2014 Match Reports

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Peninsula Old Boys: Premier League

Bayside FA Round 18
Croydon 5 - 0 Peninsula Old Boys (L)

Report: Shane Speedie

Best: Bill, Smart, Two-game players: Dos, Simon, Jordy, Prenda, Jarryd, Huggy Bear, Kevs

We made it.  The final round of the season had come around at last.  It’s been a long season, made longer by the continued wilting of boys’ squad numbers through injury, sickness, holiday and “other” reasons.  But we were here, ready to cap the season which began what seems like an eternity ago back in April. 

It was a shame though that the reserves could muster a proper posse of players, but once again the seniors were four players short.  Now is not the time to point fingers, but to the general commentary I will add this: team sport is special because every success is amplified with the solidarity of your peers.  Individual sportsmen regularly bemoan the loneliness of their victories – how much sweeter it would be to triumph alongside your mates, together.  But with that also comes certain obligations.  Because decisions by individuals within a team have wider consequences, there are certain unwritten rules which must be adhered to in a team.  Unfortunately, some members have been slow to learn these rules.  They must try hard to win back the respect of their teammates next season.

To the game.  Through dedication and commitment from more than half the reserves squad, we were able to field a team in glorious September sunshine.  Some of the girls also made the trek up to support and Tara once again patrolled the line to perfection.  After kick-off the game followed a familiar pattern.  We were competitive in the early stages, but the toll of playing a match prior began to weigh on many of our troopers’ legs.  We just couldn’t keep up with an opponent with 90 minutes less mileage on the clock and Croydon took full toll.  They streamed forward and were quick to outnumber, then find the spare player and finish.

Brando showed his frustration with the whole absurd situation.  There is often a fine line between pride and recklessness, but in his defence – at least he was at the game, and was trying in his own passionate way to compete.  The joke about the proverbial heckler came to mind; “Ignore him, he’s just saying (doing) what everyone else thinks.” 

We limped to half-time 4-0 down.  Stan implored us to press on.  “Forty-five to go fellas.  You don’t deserve to finish with an eight-nil loss.  You owe it to yourselves, to the club to finish off strong.” 

We did just that.  Not for the first time this season, we conjured courage from the depths of the TOPSA spirit barrel.  Aside from a dubious penalty (in my totally unbiased opinion) we finished the last 45 minutes of the season with a score line of 0-0.  Seb was brilliant all day in the centre of the park, and Smarty excellent again at full-back.  To the fellas who played earlier and saddled up again for our game: you are a shining example of sacrifice for the greater good of the team.  Thank you not just for this game, but the many before it where you selflessly endured agony for the team.  You are what TOPSA is about.     

Reflections on the 2014 season

To an outsider, 2014 looks a poor year for TOPSA Soccer Club.  The seniors won only two matches; the reserves none.  Both teams sit last on the table with a not-so-flash goal difference of minus 11 billion. 

But there is no doubt this has been our most successful year so far.  Our first season was typical of an embryonic club trying to find its feet.  2013 was a year to forget.  This year has been brilliant.  Even as early as the AGM last season, there was a groundswell of optimism for season 2014 and it’s been a ripper!  To mention a few highlights:

·         Sinclair had his first beer – although it must be a new invisible type

·         The season-launch party D-floor registered as a 4.3 magnitude earthquake

·         Louis Brownlee, Smarty and Symo became the first 50-game players of the club

·         We successfully reduced Mt Eliza’s potential bushfire hazard for the summer (community service)

·         We won our first Premier league match

·         We almost answered a question correctly at Peter Crow’s Obscure Soccer Facts Night

But many of the reasons why this was a successful year are because of an old cider-drinking chicken-legged “twat”.  “DON’T GIVE THE BALL AWAY IN THERE.  MATTTT, PICK IT UP!  WHO WAS THAT TO?  YOU’VE BEEN CAUGHT SQUARE!”  Yes the old codger can dish out a spray – which “isn’t very nice” according to Davo – but it’s a comfort to know there’s a stalwart on the boundary who knows the game and is emotionally invested in the contest.  To put it another way, he gives a shit.  He wants to see us improve, as individuals and as a team, and we certainly have done that this season.  Stanley Packer – thank you very much. 

Fellas.  It’s been a year of sky-scraping highs and crushing lows, but we’ve stuck together and built the most elusive and powerful assets a sporting club can have – team spirit.  To you all – thank you for a brilliant year.  Can’t wait for season 2015.

See you all Friday for the Grand Finale.  If not, see you on October 17 for Josh Sinclair appreciation night. 

Cheers,

Shane      


Bayside FA Round 17
Peninsula Old Boys 0 - 1 Baxter (L)

Report: Shane Speedie

Best: Symons, Bill, McKinnon

So the date clicked over to 31 August.  TOPSA members adjusted their countdown clock.  It is now only 0.052 years, 2.714286 weeks, 456 hours, 27360 minutes and 1,641,600 seconds until End of Season Trip.  Anticipation is a little way along a great crescendo of celebration and ecstasy.  Members also remembered that there is a game of soccer to be played – this week against those pests from Mt Eliza East.  It was also remembered that had there been no games left to be played in the year, they may very well have already been on End of Season Trip.  In fact, if there were no games at all to be played in the season, members wouldn’t have to wait till the end of the so called “season” and get on with the altogether more important business of getting blind drunk. 

On that bombshell, members narrowed their focus on the East Mt Eliza pests.  How dare they delay the TOPSA drinking team? 

Lyndon went forth to get the first round, but was distracted by some dude with a whistle and a coin.  He came back with no beer and a white round thing, so he’ll be doing the first beer bong in 2.71 weeks’ time.  Then the ‘dude’ blew his whistle and before we’d had even a drop of the amber, it was time for a game of soccer.    

The battle in centre-midfield struck even, with Seb once again a major influence on proceedings; but it was Symo with the biggest say.  In a new position up forward, he looked dangerous from first whistle to last.  A couple of nice chips and through-balls gave Sam an advantage that he quickly latched onto, peppering the goal face.  He was unlucky not to sink one into the back of the net.  We had the better of the exchanges in the first-half, but the score-line read 0-0 as we waltzed to the sheds. 

After a quick game of das boot it was time for the 2nd half.  Simon left to hang with Uma Thurman so we shuffled the positions around a bit.  Again we went forward and generated gettable chances.  As in the first half, we couldn’t convert.  Raf used some slick footwork to ruffle opposition defenders, but his shots couldn’t find the back of the net.  Lyndon had a signature bomb from a long-range free-kick, almost finding a gap.  Seb bounded forward and clashed with the goalie, but the ball spilt free. 

Then, late in the game, an opposition forward ran on to a nice five-yard pass and slotted the shot passed Karl.  1-0 down.  This is another lesson for us I think – even though we had the better of the chances, our opponents were able to make one of them count.  The scorecard can be brutal sometimes. 

We carried on and in the last 10 minutes had a further two or three decent chances.  The gasps and groans from the spectators on the sidelines were a good bellwether for the gripping final moments, but at the final whistle we were unable to sneak one to the back of the net.

This match was something of an anti-climax after the blockbuster earlier in the year.  Then again, it was a pretty hard act to follow.  Credit to Baxter, and they take first blood in our brief rivalry, but we will be back next year.  After End of Season Trip of course.




Bayside FA Round 15
Peninsula Old Boys 1 - 3 Bayswater (L)

Report: Shane Speedie

Goals: Lyndon Williams

Best: Symons, Owens

With James Petitt still at Revolver, Brandon Speedie and Jon Alonzo in couples counselling and James Heard defending doping allegations in Federal court, we were exactly three peeps short when it came to assembling a team.  Luckily, we had a few courageous dudes who had played only 90 mins of the reserves game and were still able to coax their creaking and broken bodies into a light jog.  Once they swapped their muddied shirts for a set of clean ones, you could hardly tell that a few of the regular starters had failed to show up.

Early in the game we did our best with the resources at our disposal, but repeatedly we found ourselves under duress.  With a few troopers playing in unfamiliar positions, we found it tough to both hold our structure and to be predictable to our team-mates.  These had been two of our greatest strengths over the past two months, but on this day they forgivably betrayed us.  Forced to defend and tackle we had soon spent our energy supplies.  Seb did his best in the centre of the park with countless tackles, but even when he did win back possession we found it difficult to gather the skilful linking play of previous weeks mainly because we were spent. 

Eventually the tsunami of opposition possession converted itself onto the scoreboard.  Heavy, wearied legs made even basic defensive skills difficult and we had soon conceded three preventable goals before the half-time break.

At the break we were very flat, but this club was not built from grumpy moping losers who accept doomed fate.  We subbed Hayden on to patch the central midfield.  This proved a boost and the rest of the lads lifted behind him.  Symo, who had been excellent both offensively and defensively all day, now found some space to exploit his pace.  Lyndon lifted on the left hand side and we started to resemble the team of the previous few weeks. 

In one of these surges forward, we won a free kick somewhere near the touchline roughly 30 meters out.  Lyndon stepped forth and slammed a daisy-cutting kick which nearly burned a hole in the top right hand side of the net.  It has been decided that since this goal was of such high quality, it should be worth 3 goals; and Lyndon now draws level with Louis in the golden boot.

At the final whistle we had salvaged some pride and morale from the destitution we faced pre-game.  We won the 2nd half 1-0 and generally held the ascendency in possession, for that we should be very proud.  BOG?  Most punters would suggest that Symo was the best player on the ground, getting forward, back, sideways, passing, shooting, tackling etc… but those punters would be wrong.  BOG goes to Prenda for his cult like entrance and a couple of excellent tackles late in the game. 



Bayside FA Round 14
Langwarrin 2 - 1 Peninsula Old Boys (L)

Report: Shane Speedie

Goals: Louis Brownlee 

Best: Brownlee, Jenkins, Smart

As Louis Brownlee is a quiet, introverted and humble member of the team, it is up to others to vocalise his exploits.  Did you know Louis is the leading goal-scorer this year?  If you didn’t read it here, this fact would have surely faded into the cracks in the fabric of time and we would have been all the less well-informed.  Did you know this is Louis’ 50th match for the club?  This fact would have also been lost to the hollowness of silence, but for:

·         Louis’ 150 decibel voice

·         The Age headline reading “YOPLAIT KID CASTS ASIDE SUGGESTIONS HIS CAREER HAS STALLED WITH SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT”

·         The aeroplane with smoke trail writing this fact into the clear blue sky pre-game

So, we all trundled down Peninsula Link for Louis Brownlee appreciation day.  Louis ran through his banner, everyone clapped politely and we moved on to the game.

