3rd Time's not a Charm
Team News: There was a previous season feel to the side, as Big Bird, Oscar and Rizzo were all unavailable on the night. Doug came back into the side, Fozzie close to recovery from his injury.
Previous Results: The first game was harsh on CBFC whereas the cup match they were well beaten, for the third time they were looking to avoid defeat against a team 2nd in the league on an 8 match winning streak.
First Half
Very poor start to the game as Doug having shut out two attempts on goal from the opposing striker, impulsively by not safely collecting the ball in his area, clears the ball on the ground to Alliance Utd, the shot is scored before any player can close down the shot.
A. Muppet had the first chance to reverse the first goal as he starts a move in his own corner, Beaker and Swedish Chef release A. Muppet down the left wing as some misfortune in a loose football on the pitch gets right in the way of the shot.
Alliance Utd's counter attack is snuffed out by a fired up Doug. A strange turn of events when a bib is required for a clash of blue on the pitch, while the bib is put on the corner taker has a shot direct at goal form the corner and scores, The goal is disallowed as play was not resumed by the ref, the disallowed goal was a result from the posts being half a foot behind the line.
Kermit tries to work himself a shot at goal yet is blocked off, while Alliance Utd double their lead, a quick corner to the goalscorer comes with a few faults, not originally marked / closed down quick enough and the shot beats Doug at his near post from a weak attempt at a stop.
It was a difficult game for CBFC in which to create some opportunities, to the testament of the opposing team, from the league table they do not concede too many. Gonzo having a dipping shot from the half way line was the closest it got. Kermit went close releasing an unmarked Swedish Chef on the edge of the area.
It was not a great team performance from the players, passing was under panic, a string of passes was hard to come by, a large chunk of running back and forward was not the way to get a goal back. When the chance came and a player was free after receiving a pass the play looked different, however a couple of occassions for Chef, A. Muppet, Gonzo they chose the wrong option or played the pass too soon. Kermit disappointed by always looking to receive a forward pass eager to edge to his century goal tally, his team struggled to assist him.
Alliance Utd started the half well but faded out, their shots were poor as the half wore on, mistakes had resulted in them scoring early doors and so was the third goal. Doug passed wide of Kermit in defense, immediately forcing him under pressure from attackers. His dangerous pass infield immediately blocked and dropping for the blocker to shot. The shot crashing off the inside of the post into the far side netting. A. Muppet having a crack from inside his own half was the last of the highlights from the first half.
Second Half
Identical to the first half on virtually the same second with another mistake leaking a fourth goal, A. Muppet's first time pass to Kermit covered by an Alliance Utd player sets up a 2v1 on A. Muppet. Kermit fighting to earn possession and looking for his teammates is let down when looking to receive a pass. His and Swedish Chef's similar headers on goal are both wide of the mark, difficult headers when the back is to goal. Alliance Utd carried on providing opportunities for each other, their passing was much better although their finishing like the last cup game was still of a very low standard. When the midfielder receives the ball free inside the CBFC area in a perfect position, under no pressure, with the massive target to aim at, the shot is sliced wide. Another chance with the same player does well to beat Gonzo's tackle yet slices the ball the other side of the post.
On the end of a 4-0 scoreline the desire to keep the ball well and pass it better lost itself. Lack of marking and the inability to keep the ball under control when under little pressure the most depressing aspect. Goalkicks were a problem, with CBFC camped in their own half for both sides goalkicks, Alliance Utd's goalkick - the defenders always had a free man, Gonzo, Beaker and A. Muppet would be too deep, CBFC's goalkick - the defenders were pressure from the go with the opposition holding the high line. Some tactical frailities were clear to see and the team needed to do some work on the training ground.
Gonzo in the midst of a clearance played a great ball to Swedish Chef whose lack of time on the ball throughout the match resulted in a poor first touch when the in on goal opportunity arose, though his ball control is improving through the season his fear of Alliance Utd shone through. Put through by Kermit and 1 on 1 with the keeper, Chef intending to place the ball in the far corner, a slight deflection knocks the ball just enough to go past the near post out for a corner in the best chance of the game.
Kermit wins back a ball on the offensive sliding in Beaker, his attempted chip shot hits the side netting. Rubbing salt in the wounds the player who missed the sitters tucks in a neat finish to end the scoring for the game.
In a game like this you are hoping for something to just drop for you, a chance for any type of shot, in the closing minutes, yet the attempts to attack were smothered frustratingly. The last chances went as Doug misread the cross leaving the Alliance Utd player who already missed some sitters, yes missed an open goal with the header and a defender ran onto a kick in but scuffed any shot wide. Cillit Bang FC will be glad to have seen the back of Alliance Utd and would hope they get promoted this season so they will not have to face them again.
Full-Time Result: Cillit Bang FC 0-5 Alliance Utd
