YFC 1 - 0 Norwest United
What a difference 4 days makes… in Friday night’s home game against Norwest United, Yaletown Football Club struggled to finish off a plethora of clear goal scoring opportunities yet finally managed to put away their opponent. Norwest are clearly a team built around playing the body rather than the ball as almost every single tackle was finished off like a hockey check. Their inability to consistently pass the ball amongst themselves, keep possession or cleanly win the ball allowed for some slack play from YFC at times. As in the JBs match, YFC started somewhat sluggishly and seemed to be playing down to their opponent’s level. However having said that Dan Rankin narrowly missed from a corner kick early in the 1st half and there were a couple decent chances that went begging. The first half concluded tamely with Yaletown not quite in the game and Norwest not getting a shot on goal. Though they forced Sherman Lai into flying off his line to punch away a hopeful ball that bounced in the YFC 18.
After some calm, but firm words from Glyn Roberts about putting in some more effort - YFC vastly improved their game in the 2nd half. Some fresh blood was introduced for Yaletown, namely in new signings Adam Jennings who slotted in quite comfortably at centre forward and Benjamin Forbes at right midfield. Norwest never really did anything to threaten, though they won a number of “interesting” freekicks that amounted to nothing in the end. The game was there for the taking, however it seemed destined to end in frustration. At least 7 clear chances went unfinished, including one setup by Adam Jennings on the goal line in front of an empty net, with the defender getting the slightest of touches to put off the waiting YFC player. In the end the goal hero, Antonio Rabelo stepped up to say enough is enough and curled in a beauty of a shot after a scramble in the 18 that the Norwest keeper had no chance on. 1 for the YFC and they absorbed what pressure Norwest could muster to claim their first home victory of the 2008/09 VMSL season.
Yaletown showed great character and got stronger and stronger all over the pitch as the match progressed, the score should have reflected the opportunities created but a win is a win. Again great thanks and much appreciation goes out to our injured and unavailable players who came out to watch and cheer on the team. Our first night out at potential team sponsor Migz BBQ (Broadway & Mackenzie) was also good fun and thanks to everyone for a great night celebrating the win.