Match Report: Italian Society’s penultimate game of the season ended with a 6-0 defeat at the hands of the School of Earth and Environment on a sunny day at Bodington. Italian did well to keep things competitive against an SOEE side who headed into the tie hoping to dramatically improve their goal difference. The Azzurri brought along a record squad size of 14 players with an impressive debut for the semi-injured Dominic Werth and a first appearance this season for Luke Barr. Player-Manager Joe Bishop decided to stick with last week’s 4-5-1 formation and the decision appeared to pay off as the Azzurri managed to pack the centre of the field and frustrate the Geographer’s creative play. SOEE had the lion’s share of possession in the opening exchanges but the back four and Aynsley Williams in goal managed to frustrate their attacks while the attacking trident of James Bennett, Joel Brittain and Patrick Hughes looked threatening on the break as their pace and aerial ability stretched the SOEE back line. Unfortunately for the Azzurri, SOEE managed to break the deadlock just before half time after a clearance from a corner was met with a stunning volley into the bottom corner that snuck through the crowd and past Williams. Italian got off to a bright start at the start of the second half after a curling long-range effort from Bennett tested the SOEE keeper who almost fumbled the ball into his own net. Around the 65 minute mark SOEE doubled their lead after another Italian Society again failed to clear another set piece and one of SOEE’s midfielder managed to get hold of the rebound and rifle past Williams from close range. The Azzurri tried to regroup following the setback and enjoyed some good spells of possession that led to a series of corners. However, as the boys in the blue shirts began to desperately attack, SOEE were able to exploit the space left in the middle of the park and added four more, with an individual run and finish at the near post by SOEE’s centre forward the pick of the bunch. Italian were denied two possible consolation goals after the referee ruled Bennett to be offside after as the Birmingham born forward was through on goal and perhaps more controversially by refusing to award a penalty when Brittain was pulled down in the box by the unmentionables. The Germanic partnership of Werth and Luke Pomeroy looked impressive on the left flank as the duo were responsible for some creative passing moves. Barr’s performance also displayed why the Liverpudlian has been so sorely missed this season as he offered composure in possession in midfield. The Talismanic Bishop also displayed his trademark tenacity as he put in some hard challenges in the centre of the field and displayed great commitment to the cause. Luca Gunby was named the Man of the Match for his sterling performance at centre back. The SOEE strikers consistently found the Londoner blocking the path and he was integral to the back four throughout the game with good positioning and strong tackles when it mattered. Next week is a relegation six pointer against fellow strugglers Le Saux Solid Crew and the build up to such a crucial fixture is sure to be intense as Italian look to end the season with a win.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 20:34:50 +0000
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