Brief Match Report
Defence Force 4 DIRECTV North East Stars 3
North East started off a little brighter and it seemed initially that DF were missing top scorer Josling. However, DF were awarded a penalty in the 15th minute which was well saved by Woods, but unfortunately, he parried the ball back into the 18 yard box and Edwards reacted fastest to thump the rebound into the net.
Stars reacted positively and two minutes later, after a beautiful passing move, Sean Fraser scored the equaliser. This set the pace for an interesting and exciting game where both teams had good spells. North East managed to play their passing game for periods while DF relied on their counter-attack style which has served them so well this season.
North East again took the initiative at the start of the 2nd half, but it was to be DF who found the net again, with Richard Roy scoring in the 49th minute. The Stars however, must have been watching lots of World Cup games, as they clearly were not aware of both teams current form and decided that they could still win! Errol McFarlane equalised in the 56th minute and Akiel Guevera put North East in front in the 65th. Both teams continued to attack and there was good work from the keepers and defenders. However, DF finally got their equaliser in the 79th minute, again through Richard Roy. North East had a chance to take the lead again, but McFarlane failed to lob past the DF keeper. With the rhythm section creating a crescendo of noise, every spectator was on the edge of the seat, no one daring to guess who would get the winning goal. It appeared that North East would be the first team this season to take a point from DF, when, in the 89th minute, some weak defending allowed Kevon Carter to get the winner. Carter completed the now obligatory DF goal celebration and got himself booked for removing his shirt, a small thing for preserving the Army's 100% record.
All in all, you have to admire the DF team spirit. They fought until the end and their goal celebrations are entertainment in themselves, and scored 4 goals without their leading scorer! However, a draw would have been a fairer reflection on the game. North East came from behind twice and took the lead and played some nice passing football. DF had only conceded 3 goals before this match, so praise has to go to North East for doubling DF's season intake.
Crowd wasn't too bad, but it seems the 6pm game is too early for most as the stands were still filling after 8pm. In fact the rhythm section didn't start playing until around 8.20!
A great game and a good atmosphere, and you wonder how much longer DF can remain unbeaten, but I wouldn't bet against them reaching 10 in 10.
