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2015 Match Reports


Seniors

2015 Bayside FA Season

R14: Bayswater 1 - 0 TOPSA (L)


R13: Croydon 1 - 1 TOPSA (D)
Goal: Lyndon Williams

Freshly rested from a healthy weekend of detox and fine sea air down at Warrnambool, the Flamingos made the trek to our traditional late-season rivals, Croyden.  Must be a quirk of fixturing, but we always seem to play these guys away in warm spring weather late in the season.  Today was no different.  The weatherlady said “25 and sunny” and Dave Crow said “call an ambulance; heatstroke!”.  Todd was likewise worried about the UV index hitting moderate and made extra care to ensure the small gap between the top of his shin pads and the bottom of his shorts was protected.  Everyone else worked on their knee-cap tan. 


Early, we dominated.  Man-for-all-seasons Prendergast and his offsider Smarty controlled the play in the centre of midfield and provided plenty of drive forward where Trent and Chris patrolled dangerously.  Both forwards ran rampant and peppered the goal-face with healthy strikes on goal.  It really was just a matter of time before we scored. 

Trent got legged while in a scoring position and secured a penalty, but the thick and square posts denied the conversion.  Still we pressed on forward.  Many other shots went marginally wide or blocked on the line by the goalie.  Frustration was starting to build, but chief destroyer Lyndo found himself handy to the goal and coolly slipped one to the right of the goalie.

After half-time the game turned on its head.  There wasn’t much of a breeze and the ground was equally bumpy all over, so it couldn’t be the conditions.  Prenda was on the bench though.  And look, he’s a pretty good bloke and an Essendon supporter and had a decent crack on EOST so hell, let’s just say he was the main difference.  These are the sort of mildly outrageous claims you can make in your own match report. 

Anyway, the second half was a polar-opposite of the first.  Opposition midfielders swarmed the defence and their talented but opportunity-starved forward became involved in the play.  Tis found himself busy on the goal-kicks and we did a bunch of defending at the set-piece.  We didn’t do a great job of defending the corner kicks and set-pieces but emerged unscathed through a decent chuck of luck. 

The match was drawing to a close and we continued to hang in.  Symo was totally flushed of colour (normal) but also looked sick.  The heat was having its say on the rest of us too.  Late, a throw came to their chucky centre-forward who spun and slotted a classy finish past a diving Tis.

Certainly not the result we were looking for.  There were a couple of emotional spot-fires in the rooms post-match but that’s to be expected when passionate people disagree.  It would be more concerning altogether if there were no displays of care or desire.

On the upside, we take another point from a premier-league match.  And we have another opportunity to do the same this week against Bayswater.  Let’s cap the season in style.  Up the Flamingos.    


R12: TOPSA 3 - 3 Rosebud (W)
Goals: Chris Stannett x 2, Trent Harrison

Thompson Cup: TPS XI 4 - 3 TOPSA (L)
Goals: Chris Stannett, Trent Harrison x 2

R11: TOPSA 2 - 2 Boronia (D)
Goals: Chris Stannett, Jackson Prendergast

Report: Shane Speedie

On hearing of Sylar’s death in Heroes, Noah Bennett famously remarks: “well, that’s less than ideal…”  Flamingos were equally dumbstruck at the start of this match.  With Todd one ankle short of a full set, Lyndo off holding hands with Kate, Tis at a Sunday session with the Harem and Louis’s mouth askew, we were decidedly short when it came to assembling a soccer team.  Further “less than ideal” news came in that Rhys was stuck at work and also that our opponent was the undefeated and all-conquering Boronia outfit. 

But, wily members then cast their minds back to previous encounters in similar situations.  One of our greatest victories was in fading light with a makeshift goalie, down to 10 men and holding on through extra-time with only a penalty shootout advantage.  Others will recall an earlier battle this season against Rosebud when we were unable to even field a standard team of 11, but came away with the most honourable of losses.  Those results were far from “less than ideal”.

This club is made of stern stuff.  Our best is often produced when backed to the wall and facing two options; a meek surrender or a willing scrap. 

Smarty stepped forth for the toss and play was soon underway.  As has been the status quo in these encounters in the past, Boronia held possession and transferred the ball sweetly and crisply in their back half.  “If they want to pass it round in the back-half, so be it…” said our fearless coach pre-match.  Fine by us we thought.

The trouble emerged for Boronia when they tried to transition the ball to their attacking half.  Here our haphazard midfield pounced.  Prenda, Mash, Scholes.  Three defenders from the reserves – after having played a full game already –  were now put to work as grunt wingmen.  As soon as the ball was passed forward of the half-way line… BANG… three committed flamingos ambushed the play.  This was far from pretty, but effective.

Down back, Brando had re-acquainted himself with Baldy and began where he left off last match.  As has become routine in these encounters, the opposition captain led from the front with incoherent babble and bleating when faced with stiff resistance to goal.  We had struck the early moral victory yet again.

Play wore on and our intensity increased.  Our competitive streak was now unleashed and the crowd, sensing something special was unfolding, became increasingly involved in the match.  Prenda worked himself to exhaustion and asked for a sub, but was denied as there were no ready replacements.  We would have forgiven him if he decided to stop running, but instead we witnessed true mental resolve; true leadership through actions and deeds.  Behind this ultimate clubman we rallied and counter-punched our way forward.

Symo started to find the ball at feet and suddenly we looked a bit too quick, a bit too agile for these big-bodied Boronians.  In a tough day to play as a centre-forward Jordy played the perfect foil for Chris who imposed himself on the match.  A few flicks in behind the defence and he split the backline like an axe though a coconut.  Soon one of these perfectly weighted balls and a sharp finish had Chris in to give us the advantage going in to half time.

At the break we were buzzing.  My hands were shaking with adrenaline and I could tell the lads felt the same.  “Boys, no-one has taken a point off these jokers all season, NO ONE!” Implored Stan.  “Stick to the plan, hold your structure and we’ll take our fair-share from this match.”

We began the second half as we left off, Chris running amok down the left side – proving too fleet of foot for the Boronia defenders.  Once again he cracked them for speed and just before a shot on goal he got sandwiched in the box.  A clear penalty, but the ball had spilt free and there was the big-bird waiting for an easy tip in.  If there is such thing as Karma, all those watching on had seen it clear here.  Exhausted, bruised, hurting and beyond fatigue, Prenda was committed to the cause and now found some loot of his own.  Fitting.

Now we faced our final challenge – to hold on with a tiring and undermanned crew. 

Our opponents gathered possession and came hard.  Possession was probably 80/20 in their favour for the match and we started to flag badly under the strain.  A chip over the top forced Ryan off his line to intercept.  There wasn’t a heap in the challenge, but some vocal whining ensured it was deemed a penalty that was quickly converted.

We faced a real trial from here.  We were spent.  Totally.  Our crowd of avid supported urged us on but our legs felt like two hollowed out tree-trunks and our minds spun with the dizziness of fatigue.  It became increasingly difficult to organise ourselves and the structure that had served us so well all day started to break down. 

Unfortunately we couldn’t hold on.  Late in the match with the structure broken Baldy came up with a classy finish to crush our hopes of victory. 

Not the fairy-tale finish we had hoped for.  But this was still a brilliant match to be a part of.  Those who were there, who had sacrificed for the cause now have something special to share amongst each other.  We had stood firm in the face of adversity and added yet another chapter to the book of  epic encounters against the odds.  


Days like these make the club.  I was there.  Where were you?    



R10: Seaford 3 - 1 TOPSA (L)
Goals: Chris Stannett

Report: Matt Smart

After a successful July, but a rocky start to August with a narrow defeat to Rosebud, the Flamingos were in need of another result to steady the ship and put ourselves back on track for a possible mid-table finish. Introduce our bogey team, Seaford. Past encounters against this side have never been fun, often ending in heavy defeats. One would have to scrap through the history books to find our last and only victory against them back in 2012. Clearly the reason behind these losses were because blue clashed with yellow and so our genius president Sink made us wear our white away jersey either for that reason or as a way to explain why we’d spent so much money on something so unnecessary.

Looking at the squad depth prior to the game suggested we would be in for another hard day at the office. With both Speedies out through suspension and Todd with an injury, we were starting to lose numbers faster than the Australian cricket team. Actually that’s an overstatement, we’re nowhere near as embarrassing as those muppets. It was still a predicament to overcome however and even though Rhys was adamant he could protect the backline all by himself, we needed re-inforcements. Luckily, we were able to call up Ryan, Prenda and Scholesy after an impressive performance from all the 2’s, which gave us some encouragement. Hell we even had a bench for once.

Nevertheless today Stan was the man with a plan, as he pulled what he thought was to be the biggest breaking news story of 2015 when he told us Mikey D would be playing at left back. Don’t adjust your screens people you read that correctly. The man had been on a mission recently, putting in impressive performances over the past month or so and was rightly placed in the starting line-up. However, it would remain to be seen if this was the right call.

So after that long and mostly unnecessary introduction the game began and once again we started brightly. Instead of being easily shrugged and bullied off the ball like in the past, we were able to control it and begin to create chances of our own. Ryan was generating opportunities from long and dangerous free kicks, Chris and Trent again were forming a good partnership, it just wasn’t coming off on the scoreboard.  

Up until 20 minutes, it was all the Flamingos way, and the new back-line was working well together. Scholesy was winning challenges, Ryan and Rhys were keeping the zippy no.10 quiet and Durrance had won more headers within this small period than in the entire season. Maybe this was the day we wouldn’t concede from a set-piece. In came a swinging corner and a mix-up saw the big centre midfielder left unmarked and he powerfully headed home. Another period of dominance ending in the POB going behind. Vintage TOPSA, so vintage in fact that even the two’s have begun to follow suit.

