Atlantic Stars : Match Report v Paramount on 01 Dec 08

2008-12-03T15:55:00.000-08:00

Atlantic Star 3 Paramount All-Stars 1
Team

Murray
Leach
Carlowe
Heffernan
Glasgow
Maguire
Griffiths
Dickens
Jack
Fraser
Coen
Doherty

Scorers
Griffiths
Dickens
Fraser

An earlier kick off time saw a much bigger turn out by the Atlantic Star players with competitive debuts being made by former CML favorites James Murray and Kris Maguire who finally put pen to paper after a longer on off saga than that of Gareth Barry. Chrissy Coen also made his first appearance as an outfield player.

Having watched new side Paramount All-Stars the previous week in their victory over Brickhouse Devils, there was at least some idea of what the opposition were about. However it also brought back visions from the previous season when Harry's weren't able to defeat any of the Jamaican sides.

Starting with Manager Mick's preferred formation even in his absence of 3-1-1, Atlantic Star approached the game waiting to see just how the opposition were going to perform. As was expected from the Jamaican side there was lots of energy and attacking running, but for once the Stars read their play much better and the defense looked comfortable holding them away from goal. With a strong keeper it was going to take some RCC style shooting for Paramount to score from long range.

A breaking forward move after 10 minutes ended with a Dickens strike which hit against the hand of the Paramount defender and a penalty was awarded. It may have been a little harsh on the opposition but after a season previously of getting few lucky breaks, Atlantic Star weren't to complain. Griffiths took on the responsibility and with a hard low shot to the keeper's right gave Atlantic Star the perfect lead.

As the first half wore on, players were starting to look a little jaded from the constant running by the Paramount players. As acting coaches Holian and Glasgow were anxiously waiting for the ball to go out of play to enable the chance to take a time out, the ball broke through and Calamity James (copyright David James of Portsmouth and England fame) slipped allowing the Paramount forward to knock the ball beneath him to equalize As keeper Murray later pointed out it was due to his torn footwear which were to be replaced at half time and it won't be held against him for too long.

The highlight came at the end of the first half where Jack taking no prisoners hustled Paramount's token girl into the boards with a physical challenge. The referee quite correctly waved play on telling her that she should be next to the kitchen sink (or was it in the co-ed league he said - anyway moving on).

At the start of the second half the formation was switched to a 2-2-1 like in the first game where it came to good use as the opposition became more weary and gaps were starting to appear. Doherty came on in attack and put himself about well picking up a couple of useful free kicks on the edge of the area which unfortunately weren't capitalized on. Apparently Doherty and Murray shop at the same footwear store.

The game swung back in Atlantic Star's favor when Teco took on a couple of players and from the right hand side with a low drive into the bottom corner opened his account for the season and gave Star a two one lead. Following shortly, a strange decision by the referee denied the reds a numerical advantage when he refused to send off a Paramount defender after he clearly hit the ceiling with a clearance. Despite some questioning from captain Glasgow the decision wasn't revoked.

Looking once again comfortable at the back, the running of the opposition being well Marshalled by the back line of Griffiths, Carlowe, Coen and Jack enabled Star to start running the ball forward. A couple of shots went close from Maguire and Carlowe before Chairman Fraser hit a stunning shot in off the upright to put the game firmly in Atlantic Star's control.

Even a late dismissal of Dickens wasn't enough to allow Paramount back into the game and Atlantic Star held on for another important win. With two wins in their first two games they have already replicated last season's winning record and as they look on to play the team's weakest side (allegedly) KPMG Blue Rays, they must be hoping to go into the Christmas Break with maximum points.

Match Report vs. Paramount All-Stars

Atlantic Stars : Match Report v Paramount on 01 Dec 08