The warmer weather and harder surface made for more attractive play and the early exchanges occurred at a frenetic pace.  As the TOPSA zinc and sunscreen budget is capped at $150 per game, we were forced to leave Todd on the bench in the shade.  This proved a wise tactical manoeuvre as within five minutes everyone was pink with sunburn and sweating bullets. 

Play was reasonably even in the centre of midfield, but when we went forward we looked likely.  The Hon. Sir Captain Brownlee hustled to and from the play nicely and linked well with the other troopers.  But we were unable to convert this ascendency.   Then, like last week, we conceded a soft goal from a corner place kick while holding the initiative (sorry boys, my fault).

Still we pushed on forward as the pretty offensive play awoke from its mid-winter hibernation.  In one of these sorties forward, Louis got on the end of a nice pass and chipped the goalie to equalise.  In the euphoria of celebration, the ref was unable to take Louis’ number to document the goal.  Mr Brownlee offered some kind assistance: “just put my name down as Top Dog, ref”.  

After the break we were forced to play uphill and into the sun, giving our opponents and advantage they quickly seized.  We blocked the right-footed shot of a Langwarrin forward, but he elected to unleash a cannon from the left instead, which struck the crossbar and was then tipped in.  The rest of the match petered out with no real highlights and at final whistle we were defeated by the narrowest margin. 

So no victory send-off for Boson Brownlee in his 50th and last game for the year. Good luck overseas mate.

           

Bayside FA Round 13
Peninsula Old Boys 1 - 3 Seaford (L)

Report: Shane Speedie

Goals: “Seaford Own-Goal” (aka: Brandon Speedie)

Best: Jenkins, Smart, Heard

It’s crazy to think almost three months have passed since we faced Seaford on their home turf.  Back then we were experiencing the first chills of winter, now we had early glimmers of spring.  Perfect conditions for the annual TOPSA squad team photo.

Photo time is an interesting natural experiment.  Some of the lads arrived around normal time to catch a bit of the action in the girls game.  Others arrived much later with finely trimmed stubble beards and perfectly sculpted feathers.  When one late arriver was asked about what sort of preparation they did for shoot: “none bro, just got straight out of bed”.  Hard to think how they got to sleep with 15kg of hair wax intertwined into the bonce. 

Further research uncovered some added contradictory evidence.  The local hairdresser had their busiest morning since this time last year.  And when your correspondent made enquiries at the hair-product superstore the owner promptly replied: “hair gel? Sorry mate, none left; not since some metrosexual soccer players came though earlier…”         

Anyway, after the important part of the day, it was time for the game.  Four-nil losers last time we met, it was up to us to conjure a better performance this time around.  We certainly started well.  We had the majority of possession and virtually every player further afield was winning their position.  Unfortunately, against the run of play, a ball rebounded from a tackle and ballooned perfectly into the back of the net.  As always when a goal is conceded, everyone searches frantically for scapegoats.  This time though it is clear unlucky round 13 is to blame.

But we got our own slice of good fortune a couple of minutes later.  A nicely struck place-kick in the centre of the park drifted straight, and with the most subtle of help from a Seaford defender, Brandon Speedie had broken his 15 year goal virginity.  As there is little joy in playing as a centre-back (all the blame, none of the glory, endless selfless acts, heroics etc…. Note: this commentary is in no way biased) it was wonderful to see some reward.  But the plaudits were short-lived.  In a desperate attempt to suppress the little man, Josh Sinc(liar) quickly confirmed the goal-scorer as “Seaford Own-Goal” despite the mountain of evidence to the contrary. 

Then, in a brilliant move to thwart this inequity, Brandon changed his name by deed poll to “Seaford Own-Goal” and thus retains the credit for the goal.  Brandon is a pretty crap name anyway, so no loss there.

We were unable to ride this wave of glory to victory though.  A gross defensive error and then a lack of intent defending a corner put us 3-1 down at the break.

After half-time we showed better application of the game plan and probably had the slightly better run of things but neither team managed to hit the scoreboard.  Jenko had another lion-hearted game in the centre of midfield along with his Anonymous Offsider.  Heardy was good up forward and Smarty played well down back.  We had our moments though the game but were a bit inconsistent with our concentration and application.  

Collectively, this was far from our best performance, but Seaford are a good side and thoroughly deserved both the win and their position in the top 4.  We have improved in the three months between fixtures, but it is clear Seaford have as well and were too good for us today.  The challenge from here is to be more consistent.  With the weather heating back up, and the end of the season in sight, we stand an excellent chance of doing just that.  

Next week: away to Langwarrin.   

 
Bayside FA Round 12
Peninsula Old Boys 2 - 1 Rosebud (W)

Report: Shane Speedie

Goals: Lyndon Williams, James Heard

Best: Heard, Symons, Williams, McKinnon

James Heard made a long-awaited return after spending most of the winter in France.  It isn’t clear whether this was a club or self-imposed exile, nor whether AOD9604 was or wasn’t taken or Thymosin or any other cocktail of elaborate peptides.  What was clear was the dirty piece of road-kill that had somehow affixed itself to his top lip.  When asked to explain how a rodent had come to grow between nose and lip he simply explained “the ladies like it”.  Apparently they do, because most of the girls team stayed to watch.  The rest of us now in the process of growing our own “moustache”.      

So for the 3rd time this season we greeted Rosebud for a 3 pm soccer bout.  Sort of like changing the channel on TV and finding that episode of Seinfeld you’ve already watched 15 times, we swapped belly-laughs for short grunts and false amusement.  We say “welcome brothers” and trade knowing glares and wry smiles that edge up ever-so-slightly at the corners of the mouth.  Early in the season we were comprehensively dispatched 3-0.  Then in the dark, we drew 1-1 and lost on penalties.  Now, with the sun on our half of the planet, we harboured hopes of victory.

We were flat last week, and that insidious vice carried its way into our play early this week too.  It’s a long season and the anti-climactic rematches of the cold mid-winter are difficult to really get up and excited about.  For this complacency we were punished early.  Against the run of play a ball was chipped over the top and without so much as a whimper the defence had leaked a soft goal.  Then, a clumsy piece of ill-discipline by someone who shall remain nameless (Brandon Speedie) resulted in us conceding a penalty.     

Had this penalty gone in our hopes of victory would have been crushed. Luckily the kick went straight and Karl was crafty and the ball, along with our hopes, were saved.  Now we clicked into gear.  Early on, we were spending the ball a bit early.  Now we held the ball, took a couple more risks with the linking play and immediately the dividends were banked.  Lyndon and James were both finding excellent space out wide and Symo and Jenko were holding their own in the centre of midfield.  The real difference today was the Moustached Marauder up forward.  With the ability to both come to the ball-carrier to receive, and also the pace to get behind the defence, Heardy proved a weapon up forward. 

With the flow of play convincingly our way we soon had the equaliser via a very nice finish from Lyndon.  This was one of those goals that looks low-percentage from 40 yards away but hit the back of the net anyway.  Classy.  We kept our possession game going.  At times we linked 10 or more passes together to transition fully from one end of the field to the other.  One-nil down at half-time, we knew we needed a decent serve of courage to come back, and now with the equaliser and the weight of possession, we were showing that courage.

Still the job wasn’t finished.  Symo unleashed a signature right-foot cannon which slipped just wide.  Later, he slipped forward but couldn’t beat the ‘keeper.  James Petitt crossed dangerous balls in and Louis was there or there about.  But now, the man of the moment stepped forth.  The man to hold the girls’ gaze for 90 minutes, pumped full of peptides and French Business School tuition, got forward and slapped one from the outside of the boot to the right-hand corner.  Brilliant.   

So far this year our goals have been through endeavour, purpose and hard-work.  Today we had two gold-plated goals conjured through skill and poise.  We also had our 2nd win.  Onward and upward we march.   


Bayside FA Round 11
Peninsula Old Boys 0 - 2 Endeavour (L)

Report: Shane Speedie

Goals: None

Best: Matt Smart, Sam Symons, Luke Jenkins

Smashed earlier in the year in a poorly officiated bloodbath under lights, there was not a heap to get excited about when thinking of the re-match.  And it showed.  We were flat.  And the game was in no way interesting, as the opposition mercilessly held possession, forcing us to chase our tail all day.  We couldn’t get our teeth into the game as we had done the previous few weeks; and those boundary-side yawned with boredom and disinterest.

Therefore, there is little to report from this end.  A couple of sentences can probably summarise the whole match from start to finish:  Endeavour held possession most of the day, we occasionally got forward for a shot or two on goal, but to little affect. With the weight of possession, the opposition eventually converted a couple of opportunities.  

Other more interesting observations from the day: The sky was blue with some hints of cloud.  Rained a little bit.  A crow flew overhead at some point in time, and the grass grew 2mm during the day. 

Of the positives to come from the day I saw a few.  We defended the goal with more guile and got forward a bit more than earlier in the year.  Smarty had his best game for the year and Symo was good too – in their 50th match for the club.  


Bayside FA Round 10
Peninsula Old Boys 2 - 2 Boronia (D)

Report: Shane Speedie

Goals: Louis Brownlee, Sam Symons

Best: Symons, Pettitt, Jenkins, Brownlee

This time is different

Six nil we lost early in the year

But now we had a chance at redemption

Invite the ladder leader to our home town – the fortress

Much different here due to the crowd’s reception

Off the start whistle we snatched the initiative

And pressed forward with skill, ambition

Louis Brownlee for the tap-in was there once again

And thus we passed the early audition

Momentum swung forward, back, up and down

Bucked around like a small duck on the high seas

In three months there was no doubt we’d improved

Not flash, but effective; the soccer A.B.C’s

But then an errant pass in the back half

And we came crashing back to earth

A Baronian gathered and shot, from the boon-docks

Showing us what great value a clean strike is worth

At half-time we had acquitted ourselves well so far

Measured mainly through the scoreboard ledger; even

But the challenge for us remained ahead

We could win, we just needed to play believing

Tiring bodies in the second half

Opened up spaces to the left and right sidelines

Symo with newfound space and pace

Rid the game of its strict guidelines

Onward we pressed in the driving rain

Scoring opportunities becoming ever more frequent

Pettitt, Symons combined and thumped home the brace

To hold on to the end our new assignment

Unfortunately for us, an upset it would not be

A long ball skidded quickly on and through

Their crafty forward was there in a flash

And victory was snatched in a bloodless coup 

When looked at with an ice-cold eye,

We had the better of the scoring platter

But when Boronia went forward they scored two absolute crackers

And really, only the scoreboard matters

Early in the year we were shown up, exposed

But we didn’t approach this match as one of curtailment

We pressed forward and attacked, with two goals of our own

And the result this time was different



Bayside FA Round 9
Peninsula Old Boys 1 - 0 Croydon (W)

Report: Shane Speedie

Goals: Louis Brownlee

Best: Seb Bill, Luke Jenkins, everybody else

Jack Fingleton once said “there are no fairy-tales in sport”.  Clearly he wasn’t there with 40,000 other Sydneysiders when Steve Waugh hit the last ball of day 2 to the SCG boundary to bring up his 32nd and final test century.  Jack must have also missed the 1935 World Heavyweight title fight between Max Baer and James. J. Braddock. 