Not long after that and a stray ball from the midfield was intercepted and caught everyone off guard and an admittedly good counter attack from Seaford put us 2-0 down. This is where things could have gotten dangerous. Either we were going to fight our way back into the contest, or slide into oblivion. We dug our heels in and managed to keep it that way until half-time.

The message at half-time was quite simple. Stan didn’t give a shit about the result, but we didn’t deserve to be in the position we found ourselves in. If we could continue playing the football we have become used to recently we could still come away with something. Unfortunately Seaford had other plans and 30s from within the kick-off they’d broken our lines and fired a bullet straight past Tiz, the lad had no chance with that one.

We had worked too hard to just roll over and allow this to become another heavy defeat. So again we dug in and got to work, fighting hard for the ball and trying to find the men up top. He who must not be mentioned managed to get a hold of it once or twice and looked threatening. But then, out of nowhere, came yet another freakish goal from Chris. I can’t tell you how he did it, but it was something along the lines of a 30-yard volley in to the top corner. The man was even celebrating before it had even gone in he’d hit it that sweetly.

So even though we lost 3-1, we were able to at least draw the second half. Even with the defeat, there were still positives to come out of it. The Mikey D experiment had proven to be a success, another good effort as he showed a more versatile side to his game. The defence in general all played well, any one of them could get votes. Ryan could even be on for the first ever 6 pointer. No parma vouchers this week though, sorry boys. So having played one of the two best teams in the league next week we face the other in Boronia, but we’ll go into it confident we can get a result, much like last year.


Cup R6: TOPSA 0 - 2 Rosebud (L)

R9: TOPSA 6 - 2 Frankston City (W)
Goals: Chris Stannett x 3, Trent Harrison x 2, Lyndon Williams 

Report: Matt Smart

After the comprehensive disposal of Baxter last week, there was a positive atmosphere going into this encounter with Frankston City. In the reverse fixture, an entertaining contest ended up in a 6-3 defeat, which is staggering. How we managed to score 3 goals against any team should bring up questions upon the opposition’s defence. Sure enough they had let in the same amount of goals as us across the season, but with us solidifying that department in the past few weeks, there was a glimmer of hope we could sneak a few past these Langwarrin traitors.

Last week there was a noticeable absence in Simmo as he decided to go to Adelaide and spend the weekend with his loved one… Liverpool FC. However upon his arrival today, when told he should be dropped due to us delivering our best win in 2 years without him, he smugly replied, “I’m too good for the twos”.  Today however there was another absentee which became apparent after one of Stan’s very controversial jokes didn’t receive the usual rapturous laughter one would expect, which begged the question, where was the Cute Yoplait kid? 

Regardless the game began and the flamingos started brightly, with Simmo sticking to his rather stubborn words and winning a lot of ball in the middle. However, as has become quite regular with the prem side nowadays, periods of dominance that lead to no immediate result can instead end up in a lapse in concentration. And so out rang the words and phrases we’ve come to know and loathe: “NOT THERE!”, “NO NO NO NO, AHHHHHH”, “EVERY WEEK”, “DON’T YOU DARE TELL ME YOU KNOW”. Shane, the culprit on this occasion, was not seen after half-time. Some say he had a cricket AGM, others say Stan killed him. To be confirmed.

Even with this set-back though we persevered and soon passes were finding feet, through balls were finding the attackers, and before long, both Chris and Trent had shown their class tucking the chances home beautifully and we were 3-1 to the good. Everyone was cheering, except for Dave of course whose Golden Boot hopes were fading by the minute. Frankston were struggling to win and hold the ball in the middle of the park, forcing them to go high and long which allowed Rhys to boss the air with authority. Genuinely don’t think the guy lost an aerial battle. Brando was also winning tackles and playing well, which can’t be said about his post-match Parma challenge performance. Meanwhile Cam “I deserve a mention” Parsons was also doing a good job… at running the line.

Half-time came and went and there was just one aim amongst the squad, lets not pull a ressies. These hopes were soon dismissed as Trent and Chris again linked up well to slot away the 4th which put us into uncharted waters. A comfortable win in the Premier league? Surely not. Frankston did manage to hit the scoreboard again but their threats on goal were few and far between.

Then came an event so shocking, that police were called to the scene. Looking for a hat-trick, Chris had the keeper beat, the ball slowly making its’ way towards an inevitable third and Golden Boot clinching goal. That was until the biggest case of daylight robbery hit the Peninsula since Mornington somehow beat us three weeks ago. Chief Flamingo Lyndo came hurdling in to smash the ball home on the line to which Chris didn’t know whether to congratulate or punch the captain. One thing’s for sure; the club will be installing goal line technology before lights to avoid such disputes in the future.

But no matter, with the game coming to a close, a free kick was won on the corner of the box. Up stepped the hungry Stannett, determined to claim the match-ball, and did so in style, as his bending shot ended up in the far corner, literally hitting the GoPro set up in the net. Put that on the highlight reel, what an amazing piece of footage that’d be. What’s that? It ran out of battery. 

It was still the icing on top of what had been another comprehensive victory, which may even lift us off the bottom of the table.  Hopefully this can propel us to push even higher up the ladder, but for now we’ll enjoy the moment and sing the song together. You know you’re doing well when 80% of the team have learnt the words. 


Cup R5: TOPSA 4 - 0 Baxter (W)
Goals: Chris Stannett x2, Trent Harrison, Lyndon Williams 

Report: Shane Speedie

So.  Another mid-winter rematch.  Once again against our pals from down at Mt Eliza east.  Sinclair beat his “rival” drum once again, but even the addition of the fierce pronoun “arch” to the front of the word “rival” failed to create the aforementioned atmosphere.  Quite the opposite.  

The blue sky had dried much of the water from the previous week and the friendly pre-match chit-chat between these so-called sworn enemies had Scooby-Doo stumped.  “Ruf-Ruf.”  “Yes I know Scooby, I don’t think it’s a rivalry anymore”  “Ruf-Ruf-Ruf”  

Anyway, Lyndo went forth for the customary coin-toss and as the pitch looked flat, we decided to bat first. 

We took a little while to settle into the rhythm of the match and Baxter held the early ascendency.  They were well organised up forward, and created some headaches as we grappled with a defensive method.  Their talented and speedy forward played very wide, making it difficult for the rest of the defence to link together.  Here, while under the pump, Brando showed his value.  Isolated one-on-one, his speed, strength and experience saved our bacon at least four times.  When the match was in the balance, he was our most influential afield.

We arrested the initiative.  Smarty got involved and his crispy passes cracked the Baxter defensive line.  Trent imposed himself and looked dangerous along with his offsider Chris.  They both combined and Chris opened the score with a cool slap past the keeper. 

Soon after Chris was in again for an early brace.  You’d have to go back to the dark days of 2013 for a corresponding scoreline so early in the match, so there was some concern we’d blow it.  But no.  We scrapped it out till half time and for once we were a happy bunch at the break.

After the switchover we put into practice what we had spoken about.  We took a bit longer on the ball, and looked for feet a little more.  Soon these tweaks payed their dividends.  Newcomer Trent took a couple of bemused defenders on the slotted it past the ‘keeper, then just before the final whistle, Lyndo cracked a signature net-burner into the top left. 

This was a match we were expected to win, and we did.  Four-nil is a vast improvement on the 2-1 result a month ago, so that was pleasing too.  We now have a bit of momentum. 

Let’s make it count against Langwarrin this week. 


R8: TOPSA 1 - 1 Mornington (D)
Goals: Chris Stannett

Report: Shane Speedie

Geez it was wet this weekend.  So wet.  Standing out in the rain for the reserves match, the man on the street would conclude that it was wet from the traditional meteorological phenomenon known as “precipitation”.  But the man on the street would be wrong.  

It was a bloody good goal.  And it gave us our first Premier League win.  Here is an excerpt from that match:

Finally the levee broke. In one of the final plays of the game James Petitt broke forward and on his left leg, crossed the ball in.  It was fitting, even poetic that Louis Brownlee was there at the back post. Here we had our own journeyman.  A founding member who was there at the cub in its infancy, trudged through the dark winter of 2013, experienced all the highs and lows to date. Subbed through injury early in the match. Returned. Coped blow after blow in treacherous conditions, but was still there – the survivor – now horizontal to the ground to meet the ball with a mud and blood covered face and force the ball through courage along 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. 

Lyndo went forth for his customary coin-toss and with some degree of tactical genius decided to kick to the deep end first. 

Early, we looked the better team.  Some suggested this is because we continue to improve, and each week Stan’s game-plan sinks in a little further.  Plausible.  Also in our favour was the fact the opposition was down to five players after a few of them jumped into the shallow end without checking the depth first and now had hideous spinal injuries.

Symo started well, linking well with Smarty and powering up and down lane 8.  More than a few times in the first half he showed a more robust opponent a clean set of speedos.  Up forward we looked dangerous with the extra pace of Trent and Chris, and The Ferret scurried around in his natural environment.  Down back things are starting to click with our new setup, so all in all, we resembled a well organised and committed team.   

But, again, against the run of play we had a brief lapse and an experienced opponent shuffled around and made us pay the ultimate price.  We continue to improve in this respect, and our lapses are shorter and less common than they used to be, but to win games and this level we must continue to concentrate for the full 90 minutes.  Some credit must go to the opposition forward though.

After half-time Mornington came hard at us.  They controlled the lions’ share of possession and had a few low-percentage shots on goal.  But we warmed to the task.  Smarty got involved again and Chiefton McKinnon began to dominate.  But the real change here was Micky D off the bench.  Subbed into an uncustomary left-wing position, he was up, back, controlling the ball at feet, tackling, chasing and chipping classy balls into the path of our dangerous looking forwards.

