The season up to this game saw United on 15 points after playing 7, drawing 3, and winning 4 up against a quality Cowichan side who was just 1 point back in second place. The fixture was always going to be a tricky one as these two teams tied each other in both fixtures last season at 0-0 as defense won out in both games. Cowichan had only conceded 4 goals so far this term and United were one better at 3. If anything, this one was going to end 0-0 which is not what the neutrals wanted to see.
It seemed though, that the added impetus of going clear at the top of the table saw Cowichan come out gunning in the opening few minutes; leaving United on the back foot and conceding territory deep into their half. While they had more of the possession for the opening exchanges, Cowichan didn't manage to turn that into chances and United remained relatively comfortable.
The battles in the centre of the park were the only item to note in the first 20 minutes as neither team managed to really get a hold of ball and keep it.
Once the 20 minute mark hit, Cowichan relented through a tactical change and the effect was almost immediate. United, playing out of the back, strung together a fine one-touch passing move which finished on the foot of the Division's leading goalscorer, Matt "What Would a Viking Do" Koenig. His first touch was sublime and his second beat the Cowichan goalie at the near post.
We've seen a lot of goals over the last couple seasons as we've covered United and this one was something special. The crisp one touch passing from back to front was only bettered by the quality of the finish.
United midfielders Rimek and Viking Koenig (currently AWOL. If anyone has seen him, please contact LakehillUnited.Blogspot)
The goal went a long way to settle the nerves and United endured sustained pressure from Cowichan as the visitors pressed for the equalizer. Ian "Boom Boom Wow" Broome couldn't handle the heat and had to take an early sub for a thigh strain. His replacement Kielan "Wild Thing" Hrasky stepped in and had a great game as his positioning allowed him to break up the Cowichan attacks.
Brett "Doctor Who" Poulis also battled well, allowing very little down the left side of the pitch while getting stuck in on some crunching tackles.
As the half drew near, there were worrying times in the United net as Mike "Can You Identify a Banana Using Only Your Tongue" Peters got a strong challenge in the back of the head. But just as United back-up goalie Bryan "I Don't Want to F*****G Go in Goal" Butcher went to get his gear, Peters popped up, seemingly unaffected by the lack of memory of where/who/what he was.
And so it was 1-nil at the half as United took to the change room for some inspirational words from coach Holla. His advice was simple, "Stick to our game plan, score more goals, and whatever you do, don't think about Seattle."
The second half started with a higher tempo as Cowichan applied pressure on United but the midfield in particular would not be breached. As the game wore on, Cowichan pressed higher and higher up the pitch and Peters in particular made some great saves to keep the game in United's favour.
United got their second as the game got stretched on a quick counter attack with 15 left on the clock. Jeff "OMG" Lenton and Chris "I Like Man U" Woodcock caught Cowichan on the break in a neat 2 v 1. Lenton was unlucky as he shot the ball to see it saved but the rebound dropped nicely to Woodcock who buried his third of the season and United's second of the game. Lenton was perhaps unlucky not to score himself and let the supporters know it with a guttural moan that rattled several of the younger onlookers.
Woodcock receives an award for most goals in Division 2 last season from legendary Lakehill President, Derek Paul. Woodcock is back on the scoring streak as he looks to reel in team mate Matt Koenig.
This had to be game, set, match as United managed to close out the game. Tim "Slapchop" Yager was unlucky himself in the dying moments as he saw his shot finely saved by the Cowichan keeper after he found himself on a breakaway.
In the end, United picked up the win to go four points clear at the top of the table and finish the first half of the season undefeated. Peters, too, picked up his sixth shut-out of the season as he has had a fine run of form this year; only allowing 3 goals so far.
While this is likely one of the best runs of form United have had at this level, they are still only half way to the finish line with stern tests ahead. Still, it is important to savour the victory as United go into another tough test against a Gorge team hungry for points next week.
Finally, we'd like to give a shout out to the other Lakehill team in this division who won their third on the bounce to go third in the division - just 5 points back of United. Well done lads.
Man of the Match: Again - no recollection - I suspect it was Peters but not 100%
Holle-Nash Award: Brian Mitchell adopted a fine kitty who he named Poundcake.
Moan of the Match: Jeff Lenton's moan was the literally the Moan of the Match
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