We decided to go in an hour earlier than usual in anticipation of a big crowd despite a couple of nasty showers at about 4.00PM, and it was heartening to find the bottom level, where we normally sit, already full, but a drag to have to climb the 129 (yes a counted them) steps to the top tier which was already pretty full. The crowd was eventually announced at 14 666, another record for the STRIKERS, although, from where we were looking down, the population looked a bit sparse: but I expect our side would have been pretty full - I'll see on OTB today.
I think it was probably the best game of club football I have seen in Brisbane. Both side going at one another with true passion. Every STRIKER was magnificent. They harried the United midfield almost off the park for long periods. Nick Meredith (he finally picked up a yellow) was almost superhuman and so strong. He was in for balls he should never have got near and the timing of his tackling was at times almost Keansean. Right across the back the STRIKERS were generally safe and few balls were pumped aimlessly forward.
Bolton had a flawless night and pulled off one amazing save in each half. The first to dive low to his left to deflect round the post a brilliant little late touch on a diagonally hit powerful shot, and the second to time a dive two metres out to intercept a certain goal which would have equalized for United. The forwards actually got behind the defence, which has corrected one of our failings all this year, and Gary Philips took some imaginative corners too. FF and Casey Wehrman were relatively quiet. They both seemed visibly slower than usual and, though it hurts to say it, if Frank is not carrying an injury then the old anno domini is caching up. Casey W was either not fully recovered or a bit overwhelmed by the magnitude of the occasion - he is only a boy.
The STRIKERS' goal was possibly the best worked of the year with good build up work before Cranney (I'm falling in love with him too) placed (yes, placed) the ball beautifully around the keeper at the far post.
What of Sydney United? They are a great side, and showed some fantastic and intricate moving off the ball, accurate passing and rapid counter attacking. On several occasions it was only heart stopping (especially an amazing one from Danny Wright) last ditch tackling that prevented them scoring a few; but I think their main problem was (thank goodness) an unwillingness to shoot early and a desire to pass the ball (Liverpool style ) into the net. That said, despite the emotion and enthusiasm of both sides, the game was essentially clean, and I felt the yellow cards that were given were perhaps a little harsh.
I doubt a disinterested party could have known which team had the five current internationals and it was great to leave the ground with a buzz all around. I ran into Tony on the way out (why do you wear that Hammers shirt, Tony? :-) ) and he said one is not enough. I'm afraid I agree and both sides could have scored more. However, with Gwynne back and the same whole-hearted determination in Sydney next week, I think it is not mission impossible for the STRIKERS. If you're in Sydney and not a United fan why not go and support the non-ethnic STRIKERS ?
BTW, my Cranney count was only 16, so that gives you some idea how we were up for it!