An Argonauts team reinforced by the returning Andrew Finch, Keith Bromley, Paul White and Dan Milton seemingly had the ability present to produce a giant-killing defeat over Division III opponents Athletico 2000.
What ensued was an appalling performance reminiscent of the days when The
Argonauts Reserves languished at the bottom of the Bristol Commercial League.
The lack of organisation was comparable to that of a school playground
kick-about. Athletico 2000 will be bitterly disappointed they were
unable to take further advantage as it would not have been a shock had the
home side hit double figures and but for some wayward finishing they probably
would have.
As with their previous matches this season, The Argonauts started solidly
enough, the back three of Bromley, Finch and White dealing effectively with
the opposition attacks. With the game only 15 minutes old The Argonauts
were dealt a blow as Stu Gardiner was withdrawn due to an horrendous looking
knee injury, Darryll Purdey replacing on the right side of midfield.
Unfortunately, for The Argonauts, the complete lack of support for captain
Ross Terry in midfield was leading to possession being surrendered all too
frequently to Athletico 2000. The pressure building on The Argonauts
defence eventually reached breaking point as Athletico took the lead mid-way
in the first half. A floated ball from the left was headed powerfully
home at the back post from close range leaving goalkeeper Ross Holbrook with
no chance.The Argonauts were continually being frustrated by their inability to retain possession and were rapidly losing their shape as a result if having to chase the game. The second Athletico goal was inevitable and came from an uncharacteristic mistake from Keith Bromley who mis-controlled on the edge of the penalty area allowing an Atheltico forward to pounce, despite goalkeeper Holbrook's best efforts to prevent the goal.
Half-time arrived to prevent any further damage to The Argonauts who were facing an uphill task to claw their way back into the match.
HALF TIME 2-0
Morale was desperately low in The Argonauts camp as arguments were rife during
the interval, the managerless side attempting to apportion blame to all and
sundry for the inept first half performance. Incredibly the second half brought no response from the green and yellows, as Athletico strengthened their already vice-like grip on the game.
As in the first period, The Argonauts failed to play even the most basic football, simple five yard passes seemed impossible, the defensive marking disintegrated to the level where the nearest person to an Athletico player would have been wearing an orange shirt. It was no surprise when the third goal arrived curteousy of more comedic defending by The Argonauts which left the unfortunate Paul White slicing the ball into his own net despite the fact the ball was rolling harmlessly wide.
The fourth goal followed shortly after, another cross, this time from the right, was headed in at the far post. Poor defending again took centre stage as the cross was delivered unchallenged as was the unstoppable close range header.
Substitutions aplenty were made by The Argonauts and there was a brief upturn
in their fortunes as one or two chances finally came. Ian Jay took one
of them, lashing home with only the 'keeper to beat after a defensive howler
by Athletico.Needless to say the goal did little to affect the overall pattern of the game and it wasn't long before Athletico restored their four goal advantage. Replacement goalkeeper Simon Preen was left with no chance as the ball was curled powerfully into the top left of his goal. By now The Argonauts were begging for the final whistle to end their nightmare and it dutifully arrived to save any further embarrassment.
FULL TIME 5-1
Player Ratings / Comments:
R Holbrook 5 - Some interesting saves, but clearly not a confident goalkeeper.
P White 5 - Below par, often unable to deal with pressure placed upon him.
A Finch 7 - STAR MAN - Assured performance at the back, also biggest attacking threat.
K Bromley 5 - Howler for second goal, not as dependable as usual.
S Gardiner 5 - Forced off with injury, tried gamely whilst on pitch.
D Milton 4 - Unable to impose himself on the game, defended poorly, withdrawn 2nd half.
R Terry 6 - Worked hard, pick of the midfielders.
Van 4 - Struggled to keep with pace of the game, substituted early 2nd half.
Andy 5 - Never gave up, some passes failed to find their mark.
J Wood 7 - Finished in midfield, ran himself to a standstill, tackled well.
I Jay 5 - Well taken goal failed to disguise his impression of the invisible man.
D Purdey 5 - Some nice touches, but ended competing with Ian Jay for 'invisible man' accolade.
A Lock 4 - Should of stayed in bed, clearly not interested and not fit.
S Preen 5 - Tidy display, little time to make impact on game.
