Murdoch hosted cellar dwellars Hamersley Rovers at Len Shearer Reserve at what was another beautiful day for football. Murdoch were looking to take advantage of a stirring mid-week win against Fremantle Utd and propel themselves into the top half of the table whereas Hamersley were in search of any points they could grab.

1st Half

Hamersley started the brighter of the two teams and played like a team fighting for survival with hard tackles, quick movement and a desire to be first to the ball on every occassion. Murdoch on the other hand started the game like they played the second half of the Stirling Panthers game, second to the ball, lacking desire and anything but clinical in their movement of the ball.

Not surprisingly, it was Hamersley that was first to strike. A cross to the back post by the Hamersley right winger, who dashed through unchallenged found the Hamersley striker and despite claims of hand-ball by Barrett was able to header the ball into the back of the net. 1 nil Hamersley.

Generally, after conceding a goal, Murdoch have been quick to go on the offensive in order to turn things around. Call it a hangover from the Frematle game, but Murdoch did not respond in the instance and continued to allow Hamersley to dictate play. Hamersley’s pressure saw Murdoch on instances panic and give the ball up and contricted Sasa and Shae from getting involved in the game.

Towards the end of the first half it was Hamersley that struck again. This time the Hamersley striker received the ball from a throw in and exploited a lack of prssure to turn and run into the box, drawing a man, then laying a square ball to the incoming Hamersley left winger whose first time shot was not overly powerful but placed well enough to beat Barrett. 2 nil Hamersley.

Needless to say, Murdoch’s performance drew a spray from the coaching staff at half-time.

2nd Half

Knowing from experience that a 2 nil lead was able to be overcome, Murdoch came out of the half-time huddle with renewed energy and stepped things up a notch. In fact it was Murdoch who pressured Hamersley throughout the entirety of the half and Hamersley rarely had a glance at goal.

Murdoch’s first goal came from another set piece situation and it was another defender in Romper who found the back of the Hamersley net. A free-kick awarded to Murdoch between the half way line and the 18 yard box in Hamersley’s half was taken by Dixon. Dicko’s cross found Romper at the back post who called loudly (to make sure that nobody else considered challenging for the ball) and his well placed header was put away despite the best efforts of the Hamersley goalkeeper.

Murdoch continued to mount the pressure on Hamersley and had opportunities with several attacking corners, but were unable to find the equaliser. In an effort to push forward, Murdoch occassionally were reminded of the need to defend when Hamersley counter-attacked with speed.

Murdoch soon equialised in spectacular fashion. A turnover in the Murdoch half allowed the Murdoch defence to collect the ball and a through ball to Meo was well held up by the big stiker. Despite another through ball being on Meo was fouled just outside the 18 yard box. Step up Dave Drummond. Despite a four man wall, Dave expertly curved the ball up and over the defence and placed the ball in the top right hand corner of the Hamersley goal to give Murdoch the much needed equaliser.

In an effort to save a point, Hamersley withdrew their striker and added and extra man in defence. Murdoch made some substitutions of its own, subbing off Sasa, Jacob and Meo and putting on Andy Jennings, Blaz and Neil McClure. Unfortuntely, despite all the pressure applied by Murdoch, the winning goal was not forthcoming and Hamersley hedl on to what could be a crucial point come season end. Murdoch will be disappointed not to capitalise on their outstanding mid-week win.

Players - Andy B, Clayton K, Mark K, Jacob K, Jason D, Sasa G, Sasa S, Dave D, Shae W, Jamie N, Meo N

Subs used - Andy J, Neil M, Blaz Z

Scorers - Mark K, Dave D

Yellow cards - Jamie N, Clayton K