Frustrating encounter sees Fever suffer third loss on the bounce
Fever again failed to deliver as they fell 4-3 to the Russians in a physical encounter on a small pitch.
Fever were up against a very robust team in the form of Russian Style, and even though their attacks were extremely predictable, Fever failed to deal with them. The Russians deployed long ball tactics throughout the game and looked very dangerous in the air through their set pieces, in particular long throws, as they bombarded the Fever goal with Rory Delap-esque rockets into the box. The pitch was very hard, small and difficult to play on and the referee performance and professionalism left a lot to be desired as, due to his own incompetence, the game only lasted 80 minutes instead of the full 90. However, although a few dubious decisions went against Fever, it was the same for both teams so all complaints were rendered invalid. It was the same old story for Fever, starting extremely slow yet again, allowing their opposition to grow in stature and take control of the game.
Fever were up against a very robust team in the form of Russian Style, and even though their attacks were extremely predictable, Fever failed to deal with them. The Russians deployed long ball tactics throughout the game and looked very dangerous in the air through their set pieces, in particular long throws, as they bombarded the Fever goal with Rory Delap-esque rockets into the box. The pitch was very hard, small and difficult to play on and the referee performance and professionalism left a lot to be desired as, due to his own incompetence, the game only lasted 80 minutes instead of the full 90. However, although a few dubious decisions went against Fever, it was the same for both teams so all complaints were rendered invalid. It was the same old story for Fever, starting extremely slow yet again, allowing their opposition to grow in stature and take control of the game.
The most simple throw-in and flick on you will ever see undid Fever for the first as the defence showed poor communication and anticipation to allow the Russians to take the lead. Things went from bad to worse not long after as Kevin Kim had a moment of madness, blatantly handling in the box to concede a penalty and getting himself a yellow card in the process. The Russians made no mistake and extended their lead to 2-0. Filip Pusnik, playing wide left had a few sniffs of goal but nothing substantial after being fed first by Auger then by JaeMin Kim. Max Keselenko was working hard up front but Fever were reduced to Russian Style’s level and resorted to long balls to aimlessly chase. However one move came together as the ball was flicked on toward the evergreen Pallios Levente, who made no mistake as he dispatched a neat finish past the goalkeeper, reducing the deficit to 2-1 just before the break.
The second period saw Fever play their most attractive football as they began to spread the play a little more effectively. The midfield of Carl Garthwaite and JaeMin Kim began to win a bit more possession playmaker Sebastian Auger was finding more and more space. Soon after the restart Fever drew level. A Russian Style corner was whipped in but quickly dealt with and Auger was released near the half way line, outpaced his man and fired in a fierce cross-come-shot from 25 yards which found the top corner. That was his first of the season and a vital leveler for Fever. It was difficult for Fever’s more technical players such as Auger, Braithwaite and Fannin to get a hold of the ball, and it turned into a tale of set pieces, with Russian Style made the most of theirs whereas Fever repeatedly failed to capitalize. Auger provided the ammunition with some dangerous whipped deliveries but nobody managed to get the decisive final touch. Time and time again Auger delivered inviting corners and free kicks but the Fever attack seemingly lacked the drive and desire to get to the ball first. Their lack of proficiency in front of goal soon cost them as Russian Style hit back with two goals in quick succession to re-establish a two goal lead. The referee demonstrated his petulance and distain toward Fever as he booked Bertrand Gardereau for not wearing shin pads. Although large in stature, the Russians were going down remarkably easy and were using their set piece prowess to cause the Fever defense problems, but Dan Lappin and Dan Argueta stood firm against the majority of tests they faced, as did Paul Jones who came to the rescue on a number of occasions.
Fever’s hope was restored with just under 10 minutes to play as after a sustained amount of pressure, new wing back David Pegg was on hand to drive the ball across the box into the path of JaeSok Choi to open his account for the season with a powerful half volley. Fever pressed them all the way, winning a number of corners and free kicks and they were almost rewarded with an equalizer. Auger was hacked down 30 yards out to the right of the goal but was on hand to take the resulting free kick. Being right footed, he used the outside of his right boot to deliver a rasping, curling effort that was heading for left of the goal, but took a deflection off a team mate which diverted it wide. The keeper was rooted to the spot for the duration and Augers reaction suggested it may have been goal bound, but this proved the last meaningful attack of the game, as it drew to a close with another Fever defeat. 4-3.
Although putting in another energetic and composed display, Dan Argueta was again pipped by a team mate for the Man of the Match award, which was presented to Jae Min Kim for an all action display in the centre of midfield.
Man of the Match: Kim Jae Kim
Although putting in another energetic and composed display, Dan Argueta was again pipped by a team mate for the Man of the Match award, which was presented to Jae Min Kim for an all action display in the centre of midfield.
Man of the Match: Kim Jae Kim