Thinkers hit by credit crunch

Visa 8 PFFC 0

Damo, 3 March 2008

 

Yes, you read the score correctly. This was the worst result of PFFC’s season so far, not helped by only having 11 players and with Rico and Conrad valiantly battling on for 90 minutes despite carrying injuries. A very welcome return to big Brian alongside Damian at the heart of the defence, with Rico and Andy as full backs and Owen continuing with goalkeeping duties. José started at left midfield with Tom on the right and Tamber and Ally in the centre. Conrad and Vito started up front.

Once again, PFFC started badly, conceding an early, albeit unfortunate, goal – a Visa player just managing to put the ball in the net following a bit of a goalmouth scramble. A good, strong side, Visa were playing some fine football through 2 of their midfielders who had the ability to pick out perfect passes or to go on good runs deep into our half. However, we were also playing some good football at times, particularly when we got the ball on the deck and moved it across the pitch from left to right. Vito and José were causing some problems with their close control and skill, and Tom and Ally were making strong runs and attempting to get on the end of through balls. Nothing came of it however, and soon after, Visa scored twice in quick succession to go into half time 3-0 up.

Heads were down. Yet views were expressed at half time which shows the passion which has been ever present this season and has helped create a great squad full of pride and spirit. And despite being down to a bare 11 and with injuries on the pitch, PFFC still dug in, but overall the second half was disappointing. Players were getting tired and mistakes and sloppiness began to creep in. Visa were confident. Their 2 midfielders were central to their every move and created problems almost every time they got the ball. José switching up front with Vito coming into midfield changed things for a while and Tamber did his best to get stuck into the opposition midfielders and upset their play. PFFC probably needed the final whistle though. The last 10 minutes seeing 3 quick goals going in to take the score to 8-0 and Visa looking for more whilst PFFC looked shattered.

Eventually, the referee blew for the end of the game and PFFC trudged off to try and gain some positives from the match. And, despite the result, there definitely were some. After a few days, we can look back and see the passion that exists in the team, with some of the newer players providing some of our best moments through their determination – looking like they've played for several seasons with PFFC. When some heads were down, others weren't standing for it and tried to lift the team. Also, there was a good turnout for post-match drinks, afterthought and discussion of future PFFC events. We now have a 3-week break before our next match. A good chance to recover from injury and to keep fit through 5-a-side. Also, with 2 games remaining, we can return to the main reason we're all with PFFC – to enjoy our football. It might look difficult following the last 3 results but with the continued spirit shown all season from the squad, we can look forward to the smiles returning to our faces.