We travelled to what seems the other end of the world to take on team number one – North Pine Pythons. We were very even in our first match of the year and expected no different this time around. We spoke about being very solid in the middle and securing our finals spot with a win. The game didn’t start so well with North Pine scoring straight off the kick off and all of a sudden we were down 1 nil. We then decided to wake up and get into the game. At the 3’mark, Blair had a shot on goal saved by their keeper. We kept persevering and our efforts were rewarded when Tim set up Isaak with a lovely finish to bring the score back to 1 all. The game seesawed with opportunities available for both sides. At the 22’mark, a goal looked certain for North Pine but for a diving save from our super sub keeper Jonas. With a diving save he deflected the ball wide. At the 25’mark, Buster and Isaak combined well in the midfield to put a through ball in behind their backline for Blair to run onto. With only the keeper to beat, he blasted the ball straight over the crossbar. The ref blew for halftime and we headed for the shade. For winter, it was a hot one. We had the downhill run in the second half and we were well and truly in the match.
The game continued along the same vein as the first half. It was end to end stuff and opportunities for both sides to take the lead. North Pine ended up capitalizing on space at the top of the 18 yard box and with a pivoted shot, slotted the ball into the top right corner. North Pine into the lead 2-1. We had our opportunities but just couldn’t finish. We were also denied by a few very good saves by their keeper who is the one of the two U14 QCSA Qld keepers. He stayed in goal for the whole match with North Pine knowing they needed to be at their best to deny Blackstone a win. At the 51’mark, North Pine slotted home their 3rd goal to seal the match. We kept pushing but could find the back of the net.
Full time result North Pine 3 defeated Blackstone 1.
