What a strange evening, with contrasts and similarities between the match and its abandoned original.
Contrasts.
Firstly the weather - it was almost cold even in the Torcida corner and I bet a bit nippy over on the UFTS stand.
Secondly the crowd size - well down I think.
Thirdly the quality of the STRIKERS' play - far superior to the first match and pretty well unrecognisable as the same lacklustre team that played Marconi only three days ago. For me the standout difference was the return of the wandering Dodd. He was up to his own best standard - anticipating, stopping, and, most importantly, constructing too. He adds a new detention not only to the security of our defence, but frees up the mid field to take more possession and in turn themselves be more constructive. Thus we over-ran United where it matters and gained our due desserts in the form of two unanswered goals.
Similarities. Best of all, Josh McCloughlan's goal ( his second first in the NSL). Next, the card for Huxley - this time only yellow. Also, just how shite were Sydney United?
Our numbers were down, but we seemed to be quite loud I thought despite the absence of Keith on the drum.. My favourite for the night was shared between the chant of "Romania, Romania. Why the s**t Romania?" and that Hungarian guy coming and adding a bit of class by getting us to sing and clap the Radzinsky March as the team came out. I will gat a copy to Adam to play over the PA.
We are within coo-ee of the top six spot being safe, but the last home game still be so crucial. Can't wait for it!