After facing a number of obstacles in order to get the game on, the new cohort of Year 9 students at Waterfront UTC participated in their first football fixture of the season. It was an eagerly anticipated fixture against Robert Napier and the team were optimistic of a positive performance.
The game was well balanced in the first half with Robert Napier defending well against the slope. Midway through the first half Waterfront were behind when a speculative shot from range found the back of the net and it was advantage Robert Napier. The deficit kicked Waterfront into gear and they controlled the remainder of the first half. An quickly taken accurate free kick from Olly P was gathered well by Josh O who delivered a superb finish to lift the ball over the advancing Robert Napier goalkeeper and make the game level. The intensity increased further as Waterfront with the slope continued to press. A ball into the box was met by a determined Jamie M who used his strength to hold off the Robert Napier centre back and finish powerfully into the bottom corner. Waterfront were in front but knew the second half would be difficult with conditions against them.
Second half and the game remained finely balanced. The Waterfront midfield of Finn N, Ethan S, Adrian A and Harvey G looked effective but frustrated at the end product. The amount of possession Waterfront were enjoying was superficial when Robert Napier first equalised and then went in front to lead 3-2. Against the slope Waterfront had to dig deep. There were signs showing that this was the team’s first game. The away team were trying to press and play behind the Robert Napier defence and for the next ten minutes Waterfront were dominant. After a period of pressure there was a moment of individual excellence when Finn N gained possession inside the Robert Napier half. The ball was bouncing when Finn N turned and hit a powerful strike into the top right hand corner from outside of the area. The game was finally poised at 3-3 with six minutes remaining.
A great save by goalkeeper Riley C at the feet of the advancing striker was a fine piece of goalkeeping and kept the scores level. However, with two minutes on the clock an accurate delivery from a corner was met by a powerfully header and the victory went to Robert Napier 4-3. Overall a very tight game and although the team were disappointed there was evidence within the performance that this will still be a positive season.
Man of the Match : Adrian A – defended very well against the Robert Napier playmaker and was seen as the main threat for Waterfront going forward when the ball was at his feet.