|
|
|
|
NSL: Dreadful
Spirit Crushed By Rampant Newcastle National Soccer League - Round
3 - Friday 4th October 2002 Ill-discipline, lack of mobility, poor ball distribution, and a distinct lack of flair were all hallmarks of a woeful Northern Spirit side that were humiliated 5-0 by Newcastle United tonight at EnergyAustralia Stadium. Two red cards issued to Simon Bell and Vuko Tomasevic added to Spirit’s horrid night, as they were well and truly beaten, even before Bell’s send-off six minutes before the half-time break. Bell’s dismissal can only be described as a brain explosion as he ended any slim hope for his team’s comeback. In the 39th minute Bell executed a soft foul on United wingback Steve Eagleton. Referee Matthew Breeze blew for a free kick and as he pointed towards the Spirit side of the field for the infringement Bell inexplicably slapped the referee’s hand down. Breeze had no hesitation but to show the red card. Bell was sent off twice during the pre-season and Spirit coach Lawrie McKinna stated in the post-match press conference that the club would investigate Bell’s future with the club. Fifteen minutes into the second half Spirit were reduced to nine men as Tomasevic executed an ugly tackle from behind on Eagleton. Tomasevic was already sitting on a yellow for a first half infringement on Scott Thomas, but referee Breeze issued the red instantly. Northern Spirit was already struggling to contain the faster and more mobile Newcastle outfit and these two dismissals made things much harder. United signaled their intention for the game early as they dominated possession through their mobility and Spirit’s inability to hold the ball for more than two passes. Spirit also showed their intention by playing a lone striker in Hamilton Thorp. The much-lauded Thorp was highly ineffectual in this role as struggled to control the ball at every attempt and had the work rate of a 150kg Sunday League player. It came as no surprise that Thorp was replaced at halftime, by the sprightlier Kiwi youth international Brent Fisher. Newcastle should have hit the scoreboard as early as the 13th minute, though Esala Masi squandered the gift opportunity. A magic through ball by Milan Blagojevic found Joel Griffiths wide on the right. Griffiths crossed low to Masi on the penalty spot. Masi fluffed his shot into a Spirit defender and the ball dribbled to keeper Paul Henderson. United did get their reward ten minutes later through a simple finish by Joel Griffiths. Former Spirit player Scott Thomas bustled his way through four defenders, hit the touchline, and sent an accurate cross to Griffiths unmarked on the far post. Griffiths easily headed home. Four minutes later Masi forced a brilliant acrobatic save from Henderson. Masi drove a rocket from 25 yards, and somehow Henderson managed to save the shot even though the ball deflected off defender Julian Watts. In the 32nd minute Newcastle went two ahead. Masi barged Andrew McDermott off the ball in what appeared to be a foul. This left Masi free with only the keeper to beat. The Fijian skipper drew Henderson and passed square to Griffiths who had an easy tap in home. United’s third came just before halftime through some excellent lead-up work. Midfielder Peter Tsekenis brilliantly flicked the ball past McDermott to find open space. He played an excellent one-two with Griffiths and drove his shot towards goal. Henderson parried Tsekenis’s attempt and the ball fell into the path of Thomas. Thomas’s first attempt was blocked by Watts, but he scrambled the ball into the net with the second bite of the cherry. Newcastle did not ease off the pedal in the second half with Thomas coming close to scoring twice five minutes into the stanza. United continued to apply the blowtorch with chances by Eagleton and Baillie thwarted by Henderson. United’s fourth came in the 67th minute with Joel Griffiths grabbing his third. Thomas, who was brilliant all night, played a deft ball to Eagleton on the right. Eagleton drew Henderson and passed to an unmarked Griffiths, who posted one of the easiest hat tricks he’ll ever get. Newcastle completed their rout nine minutes later through substitute Alex Moreira. Moreira curled a world-class free kick into the top corner from 25 yards that left Henderson with no hope. The free kick was a magical piece of skill from the gifted striker and no fluke, as Moreira demonstrated this ability on more than one occasion for United last year. It was an excellent night for Newcastle as they completed a win record margin since their inclusion in the league. The only downside of the night for the home team was the measly crowd of 5219. This must be a huge disappointment for the club as the crowds that flocked to EnergyAustralia Stadium last year have failed to return. Five thousand in a stadium that size made for a poor atmosphere, despite the best attempts of a handful of vocal United and Spirit supporters. These supporters entertained those remaining with a “sing-off” outside the dressing sheds after the game. For Spirit, nine goals conceded in two games must be a huge worry for coach McKinna. Slack marking and an inability to control United’s pace, as well as a huge lack of discipline, contributed to their downfall tonight. NEWCASTLE UNITED 5 (Griffiths J 23’/ 32’/ 67, Thomas 45’, Moreira 76’) - NORTHERN SPIRIT 0 Crowd: 5219 MATCH STATS: NEWCASTLE
UNITED
: Yellow Cards:
Griffiths J 62’ NORTHERN
SPIRIT
: Yellow Cards:
Hutchinson 37’, Tomasevic 49’, Tobin 57’ Referee: Matthew Breeze 7/10 Pitch: 9/10 (Grass shaped into wavy lines a nice touch) Game rating: 5/10 Best Players : 3 – Thomas (United)
|
||||||||||||
Crafted lovingly by hand © Magic Llama 2000, 2001