Played at Dannevirke Showground’s, 12:30 kick off.
Ground and Weather Conditions
The pitch was in good condition, just a little slippery under foot with the rain in the first half, the rain passed as the game progressed, and the afternoon was overcast with no wind about.
Who Played Well
Tim McDonald put in another stellar effort to earn yet another man of the match award. Colin Bertham and Luke Gray-Stuart were sharp at the back.
Score
0-3 (Half Time 0-2)
Match review
The Vikings were fired up for victory in the last game of the season, but it was not to be. Despite throwing everything at the opposition, there experience prevailed in the end to secure a well deserved victory.
We struggled in the first half to string the passes together. Too often we were going aerial, whether this was always intended is another point entirely. Birdcage were very good in the air and this made it difficult for us. They managed to assert their advantage after a sneaky quick corner was taken, we were caught napping at the back and they managed to beat the keeper on the near post. We continued to hold our own and defended well and then unfortunately Birdcage struck again. This time they hit us on the break, the attackers were offside but the defensive line was slow to let the referee know and so the goal stood. The Vikings had a chance to peg one back late in the first half but Eli Gray-Stuart couldn’t convert what appeared to be a regulation chance. A thunderous punt from Chris Mumford up the middle managed to evade all and sundry. Including a flying Gray-Stuart, who succeeded only in putting keeper on the deck and not the ball in the net. The score line remained unchanged for the rest of the half.
We were determined to come out all guns blazing in the second half; we kicked off and appeared desperate rather than confident when from the whistle Chris Mumford launched a horrific shot that he would later claim was a pass. The ball gently rolled into touch for a goal kick. The second half was a good effort as we held Birdcage to a solitary goal and we were unfortunate not to get a couple ourselves, but Birdcage was very sound defensively. We played with plenty of enthusiasm and everyone was getting involved and having some fun as it was the last forty five minutes of the season.
All in all the three nil result was fair and typified our season. We have played well but have been undone by the superior experience and consistency of many of the other teams. The season has been very enjoyable and is a welcome return to competitive football for the Dannevirke soccer team after over a decade in the wilderness.
A very special thank you on behalf of the team goes to Nigel Jackson who has organised and assembled the Vikings and made the soccer team a possibility. Also many thanks to the Dannevirke sports club for support throughout the season and a big thank you to all the sponsors who make it possible.
Comments by Eli Gray-Stuart
