This round was round to be season extravaganza, Mercedes are a team to beat and we knew it would be a game of toughness and mental aptitude to deliver results.

The game started with whites feeding the ball to each player, Richard and Amos started wide and worked to deliver timely runs and good passing into the moving forwards. Several chances were setup early and once again glad wrap was on the goals. The game was dominated by whites , Mercedes looked to have no answers and could hold more than 4 passes together. What was incredible about this game was 3 things.

1. Mercedes were tough and haven't dropped a game, they played fair and were by far very reasonable with tackles and playing the game
2. Mercedes looked the part BUT whites dominated possession, Mercedes rarely got the ball and never looked dangerous whatsoever.
3. Whites again had two goals scored against them with no threat just errors which has cost the game early in the 1st half.

I was extremely pleased the way we played, a huge improvement and very good positioning an form. Our lack of scoring is more mental and setting our fellow team mates up more often. We held the ball under pressure and had always 3 or 4 players attacking or looking to get to the ball.

By far this looks the best since Blacks games win.

Anyway game progressed nicely with a confident passing in and out of zones , players kept the ball on the deck and enjoyed superior possession and dominance. Clearly Mercedes were rattled and I believe had nothing on us. Unfortunately again mistake made at the back right at a crucial spot, Crab had time and come out from the back with moderate speed looking for a pass, it was 15 yards from the box and he slipped and fell , the ball move away ever so slowly but not within a reach of Mercedes player. Again if the application of the positions were correct than there should be a player close by , it didn't happen and the ball was struck but no real power, it skidded and sort of deflected from the ground causing Dan to slip and skid through. 1 nil down .

The game was no way over Whites were all over the opposition and really it looked like a torrent of goals were coming our way. There were several more slips but players were ready for the uncanny ground. Merc didn't do much we gave them the goals, I found myself enforced great passes and praising every player as they dominated the game. Alas another goal was hit from another poor error and an odd goal was again snuck past, stunning the Whites

Half time 2 nil down and yet Whites were playing the best ive seen for quite some time?

Hopes were high and we were not giving in, the same again and we still dominated Merc. As things moved into the 10min mark it was time to add some tempo and legs, Richard had worked hard and given everything. Anoop was to bring some more pace and look to give some quick passes to deliver something. Several runs and 3 corners saw a free kick outside the box but on a sharp right side angle, crab had options close by but spotted players free – a low volley shot saw Anoop smash the ball volley into the net without anyone moving and 2 -1 whites had scored finally but it was not over.

The Whites worked hard rarely seeing the ball up the defensive end . Amos was having some tough tackles but caused some dilemma about a double yellow and was subbed for everyone's protection :) as he was likely to run right through any player who got the next ball – he had played well and gave 100%

Long come on making a holding effect and landing some good passes and a opportunity to deal out a equalizer.

Scott made some runs now and again somehow the shots were blocked by the "gladwrap" on the goals.

Time was running out and although some kicks long instead of a fast pasted build up the whites played a great game and dominated in every part of the game bar the scoring. While we needed this win we have grown as a team and I know we going to hit our stride and nothing will stop us we can play better and we will play better – we will aim high and not give in till the last whistle of the last round.

We need everyone at training, B and C's be on notice im looking for more players to fill gaps and cement positions so make an effort to play in the best team in the league. :)

See you all Tuesday - that's it !

JamesTop