Match report 4th July 2007

Melee vs The Hurracaines

The third big game in a row for Melee and on this dreary day the team actually turned up on time. Melee were determined to start strong and apart from an early shot by Hurracaine's striker, got off to a flying start. Mixing up the short and long passes they were tearing through their opponents defence. Midfielders Tafe and Goulding were linking well with Samuel and opened up a few chances. The first oppotunity was finished calmly by Tafe and second and third goals were pounched on by Goulding and Couper. The golden boot was looking further out of reach for Samuel, but with the holes in the Hurracaines defense getting larger any number of goals could be scored.
The second half started off in similar fashion with Melee domination and Hurracaines heads going down. Slick one touch passes and great man marking meant that Melee's opposition hardly had the ball. A gorgeous through ball from Webb, who had joined the strike force for the second half, was taken and finished by Goulding for a four goal lead.
Dramatic events marred the second half when Webb, who was recovering from a knee injury, went down and stayed down. Fans looked appauled as Hurry's kept on playing with the injured player still on the pitch. Webb was stretchered off and Melee brought on USA keeper Stacey Ropp. The squad was rearranged again as Samuel came out of goal to go back up front. Soon after, the striker stroked a shot pass keeper to put the golden boot back into contantion.
One of the goals of the season was the highlight of the second half. A ball drifted out to centre-back Couper who let loose with a screaming drive. The ball swerved out of reach of Hurry's keeper into the top left corner of the goal. The stadium fell silent in disbelief of what had just happened until the replay was shown of the big screen.
6 - 1 was the final score in the match, with Hurricaines scoring a nothing goal.
Special thanks was given to Ropp by the Melee manager for his contribution to the game. The sub keeper made two fine saves in the later stages of the game.
Man of the Match: David Couper

Team Line Ups:
Melee
Webb, Couper, Singlehurst, Tafe, Goulding, Samuel. Sub Ropp (19)
Goals: Couper 2, Goulding 2, Tafe 1, Samuel 1
The Hurricaines
Don't know, wouldn't have made a difference if they were five year old kids


Speculation:

• With Melee's title win secured the club are abandoning their last match against School Girls Rock. The 3 points and 3 goals that School girls will recieve from the non-game could keep them in the Premiership. The relegation battle is estimated to be worth about ₤23 million with TV sponsorship
• Kevin Webb will be out due to the knee injury picked up against The Hurricaines. Team physios have been working on the knee but have said surgery may be the only option.
• Players player of the season will be voted on this week
• Lead goal scorer Peter Goulding is reported to have signed a contract with an MLS team. It is rumoured that the player will see out his career and retire in the states in a move to boost the MLS standard and profile.
  
• Justyn Singlehurst was wowed by Couper's wonder goal on Wednesday and was heard suggeesting that the defender should be playing up front next season
• In a tribute to Melee, the official sponsors of the Premiership, pitch-invasion.com, have named the title trphy, "The Melee Cup"
  

Golden boot award
Goulding 10
Samuel 8
Tafe 3
Porter 3
Couper 2
Webb 1
Singlehurst 0