F*ck. I think we last scored from open play about 2 months ago.
We started with Slim, Aktinson, Horvat and Douglas in defence, which looked good to keep them scoreless for the whole game,er, 30 minutes. Cartwright got away down the right and Mori, as ever, ghosted between our defence to convert the cross.
We were given a penalty - Kim cleared from Slater on the ground, but then Slater stumbled/dove over Kim and Connolly pointed to the spot. Noone stepped up in the absence of Marth, so Atkinson went all the way forward and made it.
Usually when Matic goes 1-0 up you can expect him to close the game but not tonight. City played really well and tried getting more.
Vidmar placed a perfect shot from a freekick low and inside the post for their second. Vidmar and Horvat have both gone down a long, long way since November 1997.
Now, after the game - Sticca spat a 20 minute dummy, singling out Conroy for lack of effort. Our beloved first coach was hanging around. I couldn't help but go up to him and say "Please come back". He laughed it off in good humour (I think).
We shouldn't be in this position - with our squad, 2 wins in the last 10, still in the 6. Makes no sense whatsoever to me. I think the declining standards of the NSL are apparent when 4 teams from NSW are in the top 6...
There was a GREAT article in the fanzine - I'll post it shortly.
[Here 'tis - Ed]
Listen to a great tale: There was a day on Earth, and in the midst of the Earth, there stood two armies. The fist buoyed with Hellenic pride had such faith that they said to the other: 'Today thou shalt be destroyed at Olympic Park'.
The second host was not perturbed. For while both wore the scared colour Blue, it was the second who carried the splendour of the Navy Shield and whose legions were indeed true. For the host of Navy had suffered much sorrow from past evils inflicted by their Hellenic foes. Yet fair and marvellous were the sons and daughters of Navy as from despair, courage and commitment was born under the prophecy of "A dream won't do".
Of that battle much is said in many tales: for the meeting of the hosts of Blue will be forever known as the Great Battle, in which all of Melbourne was aflame with war.
Never had a more fierce battle been before. And in appeared as if the Hellenic forces would make true their threat, for they had pride and history their side. However, the Navy host possessed Hellenic pride too, and they also possessed the pride of many other great tribes, from the Northern Highlands to the isles beyond the Tasman. This pride united when in their darkest hour a trumpet sounded in the East and a roar came from the Northern garden of Olympic Park. A navy script was set down in history's pages.
The day ended, the hubristic words of the Hellenic did not come true. For their faith rested on lies and mockery and of evil deeds which the valiant followers of Navy would not consent to.
Listen: The Hellenic forces were to some loftiest of all on Earth. They were that which gave meaning to Life. But the Navy host did not spare them and them live in their lie. And from the ruins of the fallen empire a Hellenic general was heard to ask "What is there to live for?" None save the bearers of the Navy Shield can give answer.
Paris of Carlton