There goes round 1
Round one versus Heidelberg was probably the match I was most nervous about. The history of the rivalry precedes me, but I knew it could hurt our chances of ever pulling a crowd again if we didn't do well. This was our first game in the VPL, where crowds are expected to drop after the NSL. It was also our first game with a team assembled practically from scratch over the long off season; the team which had completely failed to impress in the pre-season matches.
The game drew over 11,000 fans. Had we tanked it, we might be looking at drawing only a couple of thousand through the gates each week for the rest of the season, and even the return match at Heidelberg wouldn't be expected to gather a big crowd. South supporters are a fickle bunch, and if the team's not doing well they seem quite happy to stay at home.
Fortunately we did ourselves proud. The match ended nil-all, but from where I stood it was South who created all the chances. On pre-season form I'm a little thankful Heidelberg didn't test Deano too much, because our defence seems to be our weakest link - despite recent seasons when it was probably our strongest.
The noisy bunch at Clarendon Corner kept the noise up all game. That's where I stand, because it's where my friends have stood since I met them. I'm really not sure how much the noise travels across the pitch, but I'm certain they can hear us loud and clear on the near side. Boutsi took a couple of corners near us, which provoked a few "fence runs" - a mass of people yell and make the short run down the terraces to the fence, and the effect is like an onrushing barbarian army. I'm not sure that it's always intimidating for opposition players, because often the barbarian warriors are wearing huge grins.
When the match finished there was a sense of relief and excitement, because we stood firm and showed a glimmer of promise for the season. I think the next few matches will start with a similar anxiety - the team is yet to prove itself - but at least we start the season facing in the right direction. This weekend we host Saint Albans, who lost 2-0 last week away to Sunshine.
The game drew over 11,000 fans. Had we tanked it, we might be looking at drawing only a couple of thousand through the gates each week for the rest of the season, and even the return match at Heidelberg wouldn't be expected to gather a big crowd. South supporters are a fickle bunch, and if the team's not doing well they seem quite happy to stay at home.
Fortunately we did ourselves proud. The match ended nil-all, but from where I stood it was South who created all the chances. On pre-season form I'm a little thankful Heidelberg didn't test Deano too much, because our defence seems to be our weakest link - despite recent seasons when it was probably our strongest.
The noisy bunch at Clarendon Corner kept the noise up all game. That's where I stand, because it's where my friends have stood since I met them. I'm really not sure how much the noise travels across the pitch, but I'm certain they can hear us loud and clear on the near side. Boutsi took a couple of corners near us, which provoked a few "fence runs" - a mass of people yell and make the short run down the terraces to the fence, and the effect is like an onrushing barbarian army. I'm not sure that it's always intimidating for opposition players, because often the barbarian warriors are wearing huge grins.
When the match finished there was a sense of relief and excitement, because we stood firm and showed a glimmer of promise for the season. I think the next few matches will start with a similar anxiety - the team is yet to prove itself - but at least we start the season facing in the right direction. This weekend we host Saint Albans, who lost 2-0 last week away to Sunshine.
posted by Curt at 8:15 pm
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home