43rd Post

Almost MSG/MCG Mayhem

image: msnbc.msn.com

4-2 Loss
Goals: Pov (2)?

Previous Week:
6-4 Loss
Goals? Pov? Alvin (2)? Dion?


The Krew took another step in returning to full strength when Noid returned in goal, but Al was unavailable. Both Noid and Mainland's respective injuries had not fully recovered. The game was all but over when Noid and Pov were sent off for some awful gaffer decisions.

Playing on the small field, the Krew's defence was asleep with Con and Pov conceding two early goals. A consistent problem was the lack of intensity for attackers to return to defence. Off the bench, Dickie provided the Krew with opportunities; Mainland lifted the tempo of the team and Damo provided some much needed stability. The team rallied back with Pov firing in two goals and the momentum had swung in favour of the Krew only for things to fall apart akin to a certain New York - Denver game. Damo later lamented that, "we had it in the bag".

The opposition had consistently been physical throughout the game. When the Krew finally reciprocated the notion primarily through Mainland and Dylan, calls were made against legitimate shoulder to shoulder hussles. In a case of rubbing salt into the wounds, the opposition had consistently used high elbows when encountered and a few had connected on Mainland's chin. It was blatantly overlooked by the referee.

In a minute of madness: Pov was sent off for the same offence that Mainland was warned for. Dion was set off immediately afterwards for obscenities after he saved a shot which was taken unsportsmanly. Mainland entered goal and Dixon was the lone wolf on the field. There was a glimmer of hope when Mainland made a string of saves but the stand in keeper eventually chose to walk after two more goals were conceded.

The Krew crowded the referee after the game and it was reminscent of a certain Madison Square Garden incident. No punches were thrown. Mainland later admitted that he had considered clotheslining a player during the play when he was warned prior to Pov's send off.

The team was strongly against paying for the match fee but Noid had taken matters into his own hands and had paid without the team's consent. He claimed it was upholding a sportsmanship code. He was also against the team walking off. Con harshly reminded Noid that he was one of the main offenders during the game, having been sent off for unsportsman-like gestures.

Dixon was vocal in his disgust and said, "I'm not paying for this fucking shit". In a spur of the moment decision in classic Mainland fashion, Mainland quit the team because of the unsatisfactory services of the tournament. He returned in less than two minutes. Mainland said, "I'll only play if Ian the fucken idiot isn't ref-ing". A complaint was lodged with the tournament organisers but action will be unlikely.