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Vs. Massive
Kaohsiung (home)
Team: Hudson –
Roach, Hawley, Josh, Storey – Jones, Baldy, Hooton, Doherty – Dorward, Gourley. Good play, bad result. That could briefly summarize Saturday’s fixture against local rivals Massive. Pacers had more ball possession, more chances to score and put quite a lot of pressure on the opposition that unfortunately did not pay back with strongly needed three points in the Southern League competition. Massive produced two situations in the first half. First came after 7 minutes in the game. Opposition’s midfielder with the marker on his back managed to find a clear position to get in an excellent strike from the right side of the penalty box. Ball went into Hudson’s goal in the left top corner that would even left Peter Cech useless.
After a
quarter right-winger Doherty missed a close chance for Pacers. Keeper did his
duty well by refusing that effort. Just two minutes later In 20th minute Pacers faced a frightening moment by seeing keeper Hudson collide with Pacers center-back Josh. Brave Englishman resisted the pain and continued to give a superb example of a sacrifice for a team’s good. Pacers striker and local football magician Gourley in circles also known as Gazza of the Pacers, started his symphony of wasted situations in 24th minute by not being able to net from a short range. Thanks to Cantwell who came on a sub late in the first half team leveled with his quality move that faked the defender and made a Massive goalie look lame. Last ten minutes didn’t bring anything exciting worth of mentioning. Second half started with a frustrating 3rd minute Massive volley that put the ball in the left bottom corner. Definitely it was the day of a skillful wee Massive player who grabbed his second that afternoon making it 2:1. It took Pacers a quarter to cool down and deliver some threatening situations. Left-winger Jones had his chance and shortly after strikers Gourley and O’Brien found themselves in a penalty box but did not attempt a proper shot. A few minutes later Gourley again was close to setting up Jones with a good cross. Unfortunately it was out of reach of a Canadian. Last 15 minutes were a series of Gourley’s chances. One saw him offering the shot that seriously lacked the gunpowder, another time heavily hitting the post. Closing chance of the game came 5 minutes before time with Gourley’s volley that did not go on goal. Statistically Pacers were better side of the day, which sometimes does not matter in football. Massive took well their small chances and converted them in two crucial goals. Gourley could have grabbed a hat trick himself but luck did not smile on him that left the Pacers beaten. By Adam Drzewucki |