Whizz pleased despite late equalizer
Billy Whizz's Wonderboys drew the first game of Season 23 3-3 at Shitters Palace, in a thrilling encounter sure to leave both managers scratching their heads.
Despite a bright opening period, in which Konz, Meredith and Fribo all tested opposition keeper Jones, it was an all too predictable sight for the Wonderboys faithful, as Rogues FC took a 2-0 lead. The Wonderboys defence was twice split by long balls, and Shehata beaten by two long range efforts, leaving the Whizzers reeling at half time.
The second half began as the first ended, with Shehata having to be at his best to stop Robinson scoring a third for the visitors, however the home crowd were soon awakened when Phillip Konz, who had been the most wasteful Wonderboys player so far, headed past Jones top make it 2-1.
The Whizzers then pushed hard for an equalizer, and soon got it when Groves continued his rich vein of form from last season, when he fired home from 18 yards out. This turned the game on its head, with both teams playing for the win, but untimately happy for a point - resulting in an open end to end game, with nervy moments for both sets of fans.
With the game slightly slowing down, the Wonderboys managed to grab a goal through Luke Groves, as he headed home a Hawthorn cross in the 82nd minute. However, there was more late drama to come, as the visitors managed to scramble home an 89th minute leveller to rescue a point that seemed secure at half time.
"It was a pulsating game of football, and don't think either team deserved to lose" said Whizz. "Perhaps the fans will be disappointed, seeing as we were winning with 2 minutes to go, however we were 2-0 down early on, so we did well to get back into the game"
"Our defence continues to be a problem. Conceding goals was a problem last season, and first game today we let in 3 at home. We know that recruitment is a necessity, and we hope to bring someone in over the weekend. At the moment, we're not good enough at the back, we realise that, so one or two new faces can help extinguish that problem. The good news is that our attack is looking sharp, and our midfield sharp, so we are just looking for a couple of defenders"