Valiant Effort In Defeat

This was always going to be a tough game for Insulators Reserves, who are yet to register a win in division 3 this season, took on Royal Oak who are the leaders of division 2 in the WKSL Intermediate Cup. However, the game didn’t always look like going the way of the form guide.

Insulators set up with their 3-man defence and 2 wing backs and moved the ball well to the wide men which caused Royal Oak a lot of problems are had a few good chances to open the scoring with Fab Fernandez being denied by some excellent goalkeeping and defending

Royal Oak’s No. 10 was also causing a few problems at the other end and ultimately broke clear to put his side 1 up. Insulators heads didn’t drop though and felt aggrieved to still be 1 down at half time.

In recent weeks 2nd half performances haven’t always matched up to the first for Insulators but that could not be said about this game. The introduction of Sam Minter-Friars up front with Harry Mascall was again creating problems and Sam got the equaliser that Insulators deserved with a goal of the season contender, stroking the ball into the top corner from outside the box

Insulators continued to press and had a goal ruled out from a goalmouth scramble which looked to have crossed the line. With 10 minutes to go there were a lot of tired legs and Royal oak regained the advantage with another well taken goal

Captain Ott and the rest of the team rallied to put Royal Oak under the sword and Cole Walsh stepped up to strike home a deflected effort to pull the scores level in the last minute of normal time.

Buoyed by this Insulators entered into the Extra Time period full of confidence as Royal Oaks players looked to be feeling the effects of a tough game more than a youthful Insulators side

This was all except the No. 10 who after 93 minutes broke Insulators hearts with another well taken goal and with goalkeeper Craig Smith in great form it needed to be

Despite continued pressure at both ends and a late red card for the opposition, Insulators were unable to find the 3rd goal and force penalties

This performance shows what this new look reserve side could achieve as for long periods we outplayed the team tipped to win division 2 this year, great to see the youngsters settling in so well and with a few players to return we hope for some more positive results in the coming weeks

Very proud of all 14 men who played, Banksie’s tactical nous on the side-lines and Ronnie’s inspirational chat to Sam which I am sure played its part in the goal.