Misery Continues for FCB Regional With Late Goal Heart Break

26/2/2012 La Elipa

FCB Regional 1 – 2 CD PALESTRA ATENEA B

It was another difficult Sunday for the Regional team after another battling performance proved futile. With the game heading for a seemingly inevitable draw, Palestra struck a devastating 88th minute goal to steal the win. Whilst more than happy with the performance and effort shown on the field, Neil Moran will be frustrated that his team couldn’t turn their endeavour into much-needed points.

Match report by Michael Langan

“FCB regional returned to La Elipa hoping to return to some of the mid season home form which allowed them th ascend the regional division. However, faced with third placed CD Palestra, any positive result would be a real achievement. The returning Neil Moran was on hand to take his increasingly insecure place in the dugout, emboldened by a squad of 14 to select from. FCB lined up: Hutch, Yoichi, Will, debuting Richard, some excellent left back, Lee, Michael, Dave Pugh, second debutant Luke, Pat and Bobby Wang.
 
FCB, seemingly keen to out-do their early goal exploits, found themselves one nil down after little more than two minutes. Some slack pressing up the park allowed Palestra to play an arrowed ball over the head of FCB´s tremendous left back, before the striker coolly lobbed Hutch. FCB, again, had that feeling of Deja vu. However, FCB this time recaptured their resilience and dogged determination which had prevailed the previous week (sadly, not reflected in the scoreline) and refused to panic. For the first time in recent weeks, including the author´s own stint at full back, FCB had an extra attacking dimension in the full back areas, with Yoichi and Lee Naylor bombing forward while not neglecting their defensive duties. Similarly, the two wide men were succeeding in their task to position themselves as high and as close to Pat as possible. This, in turn, stretched the game, and allowed FCB´s central midfielders to put their foot on the ball and begin to dictate play. While FCB played some excellent football, and credit goes to Lee Armstrong for his continuing worthwhile and beneficial Thursday sessions, FCB´s main attacking threat stemmed from defence with the impressive Will joining the attack. While FCB reached the interval trailing, there was a zest and urgency which had perhaps lacked in recent weeks.
 
The second half continued as the first had ended, although Palestra were far from spectators during the game, and their quality and movement necessitated dogged and quality defending from the FCB defence and attack. Surprisingly, as the going got tough, captain and all round nice guy Lee Armstrong´s calf went, and he was replaced by Nikki making his debut. We can all only hope Lee´s calf is not too serious. FCB, minus their captain, stuck to the task and were rewarded with ten minutes to go. A free kick just inside the FCB half was angled towards Will at the back post, and the goliath duly nodded home to give FCB a well deserved equaliser. Sadly, individual errors cannot be eradicated. With merely seconds left, FCB were undone by some poor play and punished with a sweeping finish to give Palestra the three points. While FCB were understandably dejected at another defeat the feeling that the corner is near to being turned is growing, and we push on from here now hoping to win next Sunday.
 
MOTMwas tied between Will and Yoichi. However, special mention for Nick Boyle and Richard also in the back line, as the unit was as solid as has been seen at either side all season. Special mention also to Nick and Luke, who gave FCB versatility in attacking areas which has perhaps lacked in recent weeks. In finding them, grudgingly, Neil deserves a little credit.”

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.