Symo also cracked them down the right-hand side and we held supremacy out on both flanks.  We started to pepper the goal-face.  Toddy won the ball for the 158th time and flicked a nice pass to a rampant Symo who flicked a cross to the head of a freshly subbed C. Stannett.  Chris has been a bit quiet the last few weeks, but you never lose your talent and here it showed.  A sharp jab of the brow deposited the ball to the back of the net and we had our equaliser.

At the final whistle we had drawn with a much stronger opponent than the team we played a week earlier.  Durrance had his best game for the club and Chris was good.  Symo was excellent again,  along with his offsider Smarty.  But the best player on the ground was Todd, who continues to dominate when the UV intensity is “moderate” or below. 

 

Cup R4: Mornington 2 - 1 TOPSA (L)
Goals: Mike Durrance

Report: Shane Speedie

Mornington.  Blurh.  Again?  What sort of bad marriage is this?  So again we trekked the Nepean to the steep foothills of Mt Belura.  The drive was ok though - just set the cruise control and the deeply worn grooves in the road from previous trips steered us straight there.

After a long warm-up in very chilly conditions, Lyndo went forth to do the honours.  “Hello darling” he said to his counterpart with the icy familiarity of a joyless marriage.  “How was work?”  It was decided that Lyndo had had a better day at work, so he had to take the bins out and we also got the kick-off.

Early in the match we totally dominated play.  Kicking up-hill but with the breeze, our speed and passing game dominated play.  Smarty started well again.  With the ball at his feet we look a far better team going forward – as his skilful passing bring others into the match, but also in defence, as we are able to stay structured and hold that shape on turnover.  The defensive unit even came up with a brilliant tactic mid-match: “just kick it to Matt”. 

Unfortunately, no matter how much we stacked the dishwasher or cleaned the BBQ, we were unable to score.  Symo stripped two defenders but was unable to slip one past the goalie.  New recruit Trent bounded forward several times with no luck.  Chris floated across the surface and slapped a few on goal but none that hit the mark. 

But this 20 minute onslaught yielded nothing and we were soon found defending.  Once again our defensive work at the set-piece let us down and a loose ball found a loose player and the loose player found a tightly-strung net. 

That blow took the wind from our sails and we had soon conceded another goal in a very similar fashion.

But we stuck together in good times and bad, in good health and sickness.  Smooth-talking Micky D was subbed on and soon found the ball at the teeth of goal unopposed.  Where others had failed, a cool head and sharp wit succeeded here to coolly slot one past the brightly-clad ‘keeper.  So we went to the break at 2-1.  Not a full leave pass to hit the pub with the boys, but enough to have a few and be home by 9.

The 2nd half was a totally different match.  Kicking downhill but into the wind, our passing game totally deserted us.  The ball bobbled and kicked and spun against the wind and we found no flow or rhythm to the goal.  Luckily our “wife” couldn’t find any form either, so the scoring remained locked at 2-1 till the final whistle.

Most matches we play a plucky game, defend well and chase and tackle.  This match was the opposite.  We dominated possession, especially early, but were unable to make it count.  It was a frustrating day and in some ways a missed opportunity.  The upside is we have to chance to redeem ourselves straight away.  See you next week; at home at 3pm with dinner on the table.  Darling.        


R7: TOPSA 1 - 1 Bayswater (D)
Goals: Trent Harrison

Cup R3: Rosebud 2 - 1 TOPSA (L)
Goals: Chris Stannett 

Report: Matthew Smart

Rosebud away. Again are you serious? Surely there’s a fault in the bayside fixture list because the flamingos have become more accustomed to this ground than the North East Detmold. It seems some members of the club thought this was a mistake as well and figured it was a bye round instead as it loomed closer to kick-off and it appeared we would be battling it out with just 10 men. How could a team of 10 have any chance against a club they played against only a month ago with 11 and lost 5-0?

From the offset our intentions were obvious. Park the bus and build a wall high and strong enough to protect Westeros (Sorry if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan but it’s your own fault). It felt as cold as it would be that far north but still, our engineer Louis urged us to withhold our structure and even though he failed his degree, with 20 minutes gone maybe the man was onto something as we had held off any looming attack and it remained 0-0.

Unfortunately, after a foray of attacks, one of the enemies broke through our lines to which many heard the cry “bring him down legolas!” However for some reason that’s not allowed in soccer, which meant we had conceded another soft penalty. 1-0. 

Alas at half-time we were down a man and a goal but not in spirit. Stan-nis Barratheon could have at this point burnt us at the stakes for a few stray passes and a loss of the structure due to tiredness in the last 10 minutes. But instead he rallied the troops and urged us to show that while we may go down we’ll still “give them a fight”. The positivity showed as our passing through the first 5 minutes of the second half imaged a team who weren’t there to just play the game but to win it.

The battle continued but with lesser men, we grew tired. But still, with Scholesy and Brando protecting the gates of the wall valiantly, we kept them to shooting from 20-25 yards which proved successful. Unfortunately for Tiz, who’d been brilliant in the air all game, one shot took an unkind bounce and with the sun gleaming straight at him, it seemed the wildlings were going to take over Castle Black. 2-0.

We were tired, fucking knackered to be honest, but we still thought we deserved to get something out of the game. All we needed was the Lord Commander to show us the way and somehow come out of this war on top. Maybe that role goes to Louis, who fought hard all game, but his dog was a piss poor excuse for a direwolf. Simmo – who pre-game had mentioned if he grew his hair out he’d be the mirror image of Jon Snow (Sorry mate but. No.)  - came in with one of his vintage slide tackles, which led the ball perfectly into Smarty’s path, who laid it through for Chris to slot home and give the brothers of the night’s watch something to fight for.

In the end, we went down 2-1, but still the flamingos left the field with their heads held high, while the ‘buds (what a shit nickname) grew agitated and hostile amongst each other. Combining this performance with the victory over Baxter last week suggests we’re starting to turn a corner.


Cup R2: Baxter 1 - 2 TOPSA (W)
Goals:  Lyndon Williams, Matthew Smart

Report: Shane Speedie

So the date clicked over to the 14th, the fixture read “Baxter” and TOPSA members’ phones ran rampant with Facebook soccer event spam.  We all jumped in the car and made the well-worn trek down Moorooduc Highway to face Mt Eliza East in what our phones told us was a “rivalry”.  

On arrival your correspondent could detect no evidence of a rivalry.  Perhaps this was because most of the so-called rivals were now playing for our team and so most of the precursors for a rivalry had fizzled. 

Anyway, Lyndo walked up to toss the coin under the bright sun.  We stayed as we were and got cracking.  Within a minute we held the initiative in the match and before you could blink again we were 2-0 leaders.  Lyndo got forward and cracked one past the ‘keeper for another classy finish.  The skip’ showed once again that he’s got a good nose for the goal. Then Smarty found possession on the edge of the box and snaked a curving ball from his left foot to the bottom right corner.  

Meanwhile, Symo ran amok.  Difficult to think of a match where an individual won so many 50/50 balls.  With Smarty and Symo dominating the midfield the rest of our game blossomed.  We peppered the goal-face, but were unable to nail another before the half-time whistle.

It was a surreal feeling coming out after the break.  Normally we’re thinking about how to best contain the bloodletting.  Now we had to think about victory – and we were rusty.  Baxter held the early initiative and won a free within scoring distance.  The kick came in and bounced awkwardly off a forward’s chest and beat a diving Tiz.  In recent weeks we’ve been defending general play skilfully, but our defending of aerial balls and set-pieces needs a polish.

This goal shocked us back into gear and the rest of the match resembled the first half – TOPSA domination.  Symo had his best game for the year and was best player afield by a street.  Smarty was back after a quiet match last week and adds more votes to the B&F. Brando was excellent, especially early, and Tis was reliable and predicable once again.  Rhys was badass, but not badass enough to get votes in a team with winners all over the park.  

This was a fun match played in good spirits against a great bunch of guys and a nice little morale booster.  

Up the Manigos. 

R6: TOPSA 0 - 1 Croydon (L)
Goals: N/A

R5: Rosebud 5 - 0 TOPSA (L)
Goals: N/A

Cup R1: TOPSA 0 - 2 Mornington (L)

R4: Boronia 2 - 1 TOPSA (L)
Goals: Chris Stannett 

Report: Shane Speedie

Best: B.Speedie, Brownlee, McKinnon, McDonagh

We haven’t had a great start to the season and the thought of trucking along Ea$tlink to face last year’s bayside league champions on their home turf didn’t exactly appeal to even the most optimistic Flamingo.  But then we considered the facts.  Last season we were on the receiving end of a 6-0 loss early.  But with some improvement and a better understanding of the opposition we drew 2-2 in an epic at home.  On paper this opponent is more experienced, more skilful, bigger, stronger and better organised.  But we’re plucky.  We seem to match up well – our strengths amplified and weaknesses mitigated.  And we came to the match with a plan.

This plan was as clear as the sky was blue at kick-off.  First, play our offensive balls along the ground and to feet.  Our speedy forwards would be smashed in the air from the bigger bodied defenders, but at feet; there we had the agility advantage.  Second, play fast and close with the bald Boronia forward.  Give him nothing.  Not an inch.  This would be the most telling contest in the match so was given to our best one-on-one defender – Brando. 

Early we were predictably smashed in possession.  Penetration was an issue for Boronia.  Long-range shots fell harmlessly aside.  Passes to dangerous positions were intercepted.  Baldy gained possession but was worried off it by a more determined opponent.  Within five minutes we had the result we wanted – petty whinging and whining to the referee.  First blood to Brando.

The play galloped along to a steady rhythm.  Boronia held possession away from goal, we denied them any near it.  But as collateral damage to consistent defending we were conceding a few corner kicks and frees.  This is where the real threat lay for a shorter team like ours.  An obstruction off the ball from a corner allowed a free header at the 6-yard box.  Skilful opponents don’t let those opportunities slide and we faced the early deficit.

