More of the high scoring entertainment as occurred last night at Marconi Stadium, and I'm sure there will be more than the reported 2952 paying customers who witnessed it last night.
I have never known Marconi to follow the lead of some other clubs and *overstate* the crowd figure, but I do know of at least one occasion when the crowd was understated by in excess of 1000.
Personally my estimate, as a regular attendee was circa 3200, but others thought it was indeed less.
As GKW pointed out in an earlier post, the 'volunteers' who now man the gates (unfortunate cost cutting necessity it seems) appeared to be experiencing a few teething troubles, and it would be no surprise to me if a few bodies were not counted.
That ain't an excuse for a poor crowd..although my often argued personal view is that I don;t give a toss about crowd figures anyway, as I go there to watch the quality of the football not to watch the crowd.
However it is unarguable that a healthy crowd (or one in ill health but lots of them!)is needed to keep the cash coming in.
It is perhaps not without coincidence that Adelaide City have also been receiving a lot of negative press, and their crowd was pretty low too.
More on our media people in later posts, but back to the game.
There was no doubt going into this match that Marconi simply HAD to win.
A loss, and even as early as round three and our season was down the tube! The victory will give enormous confidence to the young boys in the team, and everyone around the club.
Lee Sterrey should be given credit for doing so much with so little, and there appears to be a new pride in the players that perhaps was not there the past season or two.
Obviously with such a small squad, injuries and suspensions may very well take their toll, but the main impact is going to be if Angelo Costanzo ever gets sick!
Undoubtedly in my not so humble opinion, he is THE best player in Australia, and he even fouls with a degree of professionalism second to none!
Unfortunately jonesy managed to score from the free kick given away by australia's number one, despite my best efforts behind the goals to distract his attention at the vital point.
The two late goals by marconi were much appreciated, even if one was a shade lucky, and as GKW said sent me home happy.
Sydney United next week, then a bye, then off to Melbourne for the Knights.
Difficult to say where we will end up in the league, the enthusiasm and running shown by this small, mobile side is a treat to watch, but one always has concerns about the 'staying power' of youngsters who have been pitchforked into NSL action.
I guess we'll just have to wait and see.