Discarded from the boxing profession though injury, Braddock then lost his life savings in the Great Crash of 1929.  With his family in poverty, scraping to keep the gas and electricity connected, “the Bulldog” was given a farewell fight against John Griffin.  Rated an un-backable favourite, Griffin was felled in the 3rd round by a hungry and desperate Braddock.  This kicked off a golden run which eventually earned James a world title fight at Madison Square gardens; against an over-confident and powerful Baer.               

Baer hardly trained for the bout.  Considered little more than a journeyman fighter, Braddock was hand-picked by Baer's handlers because he was seen as an easy payday for the champion.

Braddock had other ideas: “When you've been through what I've had to face in the last two years, a Max Baer or a Bengal tiger looks like a house pet. He might come at me with a cannon and a blackjack and he would still be a picnic compared to what I've had to face."

During the fight, a dogged Braddock took a few heavy hits from the powerful younger champion, but Braddock kept coming, wearing down Baer, who seemed perplexed by Braddock's ability to take a punch. In the end, in one of the most stunning upsets in boxing history, the judges gave Braddock the title with a unanimous decision.

Thus, we faced mid-table opponent Croydon on our home turf.  Conditions were a little soggy, but more than rain would be required to dampen our spirits after three drawn matches over the previous three weeks.  We have been improving every week since the start of the season, but now we were close.  An extra buzz, a building confidence.  There was something brewing on Wooralla Drive.

Straight from the kick-off, we locked horns with our opponents.  Dictated by the conditions, the pretty triangle balls of the previous few weeks now sat in the bleachers as strength, power and intent held sway.  Seb got busy in the middle of the park and his new offsider Jenko did the same.  Blue-chip became blue-collar as the boys ran and tackled and chased and challenged.  With Croydon’s main weapon – the central midfield – nullified, we looked to exploit our own strengths: pace and agility.

Symo found space and broke the lines only to be stopped at the 11th hour by Croydon’s zippy left-back.  Louis Brownlee’s aggression and power became a factor up forward as did Karl with some extra pace.  Under the yoke of some powerful defenders, we landed a few blows of our own, but that all-important first goal remained elusive.     

Early in the 2nd half our opponents gathered momentum and struck some powerful blows of their own.  We were forced back, against the ropes; defending with diligence and decisiveness.  Many times this year we have been harassed inside our territory, but this time eleven warriors remained in lockstep.  As a unit we neutralised the threat and with dogged determination we pressed on forward.

Seb and Jenko – covered from head to toe in thick black mud – fought and won back possession and momentum.  Now we went forward with purpose.  Symo incised down the right hand side, crossed the ball along the ground to Karl who was denied by the thick black mud.  Jenko won possession and bolted forward only to be legged in the box.  Ref’s call: nothing doing.  Louis Brownlee gathered possession within rage but was unable to get a shot off.  James Pettitt lurked dangerously.    

Play was fully one-sided now.  It was a race between us and the clock.  Each shot on goal ate minutes up and the rusted-ons boundary side encouraged us with increasingly exasperated tones.  “Keeeep goooing buyes.  Keeep oop theh preeesure.  Weeeeer ruuughttt un thus!”  Each attacking foray created a new high-water mark as we chipped away at the defence.  Our relentless offensive now began to break down our opponent’s defensive line.  Sharp jabs to the face wearied Croydon and their hands began to droop.  The crowd rose behind us like they did at Madison Square garden back in ’35.  Thinned and battered by the weather, they barracked like they were possessed.  Together they smelt blood and after braving the elements for seven hours, they would not be denied. 

Now deep in the 15th round, with only six minutes remaining we just needed one special effort; someone to stand up and be counted in the dying minutes. 

Finally the levee broke.  In one of the final plays of the game James Pettitt broke forward and on his left peg, crossed the ball to the back post.  It was fitting, even poetic, that Louis Brownlee was there waiting at the back post.  Here we had our own journeyman.  A founding member who was there at the club in its infancy, trudged through in the dark winter of 2013, experienced all the highs and lows to date.  Subbed through injury early in the match.  Returned.  Copped blow after blow in treacherous conditions, but was still there – the survivor – now horizontal to the ground to meet ball with a mud and blood covered face and force the ball through courage alone into the back of the net.  Louis Brownlee, the man to crawl through mud for 90 minutes and come out clean on the other side. Glorified.       

We dusted off the words to the song and arm-in-arm, we sung it louder than it’s ever been sung before.  As I glanced around at the faces of my team-mates it was difficult to think of a better bunch of blokes to share such a special moment with.  The Cinderella men.


Bayside FA Cup Round 2
Peninsula Old Boys 1 - 1 Rosebud [Rosebud win 3-2 on penalties] (L)
Goals: James Pettitt

Report: Shane Speedie

Best: Jenkins, Pettitt, Symons

One day after the winter solstice we fixtured a 3pm bout with southern peninsula rivals Rosebud.  Darkening clouds bulging with seven days’ worth of snow blackened the sky, blocking the low-angled trickle of light from the winter sun.  On-“lookers” became on-“hearers” and on-“feelers” as their vision failed them in the darkness. 

Luckily, TOPSA has many members who do their best work at night.  Karl “0.05 BAC” Hughes and James “smiles” Petitt rocked up straight from a Sunday session at Revolver and pronounced on arrival: “what darkness?  I was born in the darkness…”  Their accompanying harem of ladies helped to confirm these bold statements.    
We heard the starting whistle blow at around 3pm.  As no-one could see the play, an anonymous onlooker with night-vision goggles later informed your correspondent that Rosebud held the early possession.  Rosebud’s bigger bodies in the centre of midfield both held the ball at feet a little more effectively than us, and were able to worry us off the ball a couple of times.  When we did eventually win the ball, we looked excellent.  Very pretty triangle balls coupled with some extra pace made our play particularly attractive to watch.  There is absolutely no doubt we have improved blindingly quickly in this regard.

Aside from the odd long-range shot, both teams were unable to really gather much momentum going forward and the 1st half ended 0-0.

As the sky darkened further our Saturday night specialists foxed their way into the game.  Luke Jenkins ­– equipped with rugged good looks and a crew cut – started to penetrate.  Karl Hughes; running with the tattooed pretty-boy look linked up well with Louis “Casanova” Brownlee.  James Petitt, who had being playing the selfless wing-man role all day, suddenly found some space to work in.  A solid introduction from Lyndon (sorry ladies, the skipper is taken) gave James the ball at feet and he streamed on with gusto and scored with one of his legs.  Once again we hit the lead early in the second half and was a valuable lesson for all involved: the mysterious tall ones always score. 

James had taken 25 mins to score – not a bad effort, but now we had to put up with another 20 mins of post-climax spoon and cuddle.  What a drag!  Raf ran out of stamina and went off prematurely; and he was also subbed from the field.  Stan bemoaned from sidelines: “when I was your age I could go all day!”  The club is yet to confirm such rumours.

The night wore on.  Our arms went numb and with hair tickling our face and an awkward stiffness we were unable to prevent the opposition cleaning up the late-night scraps and tipping the ball into the corner.  End of full-time: 1-1.

To re-ignite the proverbial fire, we decided to spice things up and take the penalties first.             

Confronted with nothing but 10 yards and a dude in a jump-suit between us and the goal, we failed dismally sealing the deal.  It’s one thing to excel in the small-talk and chit-chat but when it came to closing, we were found alone and miserable on the dance-floor.  Advantage Rosebud. 

We were given one last 20 minute crack at sealing the deal – sort of like a Sunday BBQ.  We had a couple of promising flirts with the goal but it was a case of too-little too-late and we were forced to return home with empty hands and wallets.
 

Bayside FA Round 8
Baxter 1 - 1 Peninsula Old Boys (D)
Goals: Luke Jenkins

Report: Shane Speedie

Best: Players, Supporters

Let’s get one thing straight: this is a blockbuster of a match.  It laughs in the face of lesser blockbusters like the World Cup final.  And not just any laugh, but a really sarcastic, drawn-out fake laugh.  You know the one I mean.  When it's not cruelly laughing at the AFL Grand Final, this match treats the lesser blockbuster like dirt. It borrows the Wimbledon Men’s singles money and doesn't pay it back. It gets drunk, belligerent, and obnoxious when the Superbowl is just trying to have a quiet night out with friends. It seduces the final of the World Series, takes explicit photos of it, then texts them to its mates. What a jerk. 

So with the date clicking over to 15 June 2014 it was time for THE BLOCKBUSTER. All TOPSA members awoke and sat bolt upright in bed. “It’s time” they simultaneously whispered to themselves via the ingrained telepathy that only a TOPSA member knows of.  “It’s time….for THE BLOCKBUSTER.”

Together we arrived, convoy after convoy of vehicles.  The car park was jammed full by 9am, and a submission has been made to the Minister for Roads to widen all roads leading to future TOPSA home and away fixtures.  Our fearless coach – a 20 year veteran of the league – said it was the largest crowd ever seen at a Bayside round match.  The starting 12 took to the field: 11 players plus an extra man in the form of the bulging crowd boundary side.  The scene was set.

Straight after the starting whistle we were caught defending.  Baxter’s tactics were clear – kick long to their classy left-footed forward.  No dice.  A mid-week coaching master-stroke from Stan had Todd playing out at right back, and every long kick forward was stopped dead in its tracks with the hustle and bustle of Mr McKinnon.  We warmed into the contest.  Louis Brownlee started to win the ball in the centre of the park and proved a bit slick for the opposition defenders.  Luke Jenkins showed his class in the linking play and James Petit shined like a beacon on the right side of midfield.

We pressed forward.  Some extra hustle forced a corner and then almost a goal from the scrimmage in the box.  First blood was drawn in our favour – we had proof we could score.  The atmosphere was electric.  Our 12th man was deafeningly loud with encouragement willing us into the contest. We responded to their call by winning 50/50 contests and challenging everything in the air.  In this regard we held the edge all day.

Time ticked on and the match proceeded at break-neck speed.  Their classy left-footed forward was subbed off to catch a breath; suffocated by the relentless blanket of Todd McKinnon.  Other opposition players were also subbed.  The burning pain of Tuesday and Thursday night strength and fitness training on those cold rainy nights now showed as pained expressions on the bruised and broken bodies on the Baxter bench.  TOPSA takes no prisoners.

Despite a couple of very promising forward forays, the game entered half-time ominously poised at 0-0.  Crowd noise lowered from fever-pitch to hushed whisper.  “What of the 2nd half?”  “Do you think the boys have it in them?” 

