Gameday 5 Recap - GFC v. Rai Internationals...

I always struggle with the late games. 815 on a Sunday night is really no time to be playing football. I'm still digesting dinner, I'm winding down from a busy weekend of standing in the rain coaching 13 year old girls, I'm really just about ready for bed if I'm honest. So whether I liked it or not, I still had to drive way the hell out to Heritage Green and get to work. Might as well make the best of it.

That seemed to be the theme of the night as Grimsby FC looked to shrug off the disappointment of last week's draw. Rai Internationals were up and I can't say I know much about them. Thistle kicked the crap out of them the week prior so I was hoping to add to their Grimsby-themed misery.

Starting XI...

Shawn Giles
Duane Serge Ollie Peter
Alex Eric Marcel Andy
Me

Off the bench...

Evan

Walter

Freddie

Dave

Ollie Resovac and the decidedly effervescent Evan Smith pocketed their first goals of the season to cement the win. Ollie's was a first half screamer from the top of the box with the aid of a clever screen by Giles Hunter. The second goal from Evan, who could have had two more, saw the midfielder take matters into his own hands - using Shawn Din's run as a dummy - to fire low into the left side of the Rai goal.

Two-nil the final. Rai's only really threatening move of the match came via a corner late into the second half with a header onto the post. They did have a couple of shots on target in the first half but nothing that couldn't be dealt with.

All in all a good match to watch despite the dodgy refereeing. We seemed to be more relaxed than last week, more fluidity to our movement off the ball and that's what I like to see. Wingers Duane Arnold and Pete Buskermolen caused havoc along the sidelines, Ollie and Serge operated the middle third with class and style and made few if any mistakes. Shawn, Giles, Dave and the aforementioned Evan Smith had their best appearances yet.

Man of the Match this week will be tough. Eric Paron and Marcel Blom were once again tough as nails to crack down. Evan's efforts and weekly favorite Duane will also be in the running.

Next week cometh the Grimsby Derby. Our cross-town rivals will be looking to extend their fine form with another scalp. I'm predicting a draw. Heritage #2 at 630. Stay tuned.


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