Okay. Just got home and read 189 posts.
We have not played that well, and had that complete a team performance for AGES.
I cannot believe that no one, NO ONE mentioned Tom Doyle's AMAZING goal saving tackle immediately before half time. It was incredible.
The highlight for today was from about 65 - 85 minutes where our midfield were immense. Totally dominant. Even when they did cough up possession, and yes, they did do that a few times, Newcastle put 1, 2 and occasionally three passes together before we took it back. The tackling, and the pressure we were exerting as a collective midfield unit was amazing. Anyone who is mildly disappointed in Alex Rodriguez is missing the point I think. On defence the back 4 had a 3 person unit Roly - Reira - Rodriquez in front of them, and the three of them moved and single cohesive three headed beast. It was an awesome performance. I talked to the players at Bethel Woods about this and they ALL said that that is one of the things Ernie has had them working REALLY hard on in the last two weeks - hunting the ball collectively so that the two players pressuring the ball carrier are backed up by people pressuring their outlet options. It was really really good today, ESPECIALLY in the middle of the second half.
Burns was fantastic. His speech at Bethel Woods collecting man of the match was awesome. He blamed the Yellow Fever for the miss when the guy picked his pocket just as he was about to shoot. He said the Yellow Fever were too loud, and he couldn't here the guy approaching from behind, so it was the Fever's fault he didn't get the hatrick. Brilliant stuff. Everyone laughed.
The band played The Proclaimers 500 miles, and Roly got up and was dancing with the fans in front of the stage as we belted out Bonevacia - Bonevacia!
I have to say I violently disagree with the Brockie baggers here today. I thought he had an immense game. Sure it would be lovely if he had banged a goal (or two in). But he worked his arse off, and was VERY well involved in the creation of a lot of our chances. He got an assist, and I think he had his best game of the season so far.
Manny had his best game of the season. Durra and Siggy both had good games - it was a shame we coughed up a goal because I think they deserved the lift from a clean sheet. I had a good chat with Tom Doyle, and I asked him if he was enjoying it. He didn't hesitate, and said "Just LOVING it mate." He said he's learning so much. He said he knew he'd been making mistakes, but he was very aware that he's only had 3 A League games, and he's really eager to build his experience and keep improving. When he pulled off that wonder tackle just before half time both Siggy, Durra, Manny and Reira were all there slapping him on the back and congratulating him as they walked off.
We scored 4 goals today, and we could genuinely have had 6 or 7. We are creating A LOT of chances. That is fantastic. Burns, Wee Mac and Brockie are really working well together.
Big game next week, but 6 points after three games (a new club record after three games) and with two wins on the trot we couldn't be better prepped for the visit to the Tards. I will be jumping up and down if we can take a point away from Melbourne. 3 would be dreamland.
The vibe in the Fever Zone today was bloody amazing. It was going off. We handed out 200 chant sheets and people LOVED them. People were getting up out of the seats in Aisle 23 and 20 and walking over and asking for them. A number of them commented "Oh yeah! That's a fantastic idea! Thank you so much!" The chant sheets, despite how some people feel about them were very very popular. and they worked.
The WE ARE HERE TO STAY chant when the banner was up keyed that it was going to be very very special.
It's been a special special week.