No matter.  The first plank of the game plan was paying off too.  When we did gain possession from centre field we looked dangerous.  Chris cut sharp zig-zags and wrong-footed some heavy set defenders and “the ferret” scuttled around in his usual manner.  Soon the ball was in the box and a couple of deflections and rebounds later Chris had the equaliser.

At the half-time discussion “the ferret” confirmed that he’d continue on his exercise wheel in the second half.  Others were perplexed with what that had to do with a soccer match, but a man with golden boots crafted from infant joeys makes his own rules.

The second half mirrored the first.  Frustration grew in the opposition forward camp with every bump and tackle and poke and prod.  There was a glint in Brando’s eye.  Every question posed was quickly answered with the resounding thud of unequivocal and unwavering commitment.  Baldy couldn’t hack it any longer.  As he retreated further up-field in search of a kick the chests of the TOPSA defence swelled with pride.  This was a moral victory of selfless over selfish.

Late in the match an aerial cross found an opposition winger. Exhausted from constant defending the boys at the back post were unable to disrupt this opponent’s midair prowess.

So we went down 2-1.  On review, Boronia had the overwhelming bulk of possession.  They converted two excellent headers.  But in general play they didn’t come close to a dangerous shot on goal, whereas we converted one and had two other one-on-ones with the ‘keeper.  Our formula works.  I felt Louis was the best player on the ground.  But the most influential player on the ground was someone who forced an ex-professional to have a tantrum with the ref and then retreat to the midfield to get a kick.  Three votes Brando.

We’re now Boronia’s bogy team.  And next time we play them on the Flamingo mud flats.  Bring it on.



R3: TOPSA 0 - 4 Seaford (L)
Goals: None

Report: Shane Speedie

Rhys McDonagh is badass.  

So anyway, the fixture for round 3 originally had us playing Rosebud away, but through the week Rhys called the Bayside league and told them he’d be playing Seaford at home at 3pm.  This “error” of fixturing was quickly remedied and we all arrived at the Flamingo’s feeding ground for the first time this season.

Rhys sent Lyndo forth to do the boring work of tossing the coin while he took up a comfortable position on the bench.  He later told your honest correspondent he’s “too badass” to play the first half, so the rest of us got on with job.

Early we cracked in and our chasing and tackling were excellent.  No-one can doubt our commitment and endeavour, but once again the bigger bodies of the opposition central midfielders gained control over the most influential part of the field.  Choking our passing game at the source, we struggled to gain or retain possession.  That said, Lyndo started well on the wing and Smarty continued his now customary role in central midfield.  A few flamingos were winning their position, but not enough together and our often patchy and inconsistent output resulted in a deficit of possession.    

A small slip up in the attacking third has little consequence.  A small slip up in the middle third is an inconvenience.  A small slip on the edge of our defensive box – dire.  Thus with our first and second goals conceded.  

Rhys motioned to the ref with a nonchalant flick of the wrist that the first half was over and it was time for him to grace the field.  Geepers this man is badass.  So badass he chose a girlfriend with a perfectly symmetrical name – HannaH – because it looks as good as he does in the mirror.  In any case, the match changed tack.  Rhys’s Zen-like float across the field covered the turf and smashed into unwary opponents.  So badass.

Chief McDonagh was so dominant Lyndo was also swept up in a Tsunami of badassnessnessness.  We had found a channel into our opponents forward half and at least now had a couple of forays on goal.  While we couldn’t find the back of the net we showed renewed promise and vigour and maybe even some joy. 

When the fat lady of Rhys’s harem sung we were four-nil losers, most of us bloodied and battered from Seaford’s bigger stronger bodies.  While not quite as badass as The Badass himself, last year’s B&F runner-up Toddy had another excellent match and was best afield.  This wasn’t our best match, but it wasn’t our worst either and we are growing into new roles with new teammates.  We just need to be a little bit more badass.  


Next week: Boronia away,  or wherever Rhys feels like playing.             


R2: Frankston City 6 - 3 TOPSA (L)
Goals: Louis Brownlee x2, Lyndon Williams

Best: McKinnon, Brownlee, Smart 

Report: Shane Speedie

Along with the excitement of a new season and the thrill of playing with a few new team-mates, early season matches are often pleasant because of the fine Autumnal weather.  Not this day.  “Snow to 800m” and “Graziers’ warning for Gippsland and surrounds” were the unwelcome tones flowing from the Weatherman’s jaw.  No problem.  TOPSA members unleashed their newest addition to their Soccer Club wardrobe – last year’s Adelaide Crows beanies and scarfs.

So we poured some anti-freeze into our cars and onto Matt Day’s eyelids and made the trek to Frankston “City”.

Lyndo fronted up for the coin toss, but the coin landed on the ice and skidded out of sight so we just stayed as we were and decided to bat first. 

Early in the match we were competitive, as always, but we found it difficult to hold off our opponents when in possession; their bigger bodies too easily pushing us aside.  This general observation mixed with a couple of blunders and some good offensive play from “City”, resulted in a four-nil deficit at half-time. 

Geez we were flat in the rooms.  This field in Frankston North has been a graveyard for TOPSA. Like the fixture here last season there was little to celebrate.  And it was freaking freezing.    

However, the cold weather provided other opportunities.  In the warmer weather Todd is blinded by a cocktail of sunscreen and zinc, but today the sun was low and the UV meter registered “like an English summer”.  Big red made the most of it.  Up, down, left, right, pass, chip, kick long, tackle; he was on fire.  Once the recessive, now the dominant, not even evolutionary biology could stop him. 

Todd’s endeavour along with some more textbook midfield play from Smarty and we started to even the possession ledger.  A nice ball over the top gave Louis something to work with and his golden boot slotted it past the ‘keeper.  Not long later Lyndo joined the party with another signature cannon from 25 yards which did the goalie for pace and sizzled a hole in the back of the net.  He now has three of the top 10 best goals scored for TOPSA. 

Late in the match another well-crafted chip, this time from the back, had Louis in for a double and with it at least some consolation for an otherwise totally joyless match at the graveyard. 

This is a match to forget quickly, but on the upside we won the second half 3-2 and take some momentum into our first home game next week.  We’re a far better team at home and we’ll lift for the old rivals Seaford.  Should be fun.           


R1: Mornington 1 - 1 TOPSA (D)
Goals: Chris Stannett

Best: Smart, Symons, Sheahan

Report: Shane Speedie

Round one is a special time of year.  Training is fun and all, but after two months with only a light smattering of friendlies the Flamingos were itching for a chunk of meat.  After surveying the bright heavily sloped savannah of Dallas Brooks Park, it was decided that the Mornington Wilderbeast was as good as any.

The names on the team-sheet were remarkably similar to last season, but seasoned TOPSA onlookers whispered to one another “gee, a couple of those guys are perfect doppelgangers for the 2012 side”.  Indeed they were, and with these returning players and the usual trickle of new recruits we were able to field a fresh team – including subs!

We won the toss and elected to kick downhill. In theory this was a good move, but Todd was soon pale with vertigo.  Or maybe he was just born like that. 

Anyway, early we looked the goods, our passing game picking up from where it left off last season.  Smarty has quite literally played every position the past few years but it looks as though he has found a home in centre midfield.  Presenting, trapping, holding off his opponent and passing to feet.  Textbook midfield play.     

For the rest of us there was a bit of rust in the gears but in time we settled to a steady rhythm.  Pierce “slim shady” Sheahan started well, finding space and rebound at left-back and the two-time best-and-fairest winner was also imposing on the right side of midfield.  On the whole the first-half was fairly even, Mornington winning the lion’s share of possession, but we looked dangerous in the final third.

Swapping ends for the second half, we felt like we were standing at the base of a life-size pinball machine.  Smarty once again started well but this time his midfield mates did too.  The ball whizzed in pretty zig-zags and we soon had a triple points’ bonus and a free game.  Unfortunately, one of the bumpers got stuck and we conceded a hand-ball within scoring range.  This was soon dubiously upgraded to a penalty after close inspection of everything except the facts. 

None-the-less, we pressed on.  Smarty shone like a beacon and his good work was beginning to pay rich dividends.  The Wilderbeast tired under the hot sun and the ferocious Flamingos circled.  Chris “chief doppelganger” Stannett entered the fray.  As the play opened and the Beast’s legs wobbled we launched some attacks on the goal-face.

Then the miraculous.  Many won’t know this, but pre-match Chris told your honest correspondent that he’d try his very (George) Best in this match.  Given the choice between miss World and taking on five defenders and slamming a bicycle-kick goal, he’d do both. 

So George gathered possession within range, evaded some party-poopers with light footwork, kicked the ball high in the air, ran off to the car park with miss World, returned after 12 seconds, leaped into space and met the ball fully inverted to the turf.  A hush enveloped the pin-ball machine as the ball span toward goal.  With a ripple of the net our best hopes were confirmed and the crowd erupted.  Perhaps Louis Brownlee summed it up best at the pub after the game, “it had no right to go in”.   

So we snuck a draw and a point in the eagerly anticipated first round.  We were rusty, except for Smarty, but showed some excellent signs.  And to borrow a well-worn sporting cliché: “we’ll be better for the run”.  See you next week.

Friendlies

28-03: Rosebud 3 - 1 TOPSA (L)

Goals: Chris Stannett 

Reserves

2015 Bayside FA Season

R14: Bayswater 1 - 4 TOPSA (W)
Goals: Ryan Bailey x 3, Jordy Durso

Report: Jack Massey

It’s safe to say the last time we played away at Bayswater it didn’t go to plan. Already three goals down midway through the first half, I dislocated my knee after landing more awkwardly on the pitch than Emlyn did on the Gallery dancefloor, after Sticks dropped him from shoulder height. My memory of the rest of the day is pretty hazy due to being completely Matt Day’d on painkillers, but a quick look at the history books will tell you that we conceded more goals in the second half than we scored all year (that wasn’t a joke, we were really that bad).