In the change room we were buzzing.  Stan offered some words of constructive criticism and encouragement.  “No one can knock your endeavour out there boys…NO ONE!”  “With a little tweak here and there, we’ll shape nicely boys – keep the intensity up and we’ll crack ‘em!”. 

Early in the 2nd half we held the ascendency.  Super-sub Karl Hughes cut through the defence and his mates followed him up to assault the goal-mouth. 

The ball spilt free to the waiting feet of Luke Jenkins.  Time slowed to crawl as he swung his foot to the ball…….could it?.........yes…….GOAL!  Our 12th man bellowed with ecstasy and delirium; the cheer easily the loudest sound I’ve ever heard on a soccer field.  We rushed to the goal-scorer and the look of emotion and feeling from those boundary-side stood the hair up on the back of your neck.  This had become more than a game.

We continued to crack in, but our stamina was wavering badly.  My legs felt like two logs full of lactic acid – hate to think how the midfielders felt.  Perhaps they felt no pain at all – now in the twilight zone of desperation and despair.  Every little tackle or toe-poke was cheered like the winning goal in a world cup final.  The dogged and resolute encouragement from the boundary was really the only thing keeping us moving.  Could we hold on to the end?

Baxter’s classy left-footed forward re-entered the game for a 15 minute power-play and started to run amok.  A scrimmage from a corner caused us some trouble and we were unable to clear the congestion.  The ball ping-ponged between players and unluckily for us, was tipped in to the corner.  Crushing blow.  One all.

Late in the game we came under severe pressure from the fresh legs of the Baxter forward.  Mr Malm – who had been unwavering all day, stepped up further.  On at least four occasions in the last 10 minutes he pulled off stunning saves to keep us in the game.  One of them was the best ever witnessed (probably) in a bayside league game.  Horizontal to the turf, at full stretch and back arched this will go down as one of the great TOPSA moments.  From now on people will start conversations at the pub with “I was there for the Malm save of 2014…” and “remember back in 2014? Oh yes, the year of the Malm save…” Karl is now surely up there with the Seaford ‘Keeper as the best in the league.

At the final whistle the score read 1-1.  As far as blockbusters go, this surely lived up to the hype.  A great match played in for the most part good spirits by two teams equally desperate for victory.  On a sour note, the opposition ‘keeper was unable to shake hands after the match, but that is a reflection on the individual, rather than the teams and clubs involved.  Despite this, the whole day was a wonderful exhibition for the Bayside league.  Well done everyone.   

A draw is fitting for an ongoing rivalry, as this match was only the entrée.  The sheep are invited to the Wolves’ den for the main course in August.  The TOPSA family licks its lips.   


Bayside FA Round 7
Peninsula Old Boys 1 - 1 Mt Lilydale (D)
Goals: Louis Brownlee

Report: Brandon Speedie

Best: Sam Symons, Louis Brownlee, Karl Malm

In the summer months of 2014, we began training under the basking sun, and looked upon the upcoming season with eager anticipation. We had finally secured some proper coaches, were in good financial shape off-field, and blood-letted a plague that had infiltrated our camp. Our only worry was whether we would field a single team in div 2, or squeeze enough numbers for two teams: div 1 & 2.

But, quietly, our fearless leader was engaged in an arm wrestle. Despite his finest negotiating skillz, a battle with the powers-that-be was lost. The Prez delivered the news with furrowed brow: “lads, we have been put in premier league.”

Predictably, the losses came heavy and often. Boronia 6-0. Seaford 4-0. Endeavour 7-0. We entered Round 7 having not scored a single goal. And we were playing equal top of the ladder. And we were short players.

We scraped together 11 to take the park; with the bench containing only the filthied shirts of the reserves - having already played 30 mins prior. Things were looking bleak.

Alas, we gathered in a pre-match huddle and made a pact as brothers of POB: should our fancied opponents win, at least they will have to earn it. We are a proud club and will not go quietly.

Surprisingly, the early exchanges fell in our favour. The ball was worked around the park and we found ourselves handy to our opponents defence. This attacking play saw us rewarded with a goal [yes dear reader you read it here first. We scored!]. Aptly, this was no goal to loop on the plasma at home. Instead, it was ugly elbow-grease from the hustler: L Brownlee.

Indeed, this was the method with which the game continued. Hard. In-and-under. Effective. Soon after, Mt Lilydale struck back with bustling goal of their own, but we managed to hold them off until the half time whistle. Scores level.

In the rooms, Jimmy did his best to pump us up. Perhaps he sensed the effort we had spent, because aching legs and burning lungs were replaced by prickling hairs on the back of the neck. “Boys!” Jimmy began. “We are playing the top side. Let me tell you something:” “If this team played us 100 times, they would win 99”. He continued as our ears pricked. “But not today. NOT! THIS! TIME!”

Inspired, we took the field with a single mindedness. Let’s bring home some points.

The second half went something like a medieval siege. As the game wore on, our opponents continued to attack the goal. Yet we held on. Aerial ball, scrimmage in the box, Karl kills the contest. Central numbers, flick past our goal-tender, saved on the line by a desperate Simmo. Big striker, bustles into a dangerous spot, shut down at last gasp by Todd.

Deep in our own area, we repelled attack after attack, raggedly hanging on. Surely it couldn’t be done; a ladder bottom feeder stealing points from the top. But hang on we did.

And as the ref blew his whistle for a final time, a realization came over us. Or maybe belief. We can compete in this comp.


Bayside FA Round 6
Bayswater 5 - 0 Peninsula Old Boys (L)

Report: Shane Speedie

Best: Shane Speedie, Malm, McKinnon, Smart

A bit sore and a bit grumpy from a completely joyless game under lights the previous Wednesday, we trucked our way up to Bayswater.  By the looks of things Bayswater’s president knows his way around a Local Sport Grant form as change-room #3 glistened and sparkled in freshly procured glory.  The pitch looked good too and if the local council could get their hands on a lawnmower, Bayswater would be one of best places in the league to strap on some shin guards.

An injury to the J-Mas in the reserves game, coupled with a couple of notable absences (Nick “it’s not a pony tail” Tingwell and Brandon “red-card” Speedie) meant we were somewhat undermanned.  Straight after the kick-off, it was clear our usual spark was missing.  In what has traditionally been one of our strengths, the first 20 mins were diabolical.  We struggled to win and retain possession.  Our passing game, which has been on the improve all season, suddenly deserted us.  Once again we were forced to do the donkey work of chase and tackle. 

Both Bayswater wingers were causing problems for us out wide and eventually a diagonal ball was nicely tipped in to put us 1-0 down.  While the opposition didn’t possess the outright pace, skill and class of our Wednesday night opponent (Endeavour) they were nicely organised and used the width of the park particularly well.  They were also well encouraged by their Keeper who’s voice was horse within three minutes of the opening whistle.

The game carried on.  Again, we were really struggling to gather and retain control of the ball.  Onlookers suggested possession was roughly 80-20, but as a defender it felt more like 110–minus 10.  At the half-time whistle we trailed 2-0, which in retrospect wasn’t a bad result given the one-sided nature of general play. 

After the break, we were still unable to gather any sort of momentum.  Roddy “Johnny Depp” Reynolds had to be subbed off so he could fetch his hair-tie, which gave an opportunity for the local crowd favourite “cuddles” Casey.  Unfortunately even with his new Hard-man name, Case was unable to spark us into action.  A penalty, a deflected kick on the edge of the box and a quickly taken free-kick deposited to the corner of goal sealed our 5-0 fate.    

Of the positives to come from the game I saw two.  First, Karl had another ripper, extending his hot streak to three games and counting.  He pulled off a few excellent shot stops and has made big improvements over the past fortnight in leaving his line and killing the contest.  I’m not sure of the actual stats, but he may well have been our leading possession winner.  Second, even though we lost, the game was somewhat enjoyable because of the quality of the refereeing.  The youngest referee is by some margin the best referee in the competition, and is someone his colleagues can look up to and learn something from.   

To flog the dead horse of worn out sporting clichés, a week really is a long time in sport.  This was our worst performance of the season, only seven days after our best performance of the season.  At the end of the day, a spade is a spade and in a two-horse race we placed third.  But,  “the boys are ready to bounce back this week”

Bayside FA Round 1 
Endeavour 7 - 0 Peninsula Old Boys (L)

Bayside FA Round 5
Peninsula Old Boys 0 - 2 Langwarrin (L)

Report: Shane Speedie

Best: Symons, Williams, Brownlee, Malm, McKinnon

Like the rebels occupying Tahrir Square after the overthrow of the repugnant autocrat Hosni Mubarak, we celebrated our first home game since the dark winter of 2013 as a symbolic victory of anti-oppression.  Players, friends of players, friends of friends of players, sponsors, friends of sponsors, close family, extended family, cousins, second cousins, third cousins, third cousins in law twice removed and also pets, turned out to celebrate also.  Mother Nature smiled on us too.  The sun shined brightly and the unseasonably warm weather combined with the smell of freshly cut grass and the drifting aroma of BBQ’d meats.  Onlookers made comments such as: “It’s difficult to think of a better place to be on a Sunday...” and “By golly, Katherine Crow’s only goal for the season sure did look offside...”  Even before the kick-off for the girls game, the club was victorious.      

To the game.  For the third match in a row, the first 20 mins following the ref’s starting whistle were our best.  Structures were adhered to.  For the most part possession was even, and for a few passages the ball ping-ponged off one-touch feet.  But then, also for the third match in a row, our game began to slip.  Symo, Brownlee and Lyndon were still winning the ball in the middle of the park, but they found it increasingly difficult to hit the now stationary targets further afield.  Eventually we were ambushed in a high-risk area of the park and a classy Langwarrin forward made us pay the ultimate price. 

It was a bitter blow, but we held our heads up.  Grizzly Adams’ beard was shaken loose in a thunderous clash in centre-field.  Srandon Bpeedie (this brilliant piece of encryption protects his/her identity) takes an early lead in the much coveted Kevin Muscat award.  This was another important piece of symbolism­ – we wouldn’t just fold to our much fancied opponents. 

Early in the second half, a very poor piece of concentration and defensive work from yours truly resulted in a second goal.  Again it was left to us to pick up the pieces and carry on; in this regard we succeeded.  We began to tire badly late in the second half, but the defence was starting to click and Karl reigned supreme, managing to repel roughly 10 decent forward forays.  When all was said and done, we had gone down two-nil.

