Asterix Reds 5 - 1 Maluri (Friendly)

A good second half performance saw us seal a comfortable 5-1 win over 
Maluri from Division 2.

We had a bare 11 1/2 and given the availability of an abundance of 
midfielders and a shortage of defenders, we elected to start with a 
3-5-2 formation. We dominated the opposition from two leagues below 
from the off and created many chances to score throughout the first 
half. Maluri sat very deep and rarely ventured into our half. I 
felt we lacked a little bit of patience in our build up and didn't 
have much luck in front of goal. 1-1 at half time.

The second half was a different story. We scored within the first 
minute of the re-start after Stuart's (goalbound?) cross was 
deflected in off the defender. Stu was adamant the goal was his; who 
am I to argue so he gets the credit for the first. Adam quickly 
added a second. Terry then knocked in a third. Andy Johnson grabbed 
one from a corner and it was 4-0 with about 10 minutes of the second 
half played. We kept playing good football, moved the ball very well 
and maintained the pressure. We were unlucky to concede one after 
the ref awarded a somewhat dubious penalty. We responded splendidly 
by scoring a fine passing goal that started deep in our own half. We 
picked up possession about 20 yards inside our own half and a couple 
of short balls put us away down the left. There was nothing on and 
we played the ball back; a couple of square balls across middle 
released Stuart down the right. His pinpoint cross to the back post 
was met by Adam who 'rose like a salmon' to finish it. A beautiful 
goal lads; we kept it simple, were patient and when the killer ball 
was on, we played it to perfection and finished superbly. A quality 
goal at any level.

Overall this was a very efficient performance. We weren't playing superb opposition but we played our own football and didn't drop our standards. The back 3 was very solid all game, I don't remember them having a shot on target. The midfielders and strikers worked hard all game. The movement, passing and communication was very good. Well played.

There's only other thing I want to comment on and that's having a go 
at the refs. This was something that we agreed we'd not tolerate at 
the start of the season. Without a question of doubt, today's refs 
were appalling. However, we let it get to us, had a go at the refs 
throughout and ended up on the wrong end of several offsides and a 
penalty. We all know it's frustrating when the refs don't get it 
right. We also know that when we start having a go at the refs 
they'll almost always favour the opposing team. It certainly 
happened today and to some extent against the Vikings in our previous 
match. In tight games, those decisions by the refs can make a real 
difference. Now I know I am as bad as anyone at this, but we have to 
work to get the refs on our side more often. I want to ask that 
before the next game, you prepare yourself mentally for a steady flow 
of bad decisions by the refs. In fact, you should be surprised when 
they do get decisions right. And whatever happens, resist the 
temptation to have a go at the refs. All we have to do is focus on 
our football and we'll do very well.

Our next league game is versus Astaka at EP next Sunday. I'll send 
out the evite. Additionally, attendance at training has been very 
poor the last few weeks. We could all do with building our fitness 
and the set up at Sports Plaza lend itself very well to working on 
the possession style of football that we play. It's only fair that 
we give a preference for selection to those lads that make the effort 
to training on a regular basis. If you've not been going regularly, 
make the effort to start this week.