The Caspers started well, as usual, and were looking dangerous in the opening minutes. A quick play and some handy ball work upfront led to an opening shot on goal which just missed. For the majority of this first half, Guyra dominated possession which left Easts with not many opportunities to score. Our passing, just like last week, was great and in this regard I don’t think I could fault anyone. With the help of Luke Brazier and Matt Simpson in the halves, the three Kliendienst boys (Jack, BJ and Corby) kept pushing and looking dangerous. Unfortunately, this is all there was in the first half. Just some passing and shots. This left the score 0-0 at half time. 

Half time talk consisted of telling the team to keep stringing together passes because we were doing this brilliantly. However, manager Col Stanley thought we were playing it too safe. This meant that we needed to play a faster game and pass using more options to keep the Easts side on their toes. Both Col and Coach BJ said that we were the better side and that we deserved to be in front. We were once again on the field ready to take the second half. 

As the whistle blew, the Caspers started a bit flat. Easts were pushing us back into our own half by the use of some great plays. This was really the first time that they looked like scoring. However, after 10 or so minutes, the Guyra boys snapped back into it and could at least keep Easts from outside of our goal line. We then pushed back and fought our way back into the game. However, this was short and sweet as a quick counter attack saw East Armidale score the opening goal of the match to leave the score 1-0. Heads hung low as we knew we didn’t deserve to be 1-0 down, we deserved to be 2-0 up. 

After this, the Caspers started to look a little flat and weren’t passing the ball as well as the first half. Perhaps fatigue was once again starting to set in. Because of this poor work and little movement by Guyra, we conceded another goal 15 minutes before full time, leaving the score at 2-0. This put the Caspers hope of a sure win even lower. With this said, it didn’t mean that the Caspers didn’t stop trying, even with a few off side calls not going our way, the boys managed to keep pushing and creating opportunities as well as creating some great defence. However, with 7 minutes to go the Caspers conceded another goal. In the dying stages of the game, with only 20 seconds to go, the Caspers had a red card scare, but thankfully the Ref didn’t show. 

This was a hard fought game by Guyra and we deserved to win. 3-0 was definitely not a score line that represented how we played on Saturday. There is no soccer this weekend due to the Easter holidays, but the Caspers have a home ground catch up game with Gunnedah the following weekend. It would be great to see a healthy crowd there to cheer the Caspers on. 

Tyrone Clough

Second Grade

The Seconds went into their second round match against East Armidale with seven (yes seven) regulars missing and were always going to be under the pump.  The first half was dominated by Easts but to Guyra’s credit they stuck to their guns and were only down 3 at the break and it could have been more if it wasn’t for the great reflexes of Liam Surawski in goals who made some great saves.

The second half was all about going out and having some fun and trying to hold Easts at bay, but try in vain, Easts once again put Guyra on the back foot and if it wasn’t for the inclusion of super sub Rock Eater who shimmied and shook the opposition the score line could of easily got into double figures.  A little learning curve for the team, hold the ball more and control possession, the game is always a bit easier.  

A big thank you must go to those that filled in and played two games.  It’s hard to be critical with so many key players missing and I’m sure the return match will surely be a different outcome.  Points:-Liam Surawski 3, Adam Brennan 2 and Ashley Holt 1.

Col Stanley