So where to from here?  The man on the street suggested this Langwarrin team was the second best we’ve played behind Boronia.  It was also our best final-score result.  So on that crude yardstick, we continue to improve, and this can probably go down as our best game so far this season.  But I think we have now improved enough to not be content with gallant losses.  Richmond has been gallantly losing for three decades and no-one views them as a success story.  We must now take the Lleyton Hewitt mindset into matches: he stubbornly refuses to believe he will be beaten even against the most persuasive of cold hard facts.  And, for a time, even he was unbeatable.                 


Bayside FA Round 4
Seaford 4 - 0 Peninsula Old Boys (L)

Report: Shane Speedie

Best: Brownlee, Symons, Heard, Tingwell

So the date clicked over to May the force/fourth and the POBs boarded their Nubian cruiser for the trip down to Seaford. Sinclair’s Ford Millennium Falcon – once known to have done the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs – was somehow late. The Prez blamed the Fabritech transceiver relay’s connection with the hyperdrive, but a wookiee later suggested he was spotted at the Market Hotel with a bottle of ’59 Grange. The Imperial Consumption And Corruption committee (ICAC) is to investigate.
When we arrived it was clear the intergalactic winter had come early this year. It felt as though the wind was blowing directly from the Outer Rim territory of Hoth, and intermittent showers poured down with a ferocity not seen since the Great Wet of 3067-68.

We did our best to warm-up in the warm-up and hit the ground running when the start whistle was blown. Again we looked good when we kept the ball in possession and on deck, halving the contest for the first 20 mins. Seaford had some chances and so did we. Unfortunately we began to tire which created two interrelated problems. First, as we tire, we are less able to get free further afield and the ball carrier is forced to kick long – generally into the waiting feet of our opponents. Then we are forced to chase and defend again – further tiring us out. This creates an un-fortuitous spiral of Jabba-the-Hutt like doom.

We were then ambushed. Admiral Ackbar shouted “it’s a trap!” from the boundary, but Seaford out-numbered us at the penalty spot and tipped the ball in the corner. One-nil down, but the final result was far from set in Durasteel. Symo and Brownlee were winning plenty of ball in the middle of the park and the Tingwell/Heard combo was working well up forward. In the next play, these four combined to win a free within scoring distance. 
There was some discussion as to who should take the free to which Symo said; “I find your lack of faith [in me] disturbing”. So Darth…err… Symo unleashed his hyper-beam from a place kick 30 yards out that was stunningly saved with a fingertip over the bar. It looked in for all money. Even the highly conservative Blaglatter Beast of Trall would have wagered 15 republican silvers mid-flight for the kick to score. But it wasn’t to be.

After half-time, in apocalyptic rain so heavy it was difficult to see your own feet, we fought on. We had some good moments late in the game – as the play opened up – but again we failed to sneak the ball into the net. A further three X-wing fighters flew up our exhaust pipe and in the end we were defeated as convincingly as Vader and his Sith buddies. As Yoda might have said; “next week, there is always, keep improving should we.”

Bayside FA Round 3
Rosebud 3 - 0 Peninsula Old Boys (L)

Report: Shane Speedie

Best: Simmo, Louis, Lyndon

Because our Sand-pit was unplayable this early in the season the POB beach Volleyball team faced yet another away fixture – this time down at Rosebud.  Rumours flew thick and fast as to why this might be the case; the most plausible of all was that Sinclair Josh had sabotaged the home pitches to get an early season game in Rosebud ­– the president of the OBF’s home town ­– and thus stay on the good side of the might of the OBF.  Other rumours, such as suggestions we can’t play on our home ground until the Peninsula Saturday sport teams start playing were quickly discounted as illogical and farfetched. None-the-less, POB had found Rosebud as a happy hunting ground over the years.  We had won a Cup Semi-final there in our inaugural 2012 season and other victories against “Big-Bird” and the Italian-Stallion (who suggested his team-mates “play like beginner”).  We would have to improve from the week prior to come away with a victory today though.

After a stirring rendition of the last post to commemorate ANZAC day weekend we got down to business.  Early in the game we won the ball and looked good, playing 10-15 meter balls to feet.  Stan and Jim’s tuition was clearly paying off.  James Heard ­– playing with an alcohol stream full of peptides ­– run amok on the left-hand side.  Symo and the Frenchman were winning the ball in the centre of the park and the build-up to goal was good but often the last pass forward, or the shot on goal lacked precision and penetration.  Then, against the run of play, Rosebud deflected a dipping free-kick into the corner of the net.  Perhaps that was a lesson for us too; this was not a goal of pace or power or skill, but one of guile, smarts and experience.  The seasoned Rosebud forwards knew the dangerous area to run and willed the ball into the net.  Goal-scoring doesn’t have to be pretty.  We battled on.  Our work-rate was excellent and we protected the ball reasonably well at feet.  In this area we are improving quickly.  We showed glimpses of a team which will not be pushed around and bullied by more experienced opponents, but there is still much room for improvement.  

Late in the half we began to tire and lost some of our structure, but limped to the break 1-0 down. We were spent, or at least your correspondent was.  The 20m walk to the change rooms felt like the accent of Everest, with a 50kg pack on, in blinding heat, after a big night at the Bay.  At the break Coach was pleased with our improvement and endeavour, and implored us to continue.  We were close, but the cigar remanded elusive.  Again in the 2nd term, we controlled our fair share of the possession.  But when Rosebud went forward they took their opportunities, landing another two blows against our cause.  Late in the game play opened and our superior pace and agility began to overwhelm our opponents strength and skill.  Many promising forward forays were unfortunately blocked at the teeth of goal and when all was said and done, Rosebud ran away 3-0 victors. 

Have we improved? Yes.  But we are still off the pace.  Our challenge is to keep improving and bring the same commitment we showed in this game to training and future games.  As the song reads: “all for one and one for all, we’ll answer to the call!”

Bayside FA Round 2
Boronia 6 - 0 Peninsula Old Boys (L)

Bayside FA Round 1
Endeavour P - P Peninsula Old Boys (TBA)

Friendly # 2
Northbridge FC 6 - 1 Peninsula Old Boys (L)
Goals: Matthew Smart

Friendly # 1
Langwarrin Prem 4 - 0 Peninsula Old Boys (L)

Peninsula Old Boys: Reserves

Bayside FA Round 18
Croydon 1 - 1 Peninsula Old Boys (D)

Report: Jack Massey

The Herald Sun would have you believe that a statistical summary of the on-field events is all that is required for a thorough analysis of a sporting event. So with that in mind, it would appear that TOPSA Reserves had a terrible 2014 season. 3 points. 0 wins, 15 losses. 7 goals scored, 83 conceded. 60 minutes in the lead all season, 1 forfeit due to “injuries”, and 1 humiliating instance of the opposition keeper making it halfway up the pitch with ball in tow. Of course though, the Herald Sun is written by morons (shout out Andrew Bolt if you’re reading).

What is really required is a summary of the off-field events. 3 trivia night events rigged by Sinkers. 746 Matt Day facebook posts, including 3 good ones. 7 excellent match reports (plus Dave wrote some). 1 very loose interstate trip, where Prenda made sure the ressies won at least one thing this year (first to vomit). 4 rumoured sightings of the mythical CB’s vouchers.

Whilst this is a good start, all the numbers in the world couldn’t explain the spirit that has developed across the boys this season. It is possible that getting belted most weeks has helped foster the close-knit culture that was missing last year, as our focus has shifted to simply enjoying time spent with a ripping bunch of blokes. As Matt Day said, the banter is phenomenal… unless it comes from Matt Day.

Though we do spend most of our time talking shit, it is true that every now and then we try to play a bit of soccer. So it was on Sunday, as we hiked up to Croydon for our final match of the season. And just a bit of advice for the brainstrust at the “Bayside” League. If Croydon is bayside, then Sinkers is the Prime Minister of Australia and I’m a talented up and coming soccer star.

The mood was positive pre-game. Remarkably, a Croydon side had not scored against a TOPSA outfit this year. If there’s anything that is guaranteed to lift the spirits of a bottom-placed side, it’s the prospect of playing a team that is nearly as ‘skilful’ as we are. Plus, we had a debutant. The great man himself, the first coach in TOPSA history that could not only “be bloody bothered”, but actually knew a truckload about the game, was finally making his first appearance. Stan was in.

Then I was asked to run the line. Fair enough, I thought. I’ve probably been using this knee injury to get out of doing stuff for long enough. But then the ref told me I would need to wear a different top. Apparently players often get confused and pass to a bloke with glasses wearing jeans waving a yellow flag around on the sidelines. My good mood dulled temporarily as Andy Kevan’s questionable pink hoodie caused me to break a sweat for the first time in months.

But then, the unbelievable happened. No, Matty Day didn’t get a match on Tinder. Sinkers didn’t finish a beer before it became warm. Jarryd hadn’t shaved his beard. Jordy, wearing someone else’s too-small boots, had calmly slotted away a well-placed ball from midfield. We had scored. I felt like a Richmond supporter watching his team play finals. Dazed, and a little confused.

Thankfully, the boys on the pitch were far better at keeping their composure. Passes were being strung together with aplomb. Hard tackles were being laid. Dos and Andy were working as hard as ever in midfield. Jordy was looking dangerous up front. Stan and Jarryd were an imposing presence in defence (even if Stan could afford to talk a little more), allowing our wingers and full-backs more space than usual. Prenda even got forward for a shot. In true TOPSA style though, with only a couple of minutes left in the half, a penalty was conceded. Under strict instructions from Stan to “pick a side and commit”, the founder of the worst TOPSA catchphrases was all that stood between us and forfeiting our lead. It is a testament to Matty’s continual improvement throughout the season that he was up to the task.

We were in uncharted waters. Half-time with a 1-0 lead. Surely it was finally our time to taste victory?

It wasn’t, of course. Despite all our effort and endeavour, Croydon pushed hard in the second half. Finding a little too much space in the final third, they deservedly equalised. A couple of half-chances either way later, and the final whistle blew on our season. No wins, but a hell of a lot of fun.

Genuine thanks has to go to Stan and Jimmy, for committing everything into this year, and for putting up with a bunch of young blokes who use “words” like rekt far too regularly. Special mention to Matty Day for being the basis of the majority of my lazy analogies this season, and most of all to everybody that turned up and had a crack each and every week (on and off field), who make TOPSA such a fantastic club to be a part of.




Bayside FA Round 17
Peninsula Old Boys 0 - 11 Baxter (L)

Report: Jack Massey

When my parents allowed their first born son to choose his own football team, even the most forward thinking of individuals could not have predicted the negative impact it would have on my outlook on life. Before I had turned 8, my Richmond side had somehow managed to finish ninth four times. A couple of wooden spoons later, success would surely follow with 5 draft picks inside the top 20….enter Richard Tambling. One sole finals appearance in 2001 was ended with a twelve goal smashing. “Never mind”, my naive grade 3 self thought, “We’ll be back again”.

