MATCH REPORT; Madison 0 Norwalk M 5

Two nil down after four minutes, three down after twelve and five by half time.  It could have been a recipe for a world record defeat for the Madison Celts but they recovered a semblance of pride by holding the hard charging, title chasing Mariners to a dull scoreless second half.  Some pride possibly, but certainly no points and the team remain rooted to the bottom end of the table with games fast running out.
After beating the Mariners earlier in the season one would have thought the Celts may have had some confidence coming into this game but that would be ignoring the awful run of defeats they have gone through in the last eight games. Added to that, with two minutes to kick off time only 8 players had bothered to turn up. We finally had 11 guys  pulling up their shorts and tying shoes as the whistle sounded but I guess we should not be surprised that the team was totally unprepared for the game. Madison got what they deserved which was a total pummeling in the opening 15 minutes. No tactics, no passing, no fight other than shouting at each other. It was an unholy mess and frankly totally un-enjoyable. What's the point of getting out of bed on a Sunday morning for this?

Basic mistakes, poor positioning, lack of communication, no team spirit and a total lack of support for team mates on the field were just some of the off field observations I could make. We were lucky to make it to the half only five down.

A half time "pep" talk and some basic truths got the team back out on the field with at least some idea that they should go out and try and enjoy themselves.  We were beat so what  would we have to lose?  Well we could have lost another 5 goals but the second half was much more even although the Mariners were always the dominant team.  Some great midfield play by Rob B and John B kept the team in the game and the defence played a much stronger game. The chances were few and far between up front and the final whistle was a pleasant sound at the end of the game. It felt like a victory not letting in any second half goals. But, it was no victory and the team has now gone through 8 games gathering only 1 point!  Two games left before the end of the season. Next week is a home against Greenwich Arsenal.  Our best chance of points before meeting the league leaders Vasco in the last game of the season!

Man of The Match;  Rob B ran his heart out  and was the clear MOM