Warming up, confidence was further lessened upon learning a few key players had mistakenly thought that the end of season trip actually signalled the end of the season, and wouldn’t be playing. But being rooted to the bottom of the ladder for two years straight does nothing except increase your hunger for a win, and the boys started well.

Throughout the first half, we looked solid at the back and dangerous going forward, in a real team effort. Well, a team effort in the sense that we had ten 1998 Nissan Pulsar’s working hard around the ground, and a top quality, well-tuned….uhhh, really good car in the centre. I dunno, I’m an Arts student…I need Prav to sort this analogy out. The point is, Ryan was putting in a contender for best performance of the year, possibly rivalled only by Jordy’s efforts in Warrnambool. Our early dominance was soon rewarded as he drove a beautifully placed cross from Purkis into the bottom corner. And not long afterwards, he put us 2-0 up. I can’t really remember how it happened because I was more preoccupied with trying not to put myself in hospital at the time, but it was probably pretty good.

A two goal half-time lead should be a comfortable position to be in…but not for us. Our second half collapses this year have been as predictable as Tuesday arvo Facebook posts about being “stuck at work” or “still at uni” when it looks like training will be a little wet. But there seemed a different atmosphere amongst the boys this time. A steely resolve that can stem only from a 1am Gallery realisation that you have to cut shapes to mid-2000’s pop music for at least another two hours if you want to avoid the embarrassment of receiving no votes. With 45 minutes of the season to go, the Flamingos weren’t going to let this one slip.

And so it proved in the second half. The effort from everyone was clear as we repelled Bayswater’s attacks, controlled midfield, and created opportunities up front. But this was to be Ryan’s day, as he completed the first ressies hat-trick in living memory. Perhaps the only person less than impressed with this record was Dave, as he realised his title of Reserves Golden Boot was under serious threat. But with a 1’s game to prepare for, Ryan was given a breather and the rest of us were entrusted to hold the fort.  It must be said conceding a goal did create a couple of nervous moments, as thoughts of previous collapses came flooding back (my personal favourite was when we were 2-0 up with 5 minutes to go in 2013 and somehow lost 3-2), until Jordy belted home the sealer with a cracking shot from outside the box. This goal is even more impressive when you consider that Jordy can’t actually see the goals from that far out.

All in all, you couldn’t ask for a better ending to the season than belting out the words to the best song in the league with a ripping bunch of blokes. And whilst only the veterans from the bad old days of old mate #1 and old mate #2 actually knew the words, it still sounded better than Tiz singing Cyndi Lauper.

So as we finally got to sing (somewhat ironically given our pronounced lack of wins), we’re the greatest team of all. Or, more accurately, we are officially not the worst team in the league. 7th in an 8-team comp. Get around us.



R13: Croydon 3 - 0 TOPSA (L)

R12: TOPSA 1 - 3 Rosebud (L)
Goals: Cameron Lancefield


R11: TOPSA 0 - 4 Boronia (L)

R10: Seaford 3 - 0 TOPSA (L)

Report: Jack Massey

As a lifelong resident, I have been wrecked by the suburb of Seaford on many occasions. There was the time my car got written off whilst parked out the front of my own house by one of my dropkick neighbours. The time a tradie’s apprentice building our deck stole my wallet (containing $20 and a concession card). And the many “interesting” characters I’ve encountered on public transport. But more recently, Seaford sides have made an art-form of comprehensively thrashing TOPSA’s ressies. In fact, in nearly three years we haven’t got a single point from these encounters. Some may say this is probably true of a number of clubs…and they are probably right. Safe to say our record is less imposing than the Prez (except for when he’s bullying teenagers into stretching in the dark).

So following a week in which Boronia made us regret our sporting decision not to forfeit (and old red-headed mate No.9 improved his chances of taking out the hotly contested “biggest flog in the league” title), our chances looked grim. This was highlighted as the ref’s thorough warm-ups put our pre-game efforts to shame, which largely consisted of debating whether we liked the new white away kit, and questioning whether Stan could say it only suited Prav.

A few minutes in though, and things were looking up. With McCall at the snow on a girls weekend away, we didn’t concede a goal within the first 30 seconds, and were matching it physically with a side that traditionally pushes us off the ball. Our speed and pressure up front caused a few nervous moments for Seaford’s defence, with the likes of Matty Felgate and Toby creating plenty of chances, whilst Simon and Ryan were on top in the centre of midfield and defence respectively. Unfortunately, Ryan’s numerous quality performances will probably lead to the one’s stealing him for the rest of the season. The selfish bastards.

However in the lead-up to half-time, we couldn’t quite nail that crucial blow, as well-taken shots from Si and Dave “Third in the Golden Boot” Crow refused to get in the back of the net. And as is so often the Flamingo way, twenty minutes of dominance went unrewarded as a low cross at the other end snuck through our defensive lines and was tapped in. 1-0 down at the break, despite playing one of our best halves of the year, typifies the ressies 2015 season. And after Seaford eventually trusted us enough to unlock the change rooms, Stan had some “positives” to deliver. Whilst these positives ended up sounding more like “things you’re doing wrong but can probably fix”, the boys were deservedly upbeat. I was especially up and about, as, for the first time in living memory, Stan mentioned that I was “actually doing alright”. Get around me.

The opening to the second half brought more of the same. We were cracking in hard and winning enough contests to create chances, but with limited subs we began to lose our shape at times. And sure enough as we tired, we conceded two more classic TOPSA goals: a scrap in the box and a poorly defended set piece leading to an undeserved 3-0 margin. But our commitment and vigour was evident right to the end, as Emlyn became overtly enthusiastic at finally playing on someone his own size (a 14 year old) and was promptly told to “get some manners”. This Seaford veteran’s comment is up there with the Boronia bloke who asked Louis “does your Mum know you’re out?” for worst banter of the year (if we exclude any memes posted by Dirago or Tingwell).          

So it was a respectable performance, but a loss nonetheless. But on the plus side, it’s Boronia again this week, which always provides an important reminder. 




Cup R6: Boronia 10 - 1 TOPSA (L)
Goals: Toby Heard


R9: TOPSA 0 - 3 Frankston City (L)

Cup R5: Rosebud 2 - 2 TOPSA (D)
Goals: Emlyn Williams, Ryan Bailey

Report: Jack Massey

Early in our return cup game against Rosebud, my on-field effectiveness was at an all-time high. I was winning challenges and hitting targets like I actually knew what I was doing; and looked a sure bet for votes. Get around me. Wait… sorry guys. After reading Dave’s match report last week I forgot I was allowed to mention people other than myself. I know you played well mate, but 11 mentions of yourself in one report is a little over the top. Sort it out. 

Despite what Dave might have you think, soccer is a team game. And in the first half of this match the Flamingo’s seemed pretty flat. Whether it was being forcibly removed from our winter sanctuary of the Detmold swamp to the remarkably dry Rosebud pitch, or again receiving no video coverage from Sinkers despite our games consistently being the highest-scoring (these may or may not be largely scored by the opposition) which was responsible for this, the end result was pretty clear. We kept trying to knock the ball around and use our speed to create gaps going forward, but too often passes didn’t quite hit the target. 

Whilst our goal was rarely threatened with Ryan putting in another controlling performance at centre-back and the midfield working hard, there were few highlights at our end either, besides Toby crafting a couple of chances. The only thing I can genuinely remember from the first half is another Rosebud contender for “worst haircut in the league”, as a 16 year old decided to dye a bright-red stripe through his hair. But given he later scored I can’t take the piss out of him too much. 

Nil-all going into the second 45 then, and we needed a spark. Enter Emlyn. Having nearly scored with his first touch after being subbed into the game, he seemed determined to prove he can match Lyndon in goal-scoring as well as beard-growing capabilities. Well outside the box, he launched a powerfully struck left-foot shot on a pitch where everyone else could only scrub it harmlessly towards the keeper. As it sailed into the top corner, it seemed for once our second half would be our good one.

Ten minutes later these thoughts were challenged as we conceded yet another goal from a set-piece, and had to refocus. With Prenda away snowboarding and presumably fighting skiers on the slopes, others had to chip in to fill his role. I gave away a couple of free kicks with my long limbs awkwardly impeding the opposition. Simon landed a heavy tackle in midfield, and McCall took it upon himself to run in from 30 metres away to heckle the opposition. His needling had an immediate effect, as a bloke that, judging by his appearance has broken a few chairs in his time (weight-related banter), threatened to “break both your legs number eleven”. This classic Sunday league stuff was quickly followed by 6 consecutive foul throws, as both teams’ knowledge that they weren’t very good was solidified. 

With only injury time remaining, a draw seemed likely… until we won a corner. Or a free-kick or something. I’ve never been very good at reporting on what happens in the actual game. Pushing up from defence, Ryan rose above the pack and headed the ball...for a goal? I wasn’t aware TOPSA sides could do anything except concede from set-pieces. I can’t remember who crossed the ball in, but I’m sure they’ll take credit for it pretty quickly knowing the Flamingo’s.  
    
But a ressies match wouldn’t be complete without a late collapse. A scrap in Rosebud’s area lead to an equaliser, and a point they they probably did deserve from this game. We’ll get them next year…assuming two currently winless league seasons are bad enough for Bayside to relegate us. 

P.S. Special shout-out to Chris Stannett for scoring yesterday and depriving Dave of the ability to refer to himself as “Golden Boot”.