And I was right, we did return to finals. After I had finished primary school. And high school. And most of a uni degree. So, when we were five goals clear at half time, against a team that didn’t even qualify for the real stuff on their own merits, it’s safe to say that I was absolutely shitting myself. Would a lifetime of sporting collapses and disappointments continue? Is Matt Day on Tinder right now? Of course it fucking would.

Entering this Sunday’s encounter against Baxter however, my mindset had changed a little. 9 glorious weeks had led to 9 wins and the most unlikely of finals berths, and anything seemed possible as I drove to the game.

“Top of the ladder, are they? So was Sydney. 8-0 last time was it? The referee robbed us. Need to win to secure the title? They’ll choke under the pressure.”

When I arrived half an hour prior to kick-off however, I briefly recalled last week’s performance (by far the most embarrassing of the season) as our forfeit  due to lack of players gifted Mt Lilydale 3 points. But then I remembered we were playing at home, so would have a full bench.

The opening exchanges were relatively equal, as we looked to settle into the game against a well-drilled and composed side. When Matty Day faced approximately 143 shots in 2 seconds after Baxter seemingly didn’t realise they were shooting right at him (#camoboots), the possibility that luck was finally on our side was raised. 2 minutes later, we were behind and this thought was dashed. Whilst we kept fighting hard for the rest of the first half, the attacking class of Baxter ensured they had a comfortable lead at the break.

I am not entirely sure what Stan said in his half-time rev-up, but it seems possible that he delivered it to the wrong change room as we started shipping more goals than Man United against a third-tier English side. Despite the best efforts of Josh and Dos in midfield, the bearded wonder in defence and Prenda running the line (for 90 minutes, someone give him a voucher), we couldn’t make an attacking impression. Having spent the majority of the final 30 minutes talking Tigers (get around Alex Rance), I can’t recall too many more highlights. Reliable sources inform me this would have remained the case had I paid close attention, as the score threatened to reach double figures.

I do remember however the embarrassing celebration from some Baxter players after they scored whilst our keeper was lying in pain prone near the edge of the box. So in summary, we lost. By a lot. Again. Time to jump aboard the tiger train.



Bayside FA Round 15
Peninsula Old Boys 1 - 3 Bayswater (L)

Report: Jack Massey

Goals: Josh Casey

When you think of TOPSA reserves, you think of two things. Quality match reports, and Matt Day*. 

The week began in a pretty standard fashion for TOPSA’s balding cult figure. A couple of days searching on Tinder.  No luck. Things started looking up however, when for the first time in living memory, he did not ‘win’ the weekly title of most embarrassing facebook status (special shout out to Dave for his 1-year anniversary).  

As any good athlete knows, when you gather some lucky momentum, you need to make the most of it. Sensing the opportunity, Matt Day started off bonfire night attempting to compensate for his absence at the season launch. Having missed the previous opportunity to be embarrassed by Jon ‘Jabba the Hut’ Alonzo,he  quickly set about redeeming this, challenging Jon to an arm wrestle.

Unfortunately for the vanquished Day, despite his allegations of cheating, possessing actual biceps is not illegal in this, the simplest of sports. From this point on, even this reporter, a veteran of 18 months’ of witnessing TOPSA social occasions illustrating why on-field exploits aren’t our great strength, struggled to keep track of the antics of the great man. So to keep things simple, I have created a short list of my personal favourites.

·         Drinking more alcohol in two games of beer pong than Sinkers has all year

·         His declaration that he “knows the fucking potato business”

·         Subsequently attempting to clean a potato by scraping it with a burnt stick, whilst squashing the poor vegetable against the dirt with his foot

·         Crossing disgusting lines

Having survived his attempt to jump the bonfire (because he didn’t try), game day arrived quickly.  After a double figure belting last time around, pre-game hopes of a win seemed about as misguided as Sinkers’ weekly expectation that McCall will run the line. To be honest, I was just eager to associate Bayswater with something other than a month of crutches. And the first half certainly delivered that. Not only were my feet colder than at any point travelling Europe in winter, but we were right in the game. The pitch had clearly appreciated a week off, as crisp passes and strong tackles were being laid regularly. Midway through the half, scores were still level, and it was a genuine contest. By this time in our away clash, I was high on morphine, and we were already several goals down. As you might have guessed given I spent 300 words writing about his Friday night, Matty Day played a massive role in this. Powerful shots were blocked away confidently. Goal kicks were sensibly being allocated to the reliable Jimmy. And the penalty area was being controlled more decisively than we have seen all year.

Then came our chance. As with last week, it was well struck, this time by Alex. As with last week, it hit the fucking post. And as with last week, the rebound landed safely in the path of an opposition defender. Bloody physics costing us again. Perhaps disheartened by this, a few minutes later we failed to adequately clear a scrap from the box. Whilst the ball may have dropped into the wrong net, the boys’ heads didn’t, as positivity grew at the break. We were still a chance.

Then for a brief period….we weren’t. Two goals were quickly conceded at the start of the second half, and those watching on the sidelines feared a collapse was about to ruin not only Jimmy’s unusually positive on-field demeanour, but Matty Day’s chance of a birthday BOG, especially as some key players had to be rested to fill in for the ones. But this reserves side is made of sterner stuff than the May version (rumours remain unconfirmed whether my shift from right back to match reporter has contributed to this). The midfield battled hard to regain control of the ball. Matty’s frequent comparisons of himself to international keepers were looking less ridiculous by the minute, and Jackson “twenty minutes in the firsts” Prendergast was having another excellent game. Sustained pressure was creating some space up front, and a quality through ball found Josh with only the keeper to beat. Displaying far more composure than his Bombers’ did on Friday night (up the tiges), he tucked his shot past the keeper and scored a well-deserved goal. He was later heard to remark “I hope Stan was watching”.

The lads ability to fight out the second half against a good team, despite going 3 goals down, shows how far we have come this season. We have gelled as a team, are communicating much better than in our early games, and our passing has improved out of sight.

But enough of that. Today was all about one man. Love your work Matty (on and off field). But for the love of God, stay the fuck off Facebook.

*Some may associate us with losing, but you don’t need those type of people in your life.




Bayside FA Round 14
Langwarrin 1 - 0 Peninsula Old Boys (L)

Report: Jack Massey

As I arrived at Langwarrin for our first away game since our trip to Baxter, things seemed a little different. The sun was shining. I didn’t have to help set up corner flags or fail at trying to convince people to buy egg and bacon rolls. And we were playing a return game against a side that hadn’t destroyed us first time around. Oddly, despite the many cars surrounding the club, at kick off only 3 home supporters were watching the reserves game. 

In the opening exchanges, we created some of our smoothest attacking movements of the year. The midfield was combining well and giving Dave and Jordy up front more opportunities and space than prior weeks. D. Crow even had the audacity to pull off a couple of extravagant flicks, which, given the lack of angry four-letter words they generated from Stan, cheekily came off. Playing with a degree of composure not seen often enough this season, those on the bench were hopeful of the reserves reaching virgin territory in 2014…a win. Andy Kevan even had his own personal coach on the wing, as Mr. Bunnings on the sidelines threw his name into the ring as a possible challenger to Jimmy for the title of most vocal grey-haired TOPSA member (Jimmy would convincingly hold on to his label in the second half).  

Midway through the half, a solid build-up resulted in Jordy lashing a powerful left-foot shot towards the top corner. The bench rose. Surely, at long-last, we would take a deserved lead. Much like my desire to log onto facebook without seeing ‘Matt Day has updated his status’, these hopes were short lived, as the ball rebounded off the post with as much ferocity as it struck it. Given the noticeable slope on this particular Langy pitch, my very well remembered school physics classes, which I certainly didn’t choose purely to go to Dreamworld, tells me that on a regulation, flat ground, we would be ahead. In reality though, we were soon down a goal, as an unfortunate heavy touch in defence allowed the home side to sneak in and score at the near post. Despite this remaining the half-time score, the boys were undeniably positive at the break. We were often on top in general play, we just needed a little more finesse and a bit of luck on the final ball in attack.

The second half began, and Matty ‘I only live two paddocks over’ Day, started to get more bored than he does when he’s run out of Tinder matches, so rarely was he required to make a save. The game became a largely midfield battle, with few outright chances for either side. Dos and Josh were making good position through the middle, and we were desperately throwing ourselves into every tackle. Jarryd must have sensed the presence on the opposition bench of a beard to rival his, as he charged through the centre on a daring run far more entertaining than any sprint in the Commonwealth Games. Yet only a few minutes to go, we were still down. But the lads kept fighting, and with another quality attacking thrust Jordy was through on goal. Somewhat typical of our season of near misses, his shot couldn’t find the back of the net. 

We had played some of our best soccer of the year, and at least deserved a point from this hard fought game. Whilst Langy may have celebrated a win, at least our pitches are flat*.

*And always in fantastic condition**

**For mud wrestling.

    

Bayside FA Round 13
Peninsula Old Boys 0 - 5 Seaford (L)

Report: Jack Massey

All sporting clubs have members that have earned their fans respect through years of hard work and sacrificial performances. People whose sole motivation is to see the team they love succeed. Sydney has Buddy Franklin. No. I mean Kurt Tippett. Wait, no. Let me start again. St Kilda has Lenny Hayes. Collingwood had Nick Maxwell.

After these individuals retired recently, today saw the playing return, after his own 2-year “retirement”, of one of the many TOPSA characters, past and present (well, mostly present), who fit this selfless description. He is immortalised in history for earning the club’s first yellow card, when, in a Tyrone Vickery-like fit of rage, he viciously kicked the ball away after a free kick was conceded. This disciplinary record is no mean feat playing in a team with both Speedies. Legend also suggests that his composed finish was the difference in a mid-season 2012 game (the scorecard of 13-0 confirms that without his strike, the club was in severe danger of not making double figures).

Today though, he had to bide his time on the bench in the first half, as an undermanned TOPSA reserves attempted to combat a physically strong Seaford side. With fellow 1950’s babies Jimmy and Tim Chatfield sidelined by injury and working at IKEA respectively, Karl was roped in from the firsts to play the sweeping role with composure. We launched a number of moves forwards in the early going, but one of our most promising movements was thwarted in a way even our winless squad hadn’t experienced, as a 3-year old girl (suspiciously, the daughter of the Seaford keeper) perfectly timed her run on to the pitch to block Alex’s run up the wing.

Despite Jarryd and his beard (freshly trimmed for photo day) throwing himself into every tackle, an early goal was conceded after Matty Day’s camouflage boots couldn’t propel him to reach a well-taken penalty. Seaford continued to press for the remainder of the half, as we struggled to put together enough passes to really threaten the opposition goal after we fell behind.

