Fyfes 2-7 Queens Park - 22 April 2007

By Eddy Blaxell

Disclaimer: I am told most of this report is bullshit. Apologies

As new signing Burak Akinci watched on, Team Fyfe put in a remarkably spirited display to win a hard-fought second half at Queens Park on Sunday.

It was a performance so great that it warrants a special one time only shortened match report.

From the outset, the Fyfes controlled the second half, though the pace and skill of the QP midfield, led by 16 and 17, always threatened.

After stand in keeper Shane had made the most of his ball magnet skills to thwart no fewer than three QP attacks, Fyfes got the breakthrough as (I can't really remember but this might have happened) Jasper was released to tuck the ball past the keeper and put Lokomotiv Cove ahead. (Actually Jasper didn't score, he was on the bench, but we can't remember who did - ed.)

The Fyfes then had to contend with some very poor refereeing, as Long "Eric" Chen tripped over the ball on the edge of the box but was not awarded his customary free kick.

Lewis provided constant entertainment; never before has a defender had such a lust for a challenge that once he wins the ball he feels compelled to give it back to the striker and start all over again.

That said, he was often popping up in the right place to make important clearances or win aerial challenges.

D'Arcy Blaxell was not quite up to his usual standards, the pressures of four straight days of football clearly having taken their toll.

Queens Park scored an equaliser, with a right-footed shot finding the goal. (That is more information than you'll ever get from a Michael Cockerill match report.) (In actual fact, QP scored first. Whatever. -ed.)

Quinn Savit made his debut and could have put the Fyfes back in front when he controlled and Dan's cross, but his shot from just inside the box could only find the keeper.

The Fyfes were attacking well down the right, and minutes later a deep cross from Ed Blaxell found Curran who volleyed over the bar from 20 yards.

Chen and Jasper were frequently pushed off the ball by the stronger Queens Park defence, but when Jasper did find his way through his habit of taking twelve touches to get the ball on his left foot proved his downfall.

Gordo was looking good on the left, and should have been in with yet another chance to take the lead, but right back Ed Blaxell, caught suspiciously out of position on the left of midfield, could only find the sideline with an attempted through ball following some neat passing from Curran.

The Fyfes impressed with no less than four one-twos, moves that most certainly would have had Sydney High coach Mr Gifford in raptures if he ever decided to watch a football game and not the Cronulla Sharks.

Hibbert's biggest contribution to this game was dragging his parents along; Mr and Mrs Hibbert proving the catalyst for one of the best halves in Fyfes history.

Leigh and Tommo from AA8 and "AA8" were on hand to boost the bench to a record 18, however they were gone before the half got underway, perhaps sent home by the manager, or perhaps running away after listening to the manager.

Either way, the experience was reminiscent of Pierre Littbarski and Terry Butcher's experiences, the two leaving their clubs to join a newly formed and high-profile football side, only to be left disappointed.

Jacko was injured, or just didn't want to take the field. Either way, who could blame him? (Out for four weeks -ed.)

Burkey was his usual solid self, in full flight with his slow-motion version of the Adam Casey kick-the-ball-into-the-other-guy-and-somehow-always-get-it-back routine.

Rory was Rory, Marcus was Marcus, Luke was Luke, and co-manager Michael Blaxell was absent with the sailing bug.

Late in the second half, Dan's corner drifted in from the right, floated over everyone, and was tapped in by Hammertime Curran for the 2-1 victory.

Despite the result, doubts remain over the long-term security of Morgan's position as manager, after him and Curran were seen exchanging words before the second half.

He did however wear his trenchcoat.


POST SCRIPT: Post-game entertainment: Watching Tolgay Ozbey get sent off was really humorous, and in a shock move, the Fyfes are reportedly chasing Blacktown star Gabriel "Chi Chi" Mendez for a four-game guest stint.