A Missed Opportunity

Round 5 saw Axis playing for some redemption for last seasons disappointment. Welcoming back a number of players saw a more realistic line up with plenty of attacking intent.

Enjoying a lot of possession in the opening 20 minutes saw Axis create a number of chances but lacked the final product. The Stormers' keeper pulled off a number of saves to keep the scores level.

A free kick given away just outside the Axis box saw Stormers take the lead against play. The cross was put into the area with a few players from each team trying to get a head onto it but all missed and Ham was left wrong footed and the ball went in at the back post.

Shortly after the game was level with Bourke continuing his goal scoring run and getting onto the end of a Toshy through ball. A few more chances were created in the half but yet again the final product was missing. 1-1 at half time.

A tactical change was made at half time for Axis to take advantage of the Stormers playing a man down. 3-3-1-3 with the goal of pressuring from the front and pouncing on anything loose. Within 10 minutes this decision had reaped it's reward with Toby getting onto a ball after a defender lost it. Hitting the ball with the outside of his right boot he curled it just inside the left post. The keeper seemed to be able to do nothing but just watch.

Stormers then saw themselves playing another man down when their best player on the day was sent for an early shower. Cayne slid in to win the ball and the player gets there late and steps on Cayne's leg.

The last 10 finished the way the game had started with wave after wave of Axis attacking the goal. A few good saves and a few close calls saw Stormers surviving an embarrassing score line. The pressure became too much and the third goal finally arrived. Some quick play through the middle saw Stormers a bit weak at the back and Fehlhaber got onto a great sliding pass from Juan to put it passed the keeper one on one.

3-1 it finished with the score line flattering Stormers more than anything. A missed opportunity to put them to the sword and keep the Axis goal difference growing.