Well, I must first confess my disappointment in missing last week’s opening game of the season, and what a game it was!  Needless to say the 19U boys football team put on another dazzling display against UWC (East) in a stylish 6 - 0 victory at home.

Controlling most of the possession in the opening stages, the Huskies were able to find their feet and get a feel for the opposition early on.  Confident on the ball but showing no real signs of moving forward, credit has to be given to the distribution of Huskies keeper, Luyt, who spread the play marvellously.  Playing a deep ball into the opposition half, McCole was able to beat the defender for pace and catch the ball on the bounce to lob the keeper (19’).

McCole, keen to beat his goal tally from last season was on the prowl for more, when a delightful cross field pass dropped nicely.  On the turn McCole was able to hit the ball on the volley and put Huskies 2 - 0 in front (20’). UWC (East) made a concerted effort to get themselves back in the game, however the work rate from Huskies midfield (Alfonso, Sugihara, Anderson, Patil) was second to none, and they were able to snuff out most of the danger applied.  Inventive thinking from a corner presented a low ball for Alfonso to tap home the third (28’), although on the half time whistle Huskies should have utilised the opportunity to be many more goals ahead.

The key message at half time from Coach Lespagnol was clearly about urgency with the ball.  Huskies started after the break with far more intensity and as a result the play centred around the opposition half for the remainder of the game.  Far more organised than the last time I saw them, the Huskies defence was a steady ship awaiting a storm. But the storm never arrived. Again, great pressure from the midfield, assisted by intelligent movement from the strikers revealed more opportunities at goal.

Some attractive moments of two touch football down the left hand side involving Wang, Nakamura and Busser interlinking nicely, which led to spaces created in the middle of the park.  Alfonso assisting Sugihara’s 20 yard screamer was the culmination that put the Huskies 4 - 0 ahead (50’).

The following two goals from Huskies epitomises the optimistic mindset the team has presently.  Firstly, a deep swinging cross into the box which would normally be seen as easy pickings for any keeper, however McCole refused to give up on a lost cause and won a difficult header - providing him with his first hat-trick of the season (52’). Surely more to come! Secondly, a true striker’s goal from Busser came from a hashed clearance, and provided a slim opportunity to sail the ball into the goal with a well placed header (62’).

It is difficult to single one player out for individual credit - that day we witnessed a team performance, and praise should be afforded to everyone involved! Obviously, the lads understand that tougher opposition in the division awaits, and the areas to improve are known to them.  I look forward to seeing the team progress and grow as the season continues.

Well done team!!  GO HUSKIES!