise to the best all round performance from us in a long time, if not ever.

We lined up 442, with new addition James Hedge coming in at left back, and the team resembling what will most likely be the starting 11 at Blackpool. It seemed that Dynamo also lined up 442, but early on it was apparent that player manager Ross Matheson was not playing as a conventional central midfielder, preferring to just sit off of the front two.

The game started relatively slowly, but Pollok felt quite comfortable in possession, passing the ball around far better than normally. Both teams made an effort to play the game building from the back, and this meant the game was a far more cultured affair than the previous meeting.

The first real chance fell to Pollok, as a good ball by Tony O'Neill was collected by Mark Mone, who dragged a shot wide when a square ball would have most likely resulted in a goal. It was to be a familiar scene throughout the game.

Another chance was spurned as Robert Cuthbert went through, and lobbed the keeper, but Dynamo's number 7 showed good pace to get back and clear it off the line.

Pollok were defending well, restricting Dynamo to very few clear cut chances, but one of them was very unlucky indeed. A turn and shot on the 18 yard line hit Stephen Gray's left hand post. It was a timely reminder for Pollok that they couldn't let their concentration slip too much.

A massive turning point in the game came when Dynamo's number 7 went off injured. This meant the pace of Pollok's forwards could be more effective, and left Dynamo with no other subs.

The opening goal, and only one of the half, came when a ball over the top was collected by Robert Cuthbert, who ran through to a one-on-one position with the keeper. Despite good angles by the goalie, Cuthbert was able to find the inside of the near post to open the scoring. Pollok felt they deserved the goal after the chances they had created.

The first half saw other chances spurned by Pollok, with both forwards dragging other shots wide. A poor touch by Mark Mone when through on goal saw him spurn another chance, and Tony O'Neill was unlucky with a good header that went just wide.

At the other end, Dynamo had a great chance when they broke through one-on-one, but Gray narrowed the angle well and the shot trundled just past the post.

HALF TIME - TFC DYNAMO 0 - 1 POLLOK WANDERERS

The Wanderers team talk was basically "more of the same". The energy levels had been surprisingly high, the football good and the defending excellent. We went out for the second half, knowing that whatever the result was we had done well so far.

A half time sub saw Danny McDowall replaced at right midfield by David Humphreys.

Much like the first half, Pollok started brightest, and missed another good chance or two. However, Dynamo started to get into the game more, and were helped by Pollok's inability to get a good goal kick out of their own half. Just as the pressure started to mount, a through ball for Mark Mone saw him clear from the halfway line. Dynamo claimed for offside as Mone took his chance early and made it 2-0. A very good finish considering he had missed easier chances beforehand.

At 2-0, Gray in goals made a couple of important saves, one from Alex Staff's daft header to prevent an own goal, and one at the feet of a Dynamo striker after the ball broke to him and he was through. Both saves could be considered pivotal, as the game turned after the third goal, scored by player manager O'Neill after some good determined play to win the ball. After this, Dynamo seemed to lose a little confidence, and Pollok kept defending well and mainly restricted Dynamo to longer shots which were difficult given the wet pitch and windy conditions.

A fourth goal came when O'Neill was put through, and squared it to Mone who took a touch and curled it round the defender and keeper. By this point, Korhan had been brought on for David Cuthbert, and Mone was subbed after the goal (much to his disgust) to allow Danny to come back on and play up front.

The Pollok back 4 kept their concentration and shape well, and were ably assisted by my personal man of the match, David Martin, in midfield who covered a massive amount of ground and seemed to clear almost every loose ball in front of the back 4. O'Neill spurned a good chance to make it 5 after taking a great ball by Cuthbert on the chest inside the 18 yard box and blazing over.

After the final whistle, Pollok manager O'Neill congratulated the entire side on a good performance, one we never perceived before the game started.

Dynamo played well, and certainly kept on trying to play the football from the back, but on the day just couldn't break down Pollok enough to create a lot of clear cut chances. For anyone watching from the side, it must have been a decent game to watch, played in a good spirit with both teams trying to play a bit of football.

FULL TIME - TFC DYNAMO 0 - 4 POLLOK WANDERERS

Apologies to anyone reading who had a chance I missed out, or feels the report is misrepresentative.

Pollok Wanderers side and ratings:

Stephen Gray (GK) - 9

Steven Guidi (RB) - 9
Alex Staff (CD) - 8
Paul Magee (CD) - 9
James Hedge (LB) - 9

Danny McDowall (RM) - 7
Tony O'Neill (CM) - 9
David Martin (CM) - 9
David Cuthbert (LM) - 7

Robert Cuthbert (CF) - 8
Mark Mone (CF) - 8

Subs: David Humphreys - 7
Korhan - 5

Stan · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 11:51 am Post subject:

Cheers for a look at that mate. I think it's pretty much fair. Ours isn't that much different to be honest. I've written our match report.. actually did it the night after the match, but just haven't bothered to update the website yet.. will do it now though so you can compare.
_________________
Stan wiped finger on Mo's face.
Mo: Why am I covered in crumbs?
Stan : Coz I've just crumbed in your face.

Stan has retired from comedy.

strider · Status: Offline Boot Boy Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 16

Looks like I got the goals mixed up!!

I figured the one that curled round you on the right was the last goal, and the breakaway was the second.

Ah well, no matter I guess.

Pretty fair match report, given that you do concentrate on yourselves in them.

Stan · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 1:30 pm Post subject:

There is a chance we've got our goals the wrong way round.. my memory for that kind of stuff is hellish, I usually have to rely on others to tell me that sort of thing.

You'd think I'd remember the goals sailing in by me.. but... no.

_________________
Stan wiped finger on Mo's face.
Mo: Why am I covered in crumbs?
Stan : Coz I've just crumbed in your face.

Stan has retired from comedy.