At half time, Stan made a couple of changes, well aware we weren’t playing to our capabilities. As the boys emerged from the sheds, a murmur went through the crowd. The man himself had emerged, hoodie off. Sinkers was on. In a sign of confidence in his abilities, the former Labor candidate for Flinders, despite only training twice in two years, had grabbed the No.10 shirt. Had we found our Messi?

The signs early in the second half weren’t good however, as Seaford again monopolised most of the possession. The excellent passing and teamwork we had shown more regularly over the past few weeks didn’t reach their usual standard, as we worked hard to win the ball back only to turn it over too easily. This left The President unable to work his magic, as he, Jordy and Dave were presented with few opportunities up front.

With limited rotations, players had to battle away in unfamiliar positions with few breaks. As always, Simon and Josh were working hard in central midfield to provide us with some drive. A one-two orchestrated by Sinkers’ on the far wing had fans in raptures, but the experience of the Seaford side lead them to score four more goals as we were too often caught out of position.  

As Sinkers was subbed off, he complained he had “forgotten how much running you had to do off the ball” playing soccer. Simon’s vomiting in the technical area was testament to this (and that blocking a ball with your groin is not a desirable experience). Today was not a great day on the pitch, as Seaford ran out deserved winners. But at least we finally got to see Sinkers strut his stuff.



Bayside FA Round 12
Peninsula Old Boys 0 - 4 Rosebud (L)

Report: Jack Massey

Games against Rosebud have been the site of some of TOPSA seconds’ most memorable moments. The goal*of the millennium by a flame-haired defender, and a Rosebud midfielder with the physique of a weightlifter admonishing his teammates for “playing like beginners” are two that spring to mind. Unfortunately, our first encounter against them this year was noteworthy only due to the degree by which we got shellacked.

The improvement we displayed last week against Endeavour had us hopeful of a more positive result in the return game. Matty Day, buoyed by his matches on Tinder, even had the confidence to predict a clean sheet. Within the first 20 seconds however, these hopes were dashed as Rosebud demonstrated the benefits of coming out to play switched on, and immediately scored. The next period of the game showed how our resolve has improved during the season though, as we gained some control of the ball coming out of defence. The strong work of Simon through midfield and Jordy’s pace up front created a couple of half chances, but the constant threat posed by the classy Rosebud No.7 had us down at the break.

The boys were positive in the rooms at half-time. Our improvement from our first game of the season, when we conceded multiple goals in quick time, was evident in the way we restricted the strong start of the same opposition this time around. At the start of the second half, we tried to take this momentum that we had lost at the opening whistle. But much like the wagon spinning its rear wheels stuck in the sludge below the chopped up Detmold, we expanded a lot of energy and got mud everywhere** without being able to make decisive inroads. As we tired and lost a little defensive shape, Rosebud expanded their winning margin on the scoreboard beyond what the difference between the sides in general play deserved.

Whilst the 4-0 end result isn’t a score to be satisfied with, we again showed a lot of signs which suggest our first win will come soon. Our composure and touch on the ball is improving every week, and Matt is being faced with far less open shots at goal than he was a few months ago. With a little more luck, and perhaps a greater focus on communication during games so we can make the most of our possession, I am sure we will make Sinkers’ refusal to film reserves games look a poor choice.***

*Deflection

**Well, the players did. I was warm and dry inside my TOPSA waterproof jacket. See Sinkers to buy one. #freeadvertising #givemeavoucher

***I was also really disappointed by the conspicuous lack of mullets in the Rosebud team this week.


Bayside FA Round 11
Peninsula Old Boys 1 - 3 Endeavour (L)

Report: Jack Massey

Goals: Alex Hughes

Best: 

2014 has been a frustrating season for TOPSA reserves. Heavy losses, unsafe pitches, inconsistent form and Sinkers refusing to pull on the boots have conspired to land us rooted to the bottom of the table. Perhaps the nadir of our year though, was our previous demolition at the hands of Endeavour, as even their keeper literally ran rings around us.

This time around however, things seemed different. Matt Day was looking composed in goals, even briefly venturing outside his box. Prenda was fired up from his failure to get the job done at trivia night, unleashing a tirade of abuse at an Endeavour striker who seemed to have confused our waterlogged home pitch for a diving pool, whilst Simon was controlling the centre of midfield. Passes were effective, movement was fluid and talk was up.

Typically of our year though, our few mistakes were harshly punished by the more experienced opposition, as a turnover led to Endeavour drawing first blood. While in some previous games this undeserved deficit may have led to the boys dropping their heads, today was different. The defence, led by Jarryd and Jimmy, tackled hard and seemed to get a little under the skin of their skilful opponents, as their incessant cries of ‘Penalty!’ were met instead with a free kick to the home team.

One-nil down at the break, the mood was positive in the sheds. An upset could be sensed. As the second half began, we pushed for an equaliser. Jordy’s speed and work-rate was dangerous up front, whilst Nick and Josh combined strongly in midfield. Then, we found space on the wing. Prenda galloped forward and crossed a delightful ball inboard as Alex timed his run to the back post to perfection. His impressive afro cushioned an even more impressive header into the back of the net. For the first time this season, we had managed to bring back a lead. Our previous inability to hit the target was forgotten though. We were equal on the scoreboard, but we had all the momentum.

The final twenty minutes were tense on the sidelines. With myself and Sinkers placed in charge of substitutes as Stan readied the firsts, we displayed our innate soccer knowledge and creativity by doing exactly what Stan had told us to do. Jon was put into defence to see if he could add another notch to his scalp from Friday night. Then came our chance. Another ball was crossed in from the right wing…yet it seemed nobody was there to meet it. Enter Dave Crow. Whilst his Endeavour opposition had been paying more attention to the diving tactics of Robben inside the penalty box, D. Crow apparently preferred the ridiculous diving header scored by van Persie, as he threw himself horizontally at the incoming ball. He arched through the air with such grace that it is now his profile picture. Unfortunately though, the groans from the crowd said it all, as his desperate attempt just failed to connect. The conclusion to the game was hard to stomach for the POB (especially Tingwell, who did well to play on after copping a hard hit to the ribs). Exhausted after our efforts to retrieve their, we lost a bit of shape as an excellent strike put us 2-1 down. The last kick of the game added undeserved salt to our wounds as we fell to a 3-1 loss, despite controlling a lot of the match.

A harsh lesson to cop, yet one which will hold us in good stead for the remainder of the year. Our improvement in two touch passing has been impressive since the previous Wednesday night debacle against this Endeavour side. If we keep this up, we will be singing the song sooner rather than later.


Bayside FA Round 10
Peninsula Old Boys 1 - 6 Boronia (L)

Report: David Crow

Goals: Nick Tingwell

Best: 

TOPSA reserves played Boronia reserves today after the reverse fixture got cancelled due to an unsafe pitch. Our pitch wasn’t in the best condition due to all this rain and the ref decided to play on the girls pitch.

Boronia were a much larger side and exploited this right from the start taking control of the game. On the more physical side of things we have been getting better but that can not be said for today’s game. The cause of this I can’t put my finger on today but for whatever reason we collectively had not turned up and this showed in a lacklustre performance. Where we failed to make any real impact or make any real significant challenge for the ball.

This did start to change towards the end of the first half and in the second half with the introduction of Tingwell in the centre of our midfield. Providing the size and aerial ability we have missed so far this season. Hopefully with a couple more games in there he can adapt to this new position and start commanding and winning the ball for us, bringing it down so we can move the ball about. Like we know we can!

We did play a little better in the second half but ultimately had already lost the game. Nick “I miss kicked it” Tingwell did grab us a consolation goal pushing forward beyond our strikers and in behind the Boronia defence making the final score line 1-6. A disappointing result to a disappointing performance.

We need to play much harder next week getting back to the level of performance and commitment we showed against Croydon getting ourselves a positive result. If we do this combined with gaining some players off the Premier bench there is no reason we can’t push on, improve and get some more good results.



Bayside FA Round 9
Peninsula Old Boys Res 0 - 0 Croydon Res (D)

Report: David Crow

Best: 

Pitches looked dubious but the ref said the games were going to go ahead. The conditions didn’t seem compatible with good football but we managed to prove that wrong and put in a solid performance.

The first half we knocked the ball about with some confidence and managed to push forward on a number of occasions looking dangerous. With the ball holding up in the water on the surface and the hard running from Jordy “I can’t believe he was blind” Durso.  I took a hard kick to the shin resulting in a dead leg and Karl “the gun” Malm coming on and latching onto another through ball coming up one on one against the Croydon keeper. However the condition didn’t help us this time and the ball got stuck under Karl’s feet and he fluffed the chance. Poor effort Karl dropped for the next game!

Half time score 0-0

The second half we came under considerably more pressure. Especially in the last 15 to 20 minutes but did really well to hold them and limit the amount of clear cut chances and the ones that did get through Matt “who said he wasn’t a keeper” Day came good. Standing strong and putting his body in where it hurts to keep them scoreless. Once again Jordy “he really was blind” got forward with an aggressive and direct run getting round the back of their defence and nearly bent the ball into the far corner.

Final score 0-0

Great effort from everyone, Well done boys! 





Bayside FA Round 8
Baxter Res 9 - 0 Peninsula Old Boys Res (D)

Report: David Crow

TOPSA reserves played Baxter reserves today and I will be keeping this short and to the point.

First half we conceded 2 goals before a key defender today was sent off. Conflicting reports from the man himself saying he did nothing wrong and others in our defensive line saying he did handle the ball. The resulting penalty was saved by our Keeper, Matt Day, leaving the score 2-0 when the whistle blew.

Second half, NOT GOOD ENOUGH! Sloppy goal after sloppy goal! Final score a disappointing 9-0 defeat.


Bayside FA Round 7
Peninsula Old Boys 1 - 5 Mt Lilydale (L)
Goals: Karl Hughes

Report: David Crow

Best: Andrew Kevan, James Pettit, Matt McCall

After watching the girls win once again in only our second home games of the season TOPSA reserves were looking to replicate our last home performance. Sadly we did not get off to a good start with some exceptionally costly mistakes from our man between the sticks. Meaning the goats were up by 3 goals in the first 15 minutes.

Quickly putting this poor start behind us we managed to find our form and started moving the ball about nicely. With the two touch passing that has seen us look competitive in spells this season and it paid off with James Pettitt slipping through fellow Englishmen Karl Huges to slot home for his 2nd goal in as many matches. This good play continued and we could have closed the gap more but for the final ball or shot just not quite being there for us.

At half time the old war horse Jimmy had some home truths to tell to us as a squad and to some individuals in our team. This lead to an improved work ethic from everyone concerned and we managed to keep up the good play and held our own physically against a much larger team. This was extremely pleasing to see as that has been one of our biggest criticisms so far.

