The Crow Speaks...

Our resident custodian has penned his thoughts on the season, and on the ID match in particular

"Ipreo FC have enjoyed a storming start to the season, climbing straight to the top of the league. They've managed to stay clear at the top since. Recently however, the team have been struggling to maintain that form, with a number of draws and losses. Fortunately, the lead that was opened at the start of the season has meant the team has retained their top spot.

Until today, Ipreo FC's last five results were: lost - won - lost - drawn - drawn; a far cry from the four consecutive wins that kicked off the season. Today saw the team taking on a team they beat comfortably at the start of the season. Could this be the turning point in Ipreo FC's fortunes?

The usually dedicated Ipreo supporters had for the most part deserted the team, a sign perhaps of their frustrations (and perhaps the biting cold)… The game started in strong fashion however, with Rossi scoring almost straight away. Things were looking good; swift precise passes combined with impressive movement threatened the opposition. However, a quick break against the run of play from Interactive Data saw them through on goal, and a strong finish left Crow unable to prevent the equaliser. 1-1.

A few minutes later another disaster struck, with our goalscorer incomprehensibly sent off for a seemingly innocuous challenge. Ipreo FC were down to four men, with three quarters of the game remaining. The team soaked up pressure for the remainder of the first half, with a number of critical tackles from Newby and Donovan. Ririe brought attacking energy to the team when the breaks came, but at half time the score remained 1-1.

Going into the second half, Kieu was brought on in place of Ririe to bring fresh legs to the team. The extra player on the opposition side was however proving dangerous. With a spare man always available, the Ipreo defence were being stretched to their limit. Crow was bringing the ball out, trying to make up the onfield defecit but attacking opportunities were shut out with the extra opposition players. Shots rained in from Interactive Data, and the game became about survival. More decisive challenges, and some finger-tip saves kept the score even, but it looked like a matter of time before Ipreo FC would finally break.

How wrong we were. Minutes from the end, Newby caught an Interactive Data player out near their goal with a strong tackle. Bearing down on goal, he smashed his shot past the helpless goalkeeper, unbelieveably putting four man Ipreo FC back in the lead! And that was how it stayed. 2-1 to Ipreo.

Today's game was a hard-fought victory. It showed grit, determination, and a never-say-die attitude, which the team had seemed to lose in recent games. Turning point? Maybe. Important victory? Possibly. Well-deserved? Definitely.

Going into the weekend, Ipreo FC remain top of the league, with 29 points from 9 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. With only 6 games remaining, promotion beckons.

Watch this space for future news and updates on Ipreo FC's progress throughout the season.


Crow"