Flyers Wilt Under Chile Pressure

A depleted Kiteflyers side put up a brave battle but eventually lost out to two late goals from a resurgent Chile side in the heat of Lurin on Saturday morning. Already shorn of a host of players, the Kiteflyers were dealt a further blow on the morning of the match when star winger De La Puente went down with illness.

Not to be deterred the Kiteflyers headed for Lurin in good spirits, determined to get back to winning ways. Spirits were high in the warm-up, with the Kiteflyers ready for a 9 am kick-off. Someone, however, should have told the ground staff and referees, which resulted in a long delay to kick off. Some improvised drills from Casey and Hill kept the squad on ice, and when the game eventually kicked off, the Flyers started on the front foot and went close early on, Howes firing over when well placed, after a great break down the right from Quigley.

A feisty midfield battle ensued, with big tackles from Mitchinson and Hill keeping the momentum with the Flyers. As the half wore on, the Chileans began to turn the screw, with some good chances going to waste. Just before the half, Castillo, donning the gloves due to the regular goalkeeping options being unavailable, keeping the game level with a great stop when 1 on 1 with the opposing striker. 0-0 HT.

A couple of changes at halftime freshened things up, with Malanaphy stepping into midfield and Sutton introduced up top. The second half almost started in disaster, with a routine ball through not being dealt with by either Castillo or Hill, which eventually resulted in a back pass being picked up by the keeper. The resulting indirect free kick was wide, but a big let off for the Flyers. Aside from that episode, the opening of the second period was positive from the Flyers, with Malanaphys pile driver from range being tipped away by the keeper, and Howe's effort also being stopped after being picked out by a peach of a ball from Sanchez.

In almost a mirror image of the 1st half, the Chileans got stronger as the half wore on, as the Flyers started to wilt under the sun. With less than ten minutes remaining, the Chileans opened the scoring when their star player was picked out in space in the box, and rifled in to top corner. 0-1.

The Flyers pressed for an equaliser, but by now were struggling to create, and were wide open on the counter, again leading to the Chilean forward having space in the box to find the back of the net. 0-2. The game finished with another fine stop from Castillo to keep the score respectable and deny the Chilean a hat trick. FT Kiteflyers 0-2 Chile

MOM: Craig Hill

POTG: Alexis & Glenn - Second Half Chance

TOTM: Marco & Craig - Back pass mix up

Freestyle: Craig & Dan - Pre match drills