Oppan Derby Style - Lakehill 1, Lakehill 1!

As the mists of McKenzie slowly rolled across Braefoot park last Friday night, one thing was clear, Lakehill were clearly going to get a result.

It was the second derby of the year and no one was ready to predict how this thing was going to turn out.  United, still at the top of the table, had just suffered their first defeat of the season to a Blazers squad starting to pick up points.  The Reds to their credit, were the Divisions form team after winning four on the bounce.  Both teams were solidly at the top of the table leaving the league hoping for a draw to keep the top team in sight.


And a draw they got as both teams played their unique brands of football on a foggy night at the beloved Foot.

It was United that started the stronger as a slight change in formation allowed them to play more offensively.  The Reds were unable to adjust to the tactics and found themselves on their back foot.  Unfortunately, United were unable to create any clear cut chances and the Reds were able to play themselves into the half with their pace and passing game.

From a coach's perspective, it really was a tale of two halves as the opposite side of the pitch was completely obscured in fog.  Many times, it was unclear where the ball actually was and who had possession.  At one point, a campfire appeared on the edge of the pitch but there was no telling what it actually was (editor - it was a campfire started by one of the many fans at the pitch).

So zeroes at half with neither keeper really tested.  United looked the more likely to score on the balance of the game however Reds could easily swing the game through a quick counter-attack.

The second half started much the same way that the first ended, with United in the ascendancy.  But it didn't last long as a cross into the box saw the Reds' striker nod home from close range.  While the header was well taken, United could feel that they maybe didn't do enough to prevent the ball from finding the back of the net.

Reds celebrated as if they had won the World Cup and initiated the fly-by goal celebration with their bench (this is, by definition, the worst goal celebration known to mankind.  It is stupid in hockey and even worse in soccer).  The youngsters could be slightly forgiven in that they just don't have the experience to beef up their celebrations.

The good news for United is that while they had conceded, head's did not drop and they were still solidly in the game.

Slight personnel changes on the pitch saw United start to get the more and more chances as the Reds lacked the experience to close out the game. Ryan "Beans" Braun was unlucky yet again not to score.

The pressure eventually paid off when Tim "Peas" Yager rose to meet a cross to the back post which he converted well on the header.

Yager, enjoys long walks on the beach...

1-1 with 10 minutes left and both teams went for it.   The Reds had a couple chances with one shot just going over the bar while Yager himself came in 1 on 1 with the goalie and tried to toe poke it home.  The resulting collision turned out to be the last talking point of the game as both teams shared the spoils.

After the game, some United players were treated to an exciting time as they linked up with some of the Lakehill Danger Police squad downtown for drinks.  In what can only be described as full assault, Jer "Garbanzo" Pearson found himslef on the end of a right hook from a crazy woman as he attempted to play wing man to United stalwart, Benny "Chickpea" Stanchfield.  Nice work Jer, nice work.

Just two games left until the Christmas break and United remain top of the table although the gap is narrowing between them and the rest of the field.

Man of the Match: Do not recall - think it was a double one to the Yager brothers.
Moan of the Match: The mist
Holle-Nash Award: None awarded this week