The Argonauts FC

League Game

Date:	Opposition:	Ground:
2 Sep	Breakaways	Home

First game of the season for the Argonauts who escaped relegation last season due to what must have been an admin error at FA HQ.

After the 7-1 drubbing on thursday in their final friendly, confidence was still high and the manager and players alike expected a victory.

League debuts were handed to Steve Thomas whilst Kev Downes made his first start in the league since rejoining the club after his controversial move to AC Sports.

The defence was made up of the reliable and lean looking Tucky and soon to joing FC Sydney Neil on the flanks and Darren and Rich D in the middle.
Matt Scott and Rob made up the middle of the park with Rich Scott and Sparksy on the flanks.
George and Kev played up top.

The team talk let the players know what was expected of them. Rich Scott was only expected to play part of game, he will come off for Jordan second half in straight swap whilst Matt Scott was only playing as someone didn't turn up. A real boost to the Scott brothers confidence.

The Argonauts started well, playing the ball about well on the long grass and keeping it ok. The Breakaways with new signings in their team looked quick on the break and full of youth.

It was a tight first twenty minutes (i think) and not many chances were made although Sparsky had one effort that flew over from a great Darren Holmes ball.

Despite this, the home side failed to make chances and eventually the Breakaways took the lead. A Neil miss kick left the winger the chance to put the ball in the box, which deceived attackers, defence and keeper alike ending up in the corner. A poor goal and heads dropped like it was hanging day.

HT and only 1-0, the team talk centred around keeping the ball to feet and playing it about.

The argonauts were getting caught on the break more and more in the second half as the shape was lost throughout the team. The ball wasn't sticking up front, and not getting out to the two wide men.

Before long, a miss pass from Kev left a breakaways breakaway on, and despite claims off offside by last man Matt Scott, the goal was scored and it was an uphill task. 2-0.

As the game wore on, tired legs crept in and the long ball game started to appear in the home sides ranks. The Breakways looked good on the ball and counter attacked well, using the youthfull speed of their front men.

Jordan replaced Rich (as we knew was happening) and Veasey replaced Matt Scott (another sure sub really) as the argo's looked to respond. Veasey added pace and direction but unfortunatly dummied himself and fell over his own feet. Muppet of Match.

Jordan looked hungry to impress and went looking for the ball and Kev was trying hard to get the home team back in the game.

Eventually, a breakaways move led to a mishandle by Steve and the forward tucked the ball in on the far post. At 3-0 down, the fans began leaving, dissapointed with such a large home defeat.

A late consolation goal by Darren, despite Veasey claiming it hit his head gave the Argonauts their first goal of the season but this was a poor result against a team we looked to beat.

The gaffer offered few words after the match as he headed off to a meeting with the chairman who refused to offer a vote of confidence in his manager / captain.

Physio Matt Palmer did say that "some players know they are going to be subbed and this is not right - will they try as hard knowing that they are 90% sure to come off£

Next week the Argonauts travel to The Sportsman where tickets are still available. Changes are bound to be made with Rich Scott, Matt Scott, Jordan and Sparsky all receiving international call ups rendering them unavailable. It promises to be a tough game but the Argonauts go there confident of winning and getting their campaign off to a good start.