Unfortunately despite this much improved performance they still managed to sneak one more goal past us making the final score 1-5 to the away side. However we should be extremely proud of our performance today and the final score line didn’t truly reflect the game. If you cut out those goals we handed to them a 1-2 score line still would have been harsh on us.

Lets keep it up and keep pushing for those results and they will come.


Bayside FA Round 6
Bayswater 11 - 1 Peninsula Old Boys (L)
Goals: Karl Hughes

Bayside FA Round 1 
Endeavour 8 - 0 Peninsula Old Boys (L)

Report: David Crow

Best: Hayden, Jordy, Jimmy

For this mid week game against Endeavour we came up against a very strong and complete squad.

Needless to say the game itself did not go well and we struggled from start to finish. Legs were shot and we were demoralised falling to a heavy defeat. We were not good enough today and have left myself questioning my own performance and effort.

Lets try and put this game behind us and move onto the weekends game. Hopefully our bodies will have recovered by then and we can continue on from the good work of the previous weekend against Langy. 


Bayside FA Round 5
Peninsula Old Boys 0 - 0 Langwarrin (D)

Report: David Crow

Best: Day, Turner, Casey

First home game of the season and after watching the Girls storm home with an impressive 8-0 win our boys were fired up! We were playing a Langwarrin side who also hadn’t picked up any points so far this season but had beaten us soundly 4-0 in a pre season friendly.

The game itself was fairly evenly matched even if Langy edged us on goal scoring opportunities but this week we had a secret weapon... Matt Day. Pulling off a number of seriously impressive saves! Starting off with a good free kick coming from the right side and creeping into the near bottom corner before Matt got down to it at full stretch, firmly pushing it out of play.  They peppered his goal two more times in the first half with long range shots flying on target but once again Matt was equal to it pushing them up and over his bar.

That combined with a much improved performance from our side lead us in at half time 0-0. We managed to play some very nice football moving the ball about with 2 touch passing. This good play meant we were able to threaten goal on a number of occasions through a couple different players. The best of which came from big James Pettitt who looks like a good recruitment from the Mother Land, screaming an effort just over the bar.

The second half started with an incident we shall not mention but we got away with the mistakes, much to the relief of the entire team. The rest of the half went much the same as the first with us playing some nice football. Langy threatened the goal more but for some more great play from Matt  Day, pulling off some goal stopping saves and looking as commanding in his box as we have seen him this season!

With tiring players all over the pitch Keeper Karl came on for a run up top looking dangerous and causing there defence some problems. However they were pouring the pressure on with our legs gone in the middle and a string of corners coming into our box. Gladly we managed to deal with all that was thrown at us and everyone one to a man kept working and running for the team. Then Karl managed to break through there defence with a powerful run shooting early with a shot that looked in all the way until the last second and it crept just the wrong side of the post…nearly stealing all three points.

Great result, great performance and our first point of the season! More huge strides forward for our team as a unit, we are getting better every time we pull on the shirt. LET’S KEEP IT UP!

(note I didn’t mention myself in this one)


Bayside FA Round 4
Seaford 4 - 0 Peninsula Old Boys (L)

Report: David Crow 

Best: Hayden, Andy, Jarryd

TOPSA reserves once again took to the field of play this Sunday at Seaford. Coming up against a physical and well organised team and ultimately falling to another defeat, 4 goals to 0 which is improving on the 9 conceded the week before.

The game started brightly for us though before Seaford had properly switched on and after a quick push forward and a scramble on the edge of the area. The ball fell to D.Crow who calmly took a touch and slotted the ball home. As we all started wildly celebrating are good start high fiving and bum slapping galore…none of us noticed the flag up on the far side and the goal was disallowed.

Even with this loss positives can be taken from the game. A couple of the goals conceded were directly from our mistakes, switching off at vital times, and if we cut these out we can be more competitive! Especially if Jarryd continues to put in the performances he has at the back so far this season.

Going the other way Jordy using his pace and work rate looks dangerous, testing the keeper with a long range free kick. At times we are starting to move the ball about nicely and chances are starting to come. Helped this week with the partnership of Dos, who always runs around like a mad man and Andrew Kevan “Mr Bunnings himself” in the centre of the pitch, a partnership we hope can flourish in the coming weeks. As we start to build more structure into our play and working out people best positions.

We are getting better! 

Bayside FA Round 3
Rosebud 9 - 1 Peninsula Old Boys (L)
Goals: Praveen Hordagoda 

Report: David Crow 

Best: Jimmy, Jarryd, Hayden

TOPSA reserves played at Rosebud this weekend in our first game of the season after the disappointment of the cancellation of the previous two rounds. With the excitement of finally getting a game this year we started brightly, with a fast attack up the right wing. Some nice link up with the midfield duo of D.Crow and Dos spreading the ball wide to Alex on the wing.

Sadly this good start didn’t come to anything and it wasn’t long before we lost our shape and started to give the ball away cheaply. Rosebud proceeded to punish us for this and the goals started flying in, some from good play by a talented Rosebud side and some from our mistakes.

Clearly some structural work is needed on our part and we relied heavily on ol’mate Jimmy at the back, bringing100% effort and skill putting us young blokes to shame. However we did go through spells of good play and managed to put Stan’s instructions into play at times.

Second half was a similar story but with the loose canon of Tim Chatfield replacing Jimmy. Tim and Jaryd put in wonder displays at the back but with tiring legs there was little protection in front of them and the goals continued to go in.

Last but not least comes the time we have all been waiting for! Super Prav got forward as part of a counter attack and used his pace and power to latch onto a good ball forward, striking the ball calmly past a dumbfounded keeper.

With time and us continuing to put the hard work in at training things will come together. We need to remember we are practically a brand new team this year with all the new recruits and mixed abilities playing in a higher league than expected. Not everyone’s best positions are known yet and it will take time to gel.

Most importantly everyone put in everything they had and we were all in it together, supporting each other on and off the pitch. Great group of lads and things will come good.

Bayside FA Round 2
Boronia v. Peninsula Old Boys (TBA)
Match abandoned due to unsafe pitch

Bayside FA Round 1
Endeavour P - P Peninsula Old Boys (TBA)

Friendly # 1
Langwarrin Res 3 - 0 Peninsula Old Boys (L)

Peninsula Old Girls: Premier League

Bayside FA Cup Round 2
Peninsula Old Girls 1 - 2 Boronia (L)
Goals: Olivia Gregory 


Bayside FA Cup Round 1
Bayswater 3 - 2 Peninsula Old Girls (L)
Goals: Kat Crow, Millie Osterberg

Report: Melanie Walker

Today's MATCH REPORT!!!

Runners up VS league champs!!! What a serious first game for the cup, beginning the game on a high note starting it off in our half with every player fighting so hard to show bayswater that TOPSA MEANS business!!!!!

I don't really remember much of the game except "lada di lada da lada da.... Singing in the shower." But we surely were giving those bayswater chicks a head ache.... But I think that was from Joshua Sinclair coaching from the side. With two SPECTACULAR goals from the great Kat Crow and Emilia Österberg (which her dad got to see cause he just flew over)

Shout out to the girls that are sick(Sam Harnett), injured(Riana Cipollone),hung (Samara Stephens) over or just very unfit (myself) and even the girls who didn't play.... The TOPSA girls team has highly improved and to name a few Eliza Sinclair,Emma Woods and Meg Barry, you girls are a BIG part of the team, with amazing skills and fitness built with the thanks to Peter Crow and his support!!!!!

With our newbies for this year Colleen Ferry,Jess Beddows,Brodie Chong,Tenisha Chong, Olivia Gregory, Millie , Samantha Koziol and Chloe Box(I'm sorry if I forgot anyone) but I hope you have enjoyed your year, made some friends and had a few laughs  we defiantly wouldn't have made runners up with out you all with Jess screaming for the ball, our own energiser bunny liv and our awesome shutter down chick Colleen in defence.

You are all equally important to this team, and I might not have mentioned a few like Sally Radnell, Tara Jackson, Ellie Barry but where would we be without out....

Eliza I hope your foot results come back alright x x

So my match report turned into a positive up booster thing for everyone....



Bayside FA Round 16
Montrose v. Peninsula Old Girls (W) 
Goals: Kat Crow x 2, Olivia Gregory x 2


Bayside FA Round 15
Peninsula Old Girls 6 - 0 Montrose (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x 2, Riana Cipollone x 2, Colleen Ferry, Jess Beddows


Bayside FA Round 14
Peninsula Old Girls v. BYE


Bayside FA Round 13
Peninsula Old Girls 1 - 2 Bayswater (L)
Goals: Samara Stephens


Bayside FA Round 12
Peninsula Old Girls 2 - 2 Boronia (D)
Goals: Olivia Gregory, Kat Crow


Bayside FA Round 11
Peninsula Old Girls 4 - 2 Rosebud (W)
Goals: Olivia Gregory x 2, Samara Stephens, Sam Harnett 


Bayside FA Round 10
Rosebud 0 - 2 Peninsula Old Girls (W)
Goals: Millie Osterberg, Samara Stephens


Bayside FA Round 9
Peninsula Old Girls 7 - 1 MCSA (W)
Goals: Riana Cipollone x 3, Kat Crow x 2, Olivia Gregory, Millie Osterberg 


Bayside FA Round 8
Bayswater 4 - 3 Peninsula Old Girls (L)
Goals: Olivia Gregory x 2, Jess Beddows 


Bayside FA Round 7
Peninsula Old Girls 4 - 2 Boronia (W)
Goals: Riana Cipollone, Millie Osterberg, Kat Crow, Jess Beddows


Bayside FA Round 6
Rosebud 3 - 5 Peninsula Old Girls (W)
Goals: Kat Crow, Olivia Gregory x 2, Millie Osterberg, Samara Stephens 


Bayside FA Round 5
Peninsula Old Girls 8 - 0 Montrose (W)
Goals: Kat Crow, Sam Harnett, Olivia Gregory x 2, Riana Cipollone x 2, Jess Beddows x 2


Bayside FA Round 4
MCSA 4 - 5 Peninsula Old Girls (W)
Goals: Olivia Gregory x 4, Millie Osterberg

Bayside FA Round 3
Bayswater 3 - 2 Peninsula Old Girls (L)
Goals: Millie Osterberg, Olivia Gregory

Bayside FA Round 2
MCSA 1 - 3 Peninsula Old Girls (W)
Goals: Riana Cipollone, Jess Beddows x 2 

Bayside FA Round 1
Boronia 1 - 0 Peninsula Old Girls (L)

Friendly #2
Rosebud 3 - 2 Peninsula Old Girls (L)
Goals: Millie Osterberg, Samara Stephens

Friendly # 1
Langwarrin 1 - 3 Peninsula Old Girls (W)
Goals: Millie Osterberg, Kat Crow, Olivia Gregory