R8: TOPSA 3 - 3 Mornington (D)
Goals: David Crow x2, Toby Heard 

Report: David Crow

Best on ground- D. Crow, D. Crow, D. Crow 

Unfortunately our regular match reporter Jmas was too busy on a date with his Nan to attend Sunday’s fixture. So we will just have to make do with a much less articulate and colourful report from me instead. I can only apologise.

So storms were predicted for this weekend, only for me to cancel my Saturday golf and it turn out to be a fine day. However the phrase” a fine day” cannot be used to describe the Sunday, rain was the order of the day.  

Nether the less we got stuck into a game of football. After some huge improvements in our play since the last time we faced Mornington, on the opening day of the season, we were showing them this time round we had come to score goals. With some lovely play out from the back with McCallo and Emlyn passing little triangles around the experienced opponents, the ball got slipped through to the exact man you would want in this situation. 

Yes it was to D.Crow, Mr Golden boot himself with only the keeper to beat but still a long way away from goal. So calmly he composed himself with a reassured touch before lifting it over the keeper, who had wondered out into no man’s land. 

1-0 up was a good place to be and we enjoyed it continuing to press and using our pace on both wings and up top to cause serious issues for their defenders. With a little more composure and/or a little bit of luck we could of easily being a couple goals clear at half time. 

But we are TOPSA 2’s and we must always remember this. We did what we always do and switched off with 2 mins left in the first half a goal kick was unchallenged allowing them to bring the ball down with enough time and space to run the ball through and finish well. 1-1 half time. 

We didn’t let this customary slip get us down and we came out in the 2nd half to win this game. As did the rain, lots more rain. We didn’t let this effect us too much and continued to play our own passing game which worked to good effect. With our side moving the ball around well creating another opportunity for the main man up top to increase his golden boot tally as well as putting us back into the lead. A crisp left footed finish around the keeper in some testing conditions. Not happy with just a 1 goal lead we pushed for more. 

This time through Toby doing what he does best getting his head down and running at people. Hitting the by line with Golden boot in the box screaming for it for his hat trick, but old Toby had other ideas slotting it home from a ridiculous angle, with the ball bouncing off both posts before settling in the back of the net. 

3-1 up the win was on! But again we are TOPSA 2’s and we must always remember this. 

With heavy conditions are tiring legs we began to find ourselves sitting deeper and the pressure was mounting. A corner came in and as we all know, we are not best suited to defending them.  Mostly due to our inability to practice this vital skill, come on sink sort the light situation out already! They got one back and then a 3rd goal was put away. I have no idea what happened with this goal. 

We have improved in so many respects this season and not bottling games is still something we need to work on if we are to get that vital league win this year. Having said that we are improving in this respect and in the past would have definitely lost this game. So with the final score reading 3-3 we have to come away feeling positive.  Fair result after a fair game, and the future looking bright for TOPSA 2’s. 

But once again we are TOPSA 2’s and we must always remember this! 


Cup R4: TOPSA 1 - 3 Boronia (L)
Goals: Cameron Lancefield

Report: Jack Massey

This year, we have played more games against Boronia sides than Sinkers has finished beers (4 to 1.5 for those counting at home). And to be honest, I’m more tired of playing them than Prenda is of getting made into a meme. But much like Prenda’s lanky limbs and tendency to get into fights with the opposition mean there’s little he can do to avoid being memed, Bayside’s bizarre fixture meant the Flamingos had to front up to another Boronia clash.

This match was your classic game of two halves. And after becoming reasonably well skilled at focusing on the positives having written 16 match reports for a total of 1 win, I’m going to do so again. This week, it was our first half. In terms of dominating possession and creating chances, I don’t think the ressies have played 45 minutes of soccer like that since the last time we were in the right league. Seriously Sinkers, if you don’t get us put in Division Three next year I’ll challenge you for the presidency. Actually… no, on second thought I won’t. I’ve heard from a particularly large source that being the president of an amateur soccer club is a “daunting task”. All yours.

With new recruit Ryan physically imposing himself on the contest at centre back and teaming well with the rest of the defence, our pacy attackers (and our slow ones-Golden Boot Dave worked hard) were finding space.  For most of the half, the ball was locked firmly in our attacking area. You can tell TOPSA reserves are up and about when even spuds like me are getting forward. Yet, as so often occurs when a team which rarely tastes victory gets on top, we couldn’t quite land a knockout punch, and took too many touches when trying to play out from the back. With their first genuine chance of the game, Boronia gleefully took what felt like an undeserved lead. 


In previous years, this would probably have led to us conceding a quick 5 or 6 goals before the break and resorting to long ball tactics less convincing than James Hird’s claim that he is still the right man to coach Essendon. But whilst we may still be rooted to the foot of the ladder this season, our mindset and play has definitely improved. Determined to make up for his earlier mistake, Prenda played a nice ball which Sticks got on the end of and finished nicely. 1-1 as the whistle blew for half time.

The rest of the game, well… it wasn’t on the same scale as our collapse against Croydon a few weeks earlier, but it was just as frustrating, given the extent to which we had been on top. Whilst the lads endeavour couldn’t be questioned, we moved away from the tactics which had served us so well in the first half and tried too often for lofted balls instead of the easy option. But if we start playing like we did in the first 45 for a full game, it won’t be too long before we’re off the bottom of the table. Or, you know, a bit closer to second last.

P.S. Oh yeah, McCall said I had to mention that he won a few headers yesterday. So yeah. McCall won a few headers yesterday. Get around him, I guess.

 

R7: TOPSA 1 - 1 Bayswater (D)
Goals: Toby Heard

Report: Jack Massey

Having written significantly more words so far this year for match reports than for my thesis, I’ve learnt a few things. The ideal number of Matt Day references is one every three paragraphs.  And they are much easier to write when our opposition are a bunch of flogs. Unfortunately for me, our game against Bayswater this week was played in the right spirit against a good group of blokes…Nevertheless, when even Prenda doesn’t get into a shoving match you can tell our opponents are probably decent lads.

Whilst the last time I played Bayswater we conceded eleven goals and I wrecked my knee, this time we got off to a much better start. For the first time in weeks, both boys’ squads actually had a bench. Apparently winning one game each all season is the ideal method by which to gain mid-season recruits. Midway through the first half it was deadlocked at nil-all, as both teams had periods of good possession. An even team performance was allowing us to gain a slight edge in the early encounters. McCall was probably having his best game of the season, quickly proving Smarty’s comment on the sidelines that he “never takes more than two touches” wrong as he repeatedly beat his direct opponent and ventured the furthest he’s been up the wing since that fateful afternoon when he scored the deflection of the millennium. The mixture of strength and pace through the midfield provided by the likes of Dos and Purkis eventually created a telling opening, and Toby slotted home the opener. The Flamingos were up and about.

Unfortunately, as has become a bit of a habit this year, we were yet again caught out by a set piece on the stroke of half time. Whilst he did find the back of the net, the striker also found out that Brando is equally as capable of taking opponents out whilst keeping as he is from centre back. At half time, the boys had a steely resolve. We have lost too many games this year that we shouldn’t have. For once, banter and memes weren’t our focus… except for man of the match Conor “John Travolta” Winchester. We were going to get something out of this game.

There seemed to be a unanimous feeling after the match that we had played our best soccer of the year. Improvements are being made individually and as a team. Hell, even I wasn’t completely terrible yesterday. We’re knocking the ball around better, communicating and defending as a team and scoring more (even if Dave “Golden Boot” Crow didn’t get on the scoresheet this week). Whilst we didn’t win, a hard-fought draw is a good platform for our clash against another Boronia side next week. I’d rather bring old mate R.B. back than play those blokes again.  

Just kidding.

Cup R3: TOPSA 1 - 8 Boronia (L)
Goals: David Crow

Report: Jack Massey

Warm-up trivia question: “What is a successful amateur soccer club built on?”

A) Scoring goals and winning titles

B) Treating a Sunday league game like the Champions League Final

C) Cult figures and banter

The answer is, of course, C. Some would lean towards A, but having never experienced that I can only assume that they must be wrong. TOPSA reserves have been overflowing with the latter category since our inception. Tim “Fossil” Chatfield and his tendency to rock up to any social event with a fully stocked esky. Prenda and his continual meme-making efforts. Matt “Wolf of Main Street/No Votes” McCall. But this year, a new contender has emerged. Matty Holland has made a remarkable imprint on this club in a short space of time. His diligent efforts on the training track and well-executed banter off the pitch embody everything a Flamingo should aspire to be.

In fact, to this point of the season he holds the title of best 2015 one-liner. Driving to training one day, we were chatting about his first training session of the year with the Victorian Paralympic Squad. I asked him about the capabilities of the Paralympic keeper. Quick as a flash, Matty deadpanned the following: “Well, he’s got pretty severe cerebral palsy. So he’s probably a couple of levels above Matt Day”. Brilliant stuff.

But as yet, he hadn’t got a chance to strut his stuff on field. Heading into our 47th clash with a Boronia outfit this season though, his debut was looming large in a big game. Undermanned due to injuries and other less legitimate reasons, we entered this game supremely confident….that we were about to be absolutely rekt. Whilst we cracked in as best we could, Boronia’s class and experience told as they quickly put us to the sword. Thirty minutes in, Purkis’ kamikaze attack on the contest had resulted in another shoulder injury, Prav was out of the game with a hurt quad, Clarkey’s ankle was clearly restricting his movement and Kaine was likely concussed after taking the full force of a powerful strike directly to the face. Already facing a sizeable deficit on the scoreboard, we were crashing back to earth fast after last week’s breakthrough victory.

