by Sam Cholerton
On a sunny but breezy evening, Melbourne FC hosted Mickleover on their well-maintained pitch. Despite Mickleover’s strong start, playing their usual pass-and-move game and controlling possession, Melbourne’s physicality and relentless pressing ultimately saw them secure a 2-0 victory.
Starting Line Up:
1.Josh Maher, 2. Mason Hoult, 3. Brad Brittan, 4. Jared Cholerton (c), 5. Zak Sandhu, 6. Harry Atwal, 7. Josh Carter, 8. Hamza Konane, 9. Mike Mandimitsura 10. Josh Powell, 11. Luke Thompson, Subs: Ted Stevenson, Taylor Smith, Brodie Carter, Jake Lord, Matt Harding.
Mickleover began brightly, forcing Melbourne to change tactically, with a high press and direct approach with the wind. However, despite Mickleover’s early dominance, it was Melbourne who struck first, somewhat against the run of play.
In the 10th minute, Melbourne won their first corner of the game. A poorly dealt with delivery led to confusion in the box, and the ball found its way into the back of the net, giving Melbourne a surprising 1-0 lead.
Mickleover responded well, continuing to pass and move effectively. A shot from Thompson was spilled by the Melbourne keeper, but there was no one on hand to capitalise. As the wind began to pick up, Mickleover’s Cholerton launched a long ball to Powell, who made a great run and played in Thompson, but the chance inexplicably ended with a dubious goal kick awarded to Melbourne.
Despite their best efforts, Mickleover struggled to break Melbourne down. Another long throw from our hostscaused havoc in the box but was defended well, and although Melbourne continued to press, Mickleover’s defence, led by Maher in goal, stood firm.
Melbourne’s next big chance came from a corner in the 30th minute, as they hit the bar with a well-taken set piece. They continued to cause problems with their relentless pressure and physical play, forcing Mickleover to defend especially at set pieces.
A missed open goal after another Melbourne corner was a let-off for Mickleover as the half wore on. Thompson then caused concern for Mickleover when he landed awkwardly, but after some treatment, he was able to continue. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Melbourne, with Mickleover doing well to stay in the game.
At the start of the second half, Mickleover made a quick substitution with J. Carter replaced by Matt Harding. Melbourne came out attacking, but a superb double block from Sandhu kept them at bay.
Mickleover defended resolutely but struggled to create clear chances. Just eight minutes into the second half, Melbourne doubled their lead, when Mickleover failed to clear their lines from a Melbourne attack, and the home side pounced to make it 2-0.
This goal seemed to deflate Mickleover, as Melbourne continued to press high and disrupt their attempts to build from the back.
Mickleover made further substitutions, with Mandimitsura replaced by B. Carter at the hour mark and Powell making way for Stevenson five minutes later.
Despite some nice passing moves in midfield, Mickleover couldn’t break through Melbourne’s well organised defence.
Sports then won their first corner of the match, but despite a good delivery by Atwal, Melbourne defended well and cleared the danger.
Dynamo’s physicality continued to make life difficult for Mickleover’s youngsters as they kept the ball in their opponent’s half and defended their lead solidly.
Sports tried to mount an attack, but every time they pushed forward, they were met with intense pressure from the home players.
As the game neared its conclusion, Sandhu provided a spark for Mickleover with a driving run down the wing, winning a free kick. Stevenson delivered the ball into the Melbourne box, but Atwal’s effort somehow sailed over the bar.
A final substitution saw Lord come on for Hoult in the 75th minute, but despite a late push from Mickleover, they couldn’t find a way past the stubborn Melbourne defence. Melbourne continued to pressurise Mickleover as the game drew to a close and Maher made some excellent saves late on. The match ended in a frustrating 2-0 defeat for Mickleover but credit to Melbourne for a resolute and tactically astute performance.
Head Coach Steve Powell was pleased with the performance…
Our intention was to start brightly, press high and dominate possession in the build-up which again as in previous games we did early on. But credit to Melbourne for making tactical changes and although the first goal came against the run of play, they made it difficult for us to build up through the middle.
On reflection it was a great learning opportunity for the players to have to make and execute decisions under pressure, when being closed down quickly and against very physical opposition.
Our learning also comes from how we have to adapt to the specific external factors each game provides and have the confidence individually and as a squad to maintain our playing style, which we are still developing with such a newly formed and young squad