With other Division 2 games falling into our favour, primarily SS Eagles losing to Loganholme we are now very close to making that all important second spot on the ladder.
With this in mind, a collective decision was made to field a very different team for the Canale Cup semi final against Rochdale Rovers. The objective is to rest the senior players
for the important away game against Loganholme on Saturday, 21st August 2010.
As expected Rochdale Rovers fielded an "A" class side, that has already wrapped the Brisbane Premier League two weekend ago. On the other hand we fielded a fearless team
of 5 Youth, 5 Reserve, 3 regular Senior players and Mauro Saloman.
It didn't take long for Rochdale to take control of the game and put pressure on our mix of youth and experience. I ore of the quality of play by Rochdale, our boys gave them the space
to create some nice play and opportunities. Mauro (our Goal Keeper) was at times the only player showing resistance to the onslaught. We conceded 4 goal at regular intervals
through out the first half of the game.
While in the change rooms at half time, we decided to start with a clean slate, made some adjustments and identified player tasks and responsibilities.
In the second half we managed to neutralize some of Rochdale's play makers and gave ourselves more time on the ball and we managed to move into their half of the park regularly.
Again, Mauro has an outstanding half, giving us hope and motivating all on the park. Rochdale Rovers, both on the park and in the dug-out were getting frustrated with the lack of goals and
the game move from a "training session" to a good competition. From a defensive mistake Rochdale gets their fifth and final goal on the night.
I would like to express my greatest respect to all the players making the field and to all the Senior players who worked so hard to put ACE on the football map by making it to the
Canale Cup semi finals. I have no doubt that the result would be very different if the game timing was different.
Special mention to:
Danny Flaskas and Robbie Kidd for mentoring and directing the boys on the field.
Alex (Roose) 16 , Ben 17, Jarred 18 and Joseph 17 for playing well above their age.
Mauro Saloman for an outstanding effort in front of goals.