We needed a spark. Having snuck a goal back following the break after Dave put away a penalty, things were looking slightly better. Unfortunately, Kaine’s concussed status was confirmed as he deliberately cleared a dangerous looking cross….with his hands. New keeper Si stepped up to save the resultant penalty (2 out of 2, get around him), we thought we might be a chance of putting some respectability back into the game. Until the ref decided that Boronia deserved another crack at taking the penalty for no apparent reason, which they duly slotted home.

This was when things got interesting. I don’t know if it was Matty Holland’s introduction into the game which directly caused it, but as soon as he was subbed on the majority of the Boronia players lost any semblance of intelligence and good spirit they possessed. Spotfires were erupting everywhere. Prenda was taking on 3 blokes after they took exception to him and Dos putting in legitimate tackles. McCall was engaging in a running battle with a fellow fiery ranga. And Boronia’s number 24 was putting in a remarkable effort for the hotly contested “biggest flog of the year”. I’ve never seen a middle aged bloke act like such a petulant child. Complaining to the ref and wanting to start fights at every opportunity, his banter was worse than the worst of Tim Dirago’s memes. 

Meanwhile, Matty was quietly putting together a solid debut game. Working hard to pressure Boronia and hitting targets on the rare occasions we ventured forward, his effort was one of few positives on a tough day for the boys. We worked hard and covered ridiculous amounts of territory trying to prevent the Boronia onslaught a man down with no subs, but were clearly outclassed on this occasion.

Ah well. We only have to play them two more times. 


Cup R2: TOPSA 2 - 0 Rosebud (W)
Goals: David Crow x2

Report: Jack Massey

A lot has changed since the last time the reserves succeeded at something other than well-timed banter. Manchester City bought Melbourne Heart and managed to transform them from terrible to mediocre. Yet some things have remained the same. Bayside League still runs as smoothly as Matt “The Robot” Mccall.  And I still can’t tell the Speedies apart.

But leading into this week’s game, there was a different feeling around the club. We had played the best 45 minutes of our season the previous game, and were playing a team with a record even worse than ours. Winless. Bottom of the table (in the division we should be in). Our hopes were raised further when we saw the make-up of this Rosebud team. The division in birth dates in their squad rivalled the division in TOPSA Soccer Club at the peak of the secret group scandal. A bunch of blokes quite possibly older than Stan, mixed with a bunch of kids too young to go to MA movies by themselves, couldn’t possibly beat us…could they?

With ten minutes to kick-off, this possibility seemed dangerously high. Already low numbers meant we would barely have a bench, when Sinkers received every girl’s dream - a phone call from Matt Day. It was unclear whether it was him being at Cloud 9 an hour before game time, but one thing was for sure…we didn’t have a keeper. Si volunteered to patrol between the posts. Seasoned reserves players minds flashed back to the last time we had no subs and no keeper: an eleven goal loss in which we got rekt so badly I literally had to be carried to my car.

So as we got underway, we were seriously undermanned. With Mash injured and “not being here to run the line”, Webster had to coach whilst flagging for offsides. These were common early, as our opponent’s tactics became abundantly clear. The experienced old blokes could boot long balls to the pacey young blokes all day long, as long as new central defender Conor was controlling the area like his only defensive experience wasn’t 20 minutes a couple of Thursday’s ago.

We settled quickly. With far more time and space on the ball than in Division 2 matches, the Flamingoes were dominating possession and knocking the ball around nicely. But, as the Essendon Footy Club could tell you, possession doesn’t win you games (sucked in Hirdy you utter flog). Apparently…Dave Crow does. Midway through the first half, some nice build-up work from a rampant midfield lead to a quality ball in, and Dave’s left ankle/shin/knee guided it past Rosebud’s FFV keeper. But with Purkis and Andy both copping heavy knocks early, and nobody to give them a breather, doubts remained at half time if we could hold on, given…well, we all know what happened against Croydon.

We needn’t have worried. Every player was thriving on the responsibility of a guaranteed ninety minutes, and every player was winning their position. A beautiful ball in from Emlyn (I think, there were far too many redheads on the field yesterday), gave Davey another opportunity, and he took it gleefully. Rosebud’s body language was all too familiar as the ball rifled into the back of the net. We’ve exhibited it plenty of times. Even quite possibly the worst penalty decision of all time couldn’t get them back into the game, as Si capped off his vote winning performance with a quality penalty save.

As the whistle blew, you’ve never seen a more confused bunch of blokes. We had….won. Whilst the majority of the boys didn’t know the words, singing the song again was a thing of beauty.


 I love this club.



R6: TOPSA 3 - 5 Croydon (L)
Goals: Dan Purkis, Matt Felgate, Hayden Owens

Report: Jack Massey

Division Two Match Report

vs. Croydon

This was a crucial game for TOPSA reserves. Despite having improved significantly from this time last year, we still headed into the clash without a point, placed firmly in the position we have come to know better than Matt Day knows the Cloud 9 basement…. last (obligatory Matt Day joke, check). Pregame though, there was a level of optimism not seen since the Bayside president said we would “easily finish mid-table” before our famous 2014 season, where we had more end of season trips (one) than victories.

Partly, this optimism was due to the fact Croydon had somehow failed to defeat us last year. But really, it was because we were up and about for the milestone game of the original match reporter, Hayden ‘Dos’ Owens. 

Nevertheless, you couldn’t have scripted a better opening to the first half if you tried. The rain and wind that marred our “warm”-up disappeared faster than Andy Kevan from Tuesday CB’s. The whole team was cracking in and playing with composure, delivering our best movements of the year so far. With Prenda having been promoted to play the drums for the ones, Mash was dominating central defence like he knew a parma voucher was on the line. And for the first time in living memory, we had two fast, dangerous strikers up front causing problems for our far more experienced opponents (rumour has it their left back went to high school with Dustin Fletcher and Matt Day back in the 50’s).

Particularly impressive though, was the performance being delivered by Dan Purkis. Twenty minutes in, he was well on his way to a best on ground game. His run and dash was being provided in attack and defence in equal measure, as he won the ball off bigger opponents at will. And then, came that goal. It will go down in TOPSA folklore as one of the most memorable moments of 2015, along with “The Flamingos” being adopted as clearly the greatest club nickname ever, and that time the light turned on first go and didn’t run out of fuel or anything. A ridiculous distance from goal, Purkis unleashed a powerful shot which initially looked like it was going to miss by more than a Travis Cloke set shot. But it kept curving. And curving. Until eventually, it curved beyond the bewildered keeper’s hands, straight into the top corner.

On the bench, I didn’t know how to respond. A late consolation goal in a 6-1 defeat? No worries, a bit of polite applause, a “good effort lads”, job done. But taking a convincing lead before half time? This was new territory. You can only imagine our delirium then, when some good link-up play with Jordy allowed Matt Felgate to make it a 2-0 lead heading into the break.

After that, well….the less said the better. One of few positives to come out of the second half was Dos’ excellent strike to deliver us our third goal. Another was that I no longer have to wonder what the “worst half of soccer ever played by a right back” looks like, as I now have that title locked up. The frustration and disappointment in the rooms post-game however, showed that the boys are determined not to let it slip again. Next game, we won’t just have top notch banter. We’ll have a win. 


R5: Rosebud 6 - 1 TOPSA (L)
Goals: Matthew Felgate


Cup R1: Boronia 1 - 0 TOPSA (L)

Report: Jack Massey

Having made the drive up Eastlink to get absolutely smashed only two weeks prior, the lads were about as keen to return to the home of unsafe pitches as the average person is to go to Cloud 9 with Matt Day.

But as the first half got underway, things seemed a little different this time around.  For starters, we didn’t do our Aston Villa impression of the previous game and concede 3 goals in 3 minutes. Rather, we had more than our share of possession and were locking the ball inside the opposition’s half. 

With his Dad close by on the sidelines providing more handy tips than your average Bunnings commercial, Andy Kevan was winning 2-on-1 contests against blokes twice his weight, Si and Tiz were working as hard as ever in midfield and the back four was looking solid. Unfortunately, a turnover coming out of defence led to a well-directed Boronia strike which found the corner, and we headed into half-time a goal down.  Unlike last match however, our half time discussions weren’t focused on topics like “I hope we don’t lose ten-nil” and “next year I’m playing table tennis”. Instead, the boys were fired up, as we hotly debated the best way to get us back into the game. We didn’t want to let this one slip.

From kick-off, we were immediately on top, as a couple of recent additions helped our cause. Nick Clarke was doing his best to prove that, whilst his Carlton side are getting worse every week (sucked in), we certainly aren’t. Matt Felgate was looking threatening up front, teaming with Sticks to produce a couple of chances. We were controlling possession to the extent that even McCall had a shot at goal. However, without a defender in the way to deflect the ball into the back of the net, we remained goalless. Nevertheless, with Prenda and Mash doing their usual solid defensive work, Boronia didn’t look like scoring another either. We deserved at least a draw, but things didn’t fall our way today.

At least the Tigers won.


R4: Boronia 8 - 0 TOPSA (L)
Goals: None

R3: TOPSA 1 - 4 Seaford (L)
Goals: Jordy Durso

Report: Jack Massey

“The TOPSA Fortress, Home of the Flamingos”. In terms of ground names, there are few that are more imposing for away teams upon arriving at a match. Except, of course, “Adelaide Oval”, because it confirms for rivals that yes, sadly they are definitely in Adelaide. Unfortunately, in recent seasons too many opponents have returned from their visit to the Detmold with not only a cheap sausage, but three points.  

