Premier Division
Marsh Rangers 1 Mauritius Sports 2
Saturday, 30 August 2003
ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE .
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In this rearranged match , due to Mauritius sharing their ground with Tottenham Hotspurs on match days ( hospitality wise that is ) , an early kick off was agreed .
Once again Marsh started well but it only lasted around 10 minutes . Marsh quickly got into their stride and matched Mauritius in all departments .Then errors crept in . A poor defensive clearance , in the Marsh penalty area , allowed Appadu to fire home the opener and Marsh once again started to look shaky .Keeper Heath Van Rooyen , along with Paul Hine , John Mackenzie , Andrew Thomas & David Kearney were now often under pressure but appeared
to have steadied the ship , and although Tony Heath & Matthew Hoyle had a brief breathing space in midfield , Adam Ashby & Rob Manning saw little of the ball and Steve Haughey & Mickey Turtle saw even less in the forward line .
Marsh Rangers played like a team lacking in confidence .Effort was certainly not lacking but belief was . The ball was constantly heading into the Marsh half , and it was no surprise when Mauritius scored again . Hesitancy showed in defence ,and Beekary took full advantage . Marsh did rally their ranks and forced a few corners , and free kicks , but never really played with any conviction against a strong Mauritius team .
The second half saw a vast improvement in Marsh Rangers , and they now took he game to Mauritius . They dominated the early play and now at least
looked something like the Marsh Rangers of old . Mauritius held firm , but Marsh were now the team applying the pressure . Matthew Hoyle & Tony Heath were now able to express themselves more , and Rob Manning & Adam Ashby came more into the game . Shaine Thomson joined the forward line , with Mickey Turtle
dropping deeper . Steve Haughey applied more pressure to the Mauritius defence , while the Marsh defence were now rarely troubled .
An indirect free kick just outside the Marsh penalty area was converted but
had not touched anybody so was disallowed . This would have been a major disaster for Marsh but they seemed to gain even more belief from this Mauritius error . Although Marsh were not totally dominating the half it was much better and it came as no surprise when they pulled a goal back with 20 minutes remaining .
STEVE HAUGHEY received the ball from Rob Manning and sized up his shot before firing home . Although Marsh now applied even more pressure Mauritius are a strong side and held out for the final whistle .
The second half was a much better performance by Marsh Rangers but the damage had been done in the first half , and at this level you cannot afford to allow teams a two goal start . All credit to Mauritius who took their chances well , and defended strongly when they had to .
Things will get better for Marsh , and you should " Always look on the bright side of life " .
Clive Goodman
Marsh Rangers F.C.
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