Transit re-routed .....
Transit entered this game boasting just one loss in two seasons. The two teams had not met competively since 28th. October 2007 when a Jimmy Butler goal earned the Classics a 1-1 draw, played out at McMillan Island, and it was almost 10 years since there had been a result between the two friendly rivals. That occurred on 1st. October 2006 at Cloverdale Athletic Park in a match where Danny Jensen was making his debut. Chris Arcari got the Classics goal in a 2-1 defeat. The match report can be read at this link.

 

There was a shock revelation from coach Jim Eden when he named his starting line up. The late Judd Boxtart started in goals but David Breen was announced as the new starting striker. His new role didn't last too long though as he pulled a calf muscle and had to retire from the game early. With just a minute gone, Gene Crowley played a delightful through ball which nudged Breen on its way to Pat O'Krane who had worked his way into the penalty box. His control was lacking slightly but the ball hit his foot and was pushed forward. He was immediately upended and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot. Danny Jensen stepped up to take the kick, which he exectuted with superb precision to mark his sixth successful penalty shot - he has never failed to convert from the spot. The first attack from the visitors came in the 13th. minute but the effort was bread and butter for Boxtart. Gordie Macklin played a nice ball through for G. Crowley to run on to, who guided it forward to Alan Massender but his final effort was wide of the right hand upright.

 

On the quarter hour it was 2-0 to the home side after some magnificent play and relentless pressure on the visitors. The ball was centred to the far post and O'Krane returned it into the danger area. G. Crowley had moved up from the full back position into the penalty box and he took two attempts on goal. The first effort returned to him but his second deceived the keeper and ended up in the bottom right corner. It was a fantastic start to the game and Transit were visibly shocked to find themselves two goals in arrears. On another attack, Randy Hosler put off a Transit attacker from shooting by doing nothing - but he did it well. Macklin attempted an audatious chip which almost paid dividends but it missed the crossbar by a lick of paint. Sherman Foster and Chris Arcari were bossing the back line with military authority and the strength of Foster has now earned him the new nickname of the 'Shermanator!' Three minutes before the half-time whistle a Transit attack almost brought rewards but Boxtart showed his elasticity by stretching out his leg to thwart the effort. It was a very comfortable 2-0 lead as the teams broke for half time.

The second half began with the Classics attempting to stifle the opposition by playing a possession game. It worked well with both midfields negating each other and with few scoring chances. Boxtart had to leave the game in the 65th. minute for personal reasons so Lorenzo Arcari stepped into the nets. Alfie Deglan was the first to get a break through in the 69th. minute but his effort went to the left of the goalpost. The Classics consolidated their defence for the remaining twenty minutes and played some neat interplay which frustrated the visitors but it was effective and chances were few and far between. All their efforts became routine saves for L. Arcari who deserved his shared shut-out. With five minutes remaining Macklin fed Daryl Lawrie but his effort was hit direct at the keeper instead of causing him problems. It could have been 3-0 with two minutes remaining but O`Krane hit a tame shot which did not trouble the keeper as it was more of a back pass. In the final analysis, the day was a complete success with the Classics, once again, breaking a Transit unbeaten run as they have done so in the past. The performance from the Classics was a very professional one where every member, without exception, did their utmost to secure a competent victory which showed the true strength and character of the team.

Stats
GK: J. Boxtart 65 mins and L. Arcari 25 mins
MWG: D. Jensen (pen)
Penalty scored: D. Jensen
Crap Award: G. Macklin