And so, after playing a solid first half last week, we were keen to perform for the full ninety minutes as our “favourite” referee kicked off proceedings. Early signs were decent. We weren’t controlling the ball as fluidly as we (and Stan) would like, but were competing hard and shutting down Seaford’s attacks. The quality of Tiz’s diving save, cutting out a well-struck shot after it looked for all money like it was heading into the bottom corner, was evident in the cheers it drew from those sitting on the A-League style bench (plastic chairs). But as I got my customary knee injury out of the way early, the yellow and black’s number 5 was posing more of a threat than 22 blokes in the same colours did on Friday night. A nicely timed Seaford cross somehow found its way onto the head of the smallest man, or, to be more specific, smallest school student on the pitch, and, again, we entered half time a goal down.

The second half continued in a similar fashion as the first; we lacked a little composure compared to our more experienced opposition, but the lads kept fighting to stay in the contest. Quite literally in the case of Dan Purkis, who, like a Speedie in disguise, cracked in harder than his bigger opponent, legally disposed of him (unlike a Speedie), and sprinted goal-ward with ball in tow. The referee’s half-baked decision to elect on a drop ball, rather than allowing play to continue, only makes sense if you consider he was quite possibly half-baked himself. Half-time joints and good refereeing are not often seen together.

Despite Mash’s best defensive work yet, Seaford scrapped a couple more goals, as they exploited our weakness to the aerial ball. Trailing on the scoreboard, we managed to at least wrest back some control in general play. Prav, Simon and Prenda all found enough space to unleash a shot at goal (and a couple at the general area above and around it), before Jordy deservedly converted a penalty after running hard all day. McCall also proudly announced that he had received a yellow card for back-chatting the ref.

Another loss, but we continue to improve compared to this time last year. We’ve scored in 4 games as many goals as we did in half a season last year (jeez that’s a depressing stat), and are far more competitive in general play thanks to individual improvement across the board. Plus, we’ve got the best mascot in the league.

Up the flamingos.



R2: Frankston City 6 - 1 TOPSA (L)
Goals: Jordy Durso

Report: Jack Massey

The last time TOPSA travelled to Pines was not a successful visit. 

Safe to say we were keen to make amends for that embarrassing performance against new club Frankston City. Having destroyed Bayswater 6-1 last week, a team who may or may not have scored 10 goals against us last year (on second thought, I think it was 11), we knew it wouldn’t be a walk in the park. For those new to the club, you have probably worked out by now that TOPSA reserves haven’t exactly had a fruitful on-field existence. In fact, since the last time we won, I’ve gone to Europe, finished a degree, somehow had my car written off when it was parked safely out the front of my house, dislocated my knee, successfully recovered and seen enough memes of varying quality (lift Tim Dirago) for a lifetime. But it speaks volumes about the quality of person we have at the club that, despite our on field troubles, we have hands down the best culture and banter in the league. So, despite the classical Melbourne weather conditions, the boys were eager to get into it. After all, at least the pitch was flat this week.

Having made a couple of minor positional changes, we looked to be more positive early on. Whilst City was undoubtedly a quality side, we managed to neutralise their early attacks. Rhys was making his presence felt in centre defence, and Dos was fighting as hard as ever in midfield. Despite our best efforts though, we lacked a little class on the ball compared to the composed Frankston side, who went a goal up midway through the half. In a sign of our steadily growing resilience however, this did not trigger a collapse. Rather, it was the stimulus for our best patch of soccer so far this year. Our new structure was working well, and, having latched onto a well-timed pass, Jordy calmly scored. The strong travelling contingent erupted. We were deservedly back on level terms.  As could only happen to a team that experiences quality banter far more regularly than quality strikes though, Jordy somehow suffered an injury amongst the celebrations. Classic TOPSA.

Having fought hard to equalise, a powerful Frankston strike gave them back the lead just prior to half time. This was notable not only because it cost us crucial momentum, but due to the foul for “attempting to trip” conceded in the build-up. 

Despite this blow, at the break we thought we were a chance if we could keep our physicality and effort up, especially given Tingwell was doing what Stan said he had “been waiting twelve months for”. Unfortunately, this didn’t consist of cutting his top knot. Rather, he was controlling midfield in a powerful performance. Whilst we didn’t stop trying in the second half, Frankston scored early goals to put the game beyond our reach.

The scoreboard might not show it, but definite improvement was evident across the board this week. With another good week on the track, our first home game of the year next week gives us the perfect opportunity to crack a win. We’re due, aren’t we?   

R1: Mornington 1 - 0 TOPSA (L)

Goals: N/A

Report: Jack Massey

TOPSA Soccer Club, so focused on banter and memes that they write a Division Two match report instead of doing something productive.

Round 1 is traditionally hard to predict. Bizarre events like Melbourne Footy Club actually winning a game, and David Villa appearing in the A-League, occur far more often than usual. But when you’ve gone winless the previous season, scoring fewer goals than the number of beers Sinkers drinks annually, things are a little clearer. However, a cautious optimism could be sensed pregame. After a good preseason, where for the first time in club history no secret groups were formed, a promising performance in a friendly had given the boys hope.

On a pitch that would have been better suited to hill-runs than an actual match, rookie coach James Webster gave his instructions. Hard work, communication and composure on the ball were the order of the day. Starting my first game since I wrecked my knee and got a free morphine high a year ago, I could already notice changes from 12 months earlier. We were stringing together more passes and working better as a unit to defend the experienced Mornington side’s early attacks. Players in new positions were playing well. Prenda was working nicely with Dos to control the middle of the park. Andy Kevan, finally recovered from his exploits at season launch, teamed well with the rest of an efficient defence. Special mention should go to new sweeper Mash, who has seemingly locked away his position as Jimmy’s replacement after an excellent performance, even if he doesn’t possess his predecessor’s prodigious capability to scream at teammates, referees, opposition, linesmen, and low flying birds for 90 minutes.

We were still on level terms nearing half time, despite Mornington having the majority of possession, and Jordy being booked for…I’m not quite sure, to be honest. Attacking downhill in the second half, emboldened by Stan’s remark that we “were actually playing some football” we thought we could steal a win, especially given new keeper Tiz was in fine form. Unfortunately, one of Mornington’s large number of baby boomers snuck through our defence after a clearance unluckily came off the side of the boot, and managed to tuck away a goal.

Despite the best efforts of Jordy up front, we couldn’t quite snare an equaliser, perhaps unlucky to go home without a point. But gee it was good to be back. And this year, I reckon we’ll even win a game.    

Friendlies

28-03: Rosebud 2 - 1 TOPSA (L)

Goals: Toby Heard

Womens

2015 Bayside FA Season

Cup Final: TOPSA 2 - 0 Frankston City (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x 2

Cup Semi: TOPSA 4 - 3 Rosebud (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x 1, Olivia Gregory x 3

R14: Bayswater 3 - 2 TOPSA (L)

Goals: Kat Crow, Millie Osterberg

R13: Hampton Park 1 - 11 TOPSA (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x 5, Riana Cipollone x 3, Olivia Gregory x 2, Millie Osterberg

R12: TOPSA 4 - 1 Rosebud (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x 3, Chloe Box

R11: TOPSA 3 - 1 MCSA (W)
Goals: Millie Osterberg x 2, Kat Crow

R10: BYE

Cup R6: TOPSA 4 - 0 MCSA (W)

Goals: Kat Crow x 4

R9: TOPSA 1 - 1 Frankston City (D)
Goals: Kat Crow

Cup R5: Frankston City 2 - 4 TOPSA (W)
Goals: Olivia Gregory x2, Riana Cipollone, Tenisha Chong

R8: TOPSA 9 - 2 Montrose (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x6, Meg Barry, Chloe Box, Riana Cipollone

Cup R4: TOPSA 9 - 0 Montrose (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x5, Olivia Gregory x1, Sam Harnett x1, Melanie Walker x1, Maddy Boyd x1

R7: TOPSA 1 - 3 Bayswater (L)
Goals: Olivia Gregory

Cup R3: MCSA 1 - 2 TOPSA (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x2

Cup R2: TOPSA 3 - 0 Frankston City (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x2, Tenisha Chong

R6: TOPSA 9 - 0 Hampton Park (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x4, Samara Stephens x3, Millie Osterberg, Riana Cipollone

R5: Rosebud 1 - 5 TOPSA (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x4, Millie Osterberg

Cup R1: Montrose 2 - 5 TOPSA (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x2, Olivia Gregory x2, Riana Cipollone

R4: MCSA 1 - 2 TOPSA (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x2

R3: BYE

R2: Frankston City 1 - 6 TOPSA (W)
Goals: Olivia Gregory x2, Millie Osterberg, Sam Harnett, Jasmine Marshall, Riana Cipollone

R1: Montrose 2 - 6 TOPSA (W)
Goals: Kat Crow x 3, Riana Cipollone x 2, Chloe Box 

We all played so well, everyone ran so hard throughout the whole game. Riana got 2 goals, Kat got 3, and Chloe got one from an indirect free kick in the box. The defense were strong throughout. Meg and Emma making some great tackles on the wing. Meg even almost scoring from a corner and Emma taking a bit of a hit and getting straight back up! Ellie and Hayley dominated, not much was getting past them.

Chloe, Danny, jasmine and Riana chased down every all and forces so many mistakes from them through pressure and persistence. Sam and tenisha used their bodies well and won so much possession and distributed well to the forwards. Sam did a great job in goal. Coming and getting a few balls and making a few good catches.

Great start to the season girls!

Friendlies

29-03: TOPSA 0 - 2 Bayswater (L)

Our girls were defeated by a strong Bayswater side today, but showed a lot of fight against last years champions. 

We managed to create some good opportunities on goal and caused some problems for the Bayswater defence.

Congratulations to Bayswater for winning the Charity Cup this season.


22-03: Chelsea 1 - 0 TOPSA (L)

The girls went down gallantly to FFV side Chelsea in hot conditions in Braeside earlier today. 

There are lots of positives to take away from this match though with the new girls settling in well, the defence working well together, and some good opportunities created in front of goal. 
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