Nielsen v Panasonic - Match Report
So to the second game of the season against the Japanese electrical giants, Panasonic. It was a hot June evening, with little breeze and the low sun causing havoc to all. Wasps have started to appear for the summer and the Panasonic boys were suitably attired in their yellow and black striped kit. In their matching shirts they looked the antithesis of a patched up Nielsen side showing 3 changes from the previous week’s routing of Halifax.
However, Nielsen took the lead early on thanks to Tranter making the most of a channel ball and finishing with aplomb. Minutes later Tranter doubled his tally for the evening with a carbon-copy goal, the Panasonic defence unable to match his pace.
So 2-0 up, Nielsen took their foot off the gas somewhat with, dare I say, a hint of complacency showing in their play. Indeed with less that 20mins on the clock, Panasonic pulled one back with stand-in keeper El "The Cat" Griffo unable to stop a fine effort.
And so it was time to dig in. A competitive battle ensued wit both sides wresting for midfield supremacy, Crooky supplying the ammo for the front boys and Huw doing the donkey work. As half time descended the Nielsen boys looked parched, the searing heat perhaps taking its toll? Quite a few decent opportunities had been spurned so they felt a bit unlucky to only be 2-1 ahead, however, goals win games not chances and they hadn’t done enough thus far.
As the second period started, Panasonic started to take control of the game. Nielsen had lost some of their shape, and the superior fitness and physicality in midfield of the Panasonic lads took their toll. They started to win the 50-50’s and the second balls too, meaning that when Nielsen got possession they all tried to play the killer pass immediately rather than playing to their strengths and utilising neat interplay (triangles boys!).
Predictably, given the Nielsen policy of rotational keepers, this turned out to be the weak-point. Dov will want to forget his stint between the sticks with Panasonic being gifted a pair of simple goals. It was sloppy and indicative of the whole of Nielsen’s play throughout the game.
Although Nielsen admirably came back to 3-3, Panasonic once again took the lead. Nielsen’s players started to bicker amongst themselves, and desperation kicked in. With grit and determination they managed to equalise once again, and quite possibly should have won it late on with Tranter spurning a golden opportunity, however if honest, that would have been an injustice to Panasonic who will surely have gone home the more disappointed of the two sides.
So all in, a lucky, but vital point for Nielsen, meaning that the unbeaten run continues. Was probably the kick in the arse that the team needed given the ease with which they won their opening match of the season. Panasonic’s superior fitness paid dividends and their pressing game restricted time on the ball for the Nielsen boys to get their passing game going. Onwards and upwards.
Team performance: 6/10 – Kudos for battling back for a point, but the chances were there to win it..
El Griffo: Started the game in very unfamiliar territory between the sticks. Was largely unworked there however there was little that he could do to prevent the ‘Sonic opening goal. By the time he came outfield the team had begun to lose shape and El G was marshalled well by the Panasonic defence. Uncharacteristically the boy Griffiths missed a few opportunities and ended the game with no goals.
Dabsy: Again another solid performance this week from Mr Dependable. Had less opportunity to get forward yesterday than previously, so had to concentrate on defensive duties instead. Despite this he produced a couple of excellent balls into the box, and his opposition number had little joy against him.
Rhys: Had the excuse for the ref wearing black for his first pass of the game going astray, however it didn’t get much better once the official put a red bib on. A tough game with Jones unable to get into the game, should have done better in both defence and attack, however he was afforded little defensive cover in front of him. Needs to improve.
Lanco: Formed an unfamiliar centre-back partnership with Johnny Shorrock and the two Johns coped admirably in face of a pacy and strong Panasonic attack. Lanco won a fair few headers, and once gain skilfully managed to combine playing with managing. Will be disappointed that his side couldn’t keep up the winning run but will have no complaints about his own performance.
Shorrock: As alluded to this was yet another unfamiliar position for Johnny Boy. Yet he adapted and coped well. Was a strong voice at the back directing the play when given the opportunity, will feel that Rhys and himself ought to have dealt with one of Panasonic’s goals a tough better, however that would be nit-picking. Showed discipline and application. A very sound performance from Mr Reliable.
Thommo: Started out in right midfield but finished the game at centre half. An unsung hero, who produced a very sound performance. Cleaned up well at the back, was strong in the tackle and distributed well. He didn’t put a foot wrong all game and kept his composure throughout. A faultless performance, can’t give much higher praise than that.
Chippy: A product of the SOS call for players, Chippy turned up and filled in admirably on the left flank. Obviously a graduate from the David Ginola school of defending (you are allowed to enter your own half son!) Chippy did well in attack, and there were moments of neat interplay going forward. Soured his performance somewhat by buggering off early into the sunset!
Crooky: Cost more that the rest of the team put together (and that’s just for his clobber) soon to be Castle manager Crooky came in and played the midfield general’s job with grace. His distribution was faultless throughout and several great deliveries from freekicks were wasted by Nielsen. Faded somewhat as the game wore on and tired, but a sound debut from the ageless Merc-driving-maestro.
Huw: Another product of the late afternoon SOS call, Dabsy’s mate (who I realised by the end of the game that I also knew – that sums up my eyesight) came in and did a sterling job in midfield, pairing up well with Crooky. Had a good engine and was strong in the tackle. Topped off an excellent performance with a well taken goal. Did very well indeed, you’re welcome back anytime son!
Hobby: Started the game up top tucked in behind Tranter in the hole, and perhaps as a result struggled to get into the game as much. Did well nonetheless by holding the ball up well and providing many excellent flick-ons. Tainted his performance somewhat by kicking the Panasonic right winger into the trees and conceding a needless penno. Will have to control his temper next time and let the football do the talking!
Tranter: Looked like he was going to fill his boots with a pair of well taken goals early on, but it just didn’t happen for the speedster. The Panasonic defence handled him well and marshalled against the channel balls. Even resorting to rugby tackling in an attempt to stop him. Will be disappointed to have entered the Rhys Jones school of finishing by spurning a possible last gasp winner.
Dov: Dov turned up late and thus missed his scheduled early stint in goals, the poor sod must have wished that he hadn’t turned up at all. Conceded three goals early in the second half, although one was a penno. The less said about the other two and his goalkeeping skills the better shall we say! Has therefore cemented his outfield position ironically (good plan Dov, cunning) and will be better utilised where his excellent delivery skills can be used!So you know the score, vote for your Man of the Match below:
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