In just their second home game of the season, Lakehill failed to take the full three points from a young Powell River Villa.
United, reeling from their first defeat of the season in week 5, fielded a squad which saw full debuts handed to both Jer “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butta” Roberg and Brian “My Other Leg is a Weiner” Nash. Despite the changes though, United were quickly on the back foot as Villa pressured the ball early and often.
Feeling the pressure, the United defence, led by Benny “Motorboat” Stanchfield, were quick to settle and organize.
It was Villa who had the first chance as their striker got in behind the United defence on a rare occasion. Nash was quick to come across with a neat challenge in the box and the ref rightly waved away the protests for a penalty from Villa. The striker eventually revived himself after pretending to be dead for several heart-pounding moments.
Still later it was Nash again at the centre of controversy as he challenged well at the top of the box. Despite winning the ball, and not showing his studs, he received a yellow from the ref who, this time, got it wrong. Fortunately for United, the resulting free kick was not converted but it was to little avail as Villa were on the verge of a breakthrough.
A long ball was floated from the left into the far post. Mike “Baby Face” Peters came out of the goal to challenge but was unable to fully claim and in the resulting scramble, it was Nash who was penalized for a strong challenge. Villa converted the penalty in what was their first significant chance on goal.
Villa - not the only one to score on Peters...
As the half wore on, there were a few chances for United as they went to a long ball tactic to try and generate some synergy. Overall though, United were poor and failed to create the cutting edge passing game that is their trademark.
Fortunately, the second half was much better as United made a couple changes to both personnel and formation. Going forward there were more options and as the game progressed, it looked likely that United would equalize.
Bryan “Hoof Hearted” Butcher was unlucky not to score after some desperate defending in the box and Mani “Disco Isn’t Dead” Bains could not connect unto a cross that squirted out to the back post.
United eventually got their equalizer with about ten minutes left. Villa were starting to give away fouls as their fitness and work rate waned and it was just such an opportunity that presented itself to Motorboat Stanchfield. A foul at the top of the box allowed Stanchfield to bend it around the wall and into the back of the net.
The game was not over yet though and United survived one last onslaught from Villa with some fine work from Peters in goal. In the end United were unlucky not to win and will be looking for the full three points this Saturday at Royal Athletic Park.
Man of the Match – Mike Peters
Holle-Nash Award – Jer “I Caught Crabs” Roberg
Moan of the Match sponsored by Clearly Lasik – Rhymes with “BUS”
