Match report
Once more thwarted - Renaissance slip to defeat
Renaissance 0 - 2 Avalon
7 June 2007
Colin Presly
The OMT campaign has sadly not started in the expected fashion tonight. With spirits high at the outset, and positive energy flowing through the squad, the underlying belief was in a first game win to get the reinvigorated Renaissance bandwagon on the road. The harsh reality could not be further from the truth. A goal in each half for Avalon and two missed Renaissance penalties have put paid to this grand design.
Without the new addition of Chris 'Scholesy' Hetherington for this encounter, the Renaissance starting line up was made up of the players from last season's squad. On the bench for Renaissance were two trialists, Sal and Dan Benn, who would be called upon if things were going pearshaped.
Renaissance were gifted the opportunity not once, but twice, to stamp their authority on the game. Perhaps not being fully accustomed to all things Top Corner, Avalon gave away two soft penalties within a couple of minutes. Brunelleschi was called on to make it 1-0. Unfortunately for Renaissance, his penalty was tipped onto the bar by the Avalon stopper, and away to evantual safety. As much of a setback as this seemed at the time, there was barely another ball kicked before Santiago Angel, Avalon numero uno, faced his second spot kick. This time the Artist missed his penalty, with Angel guessing right. Divine intervention?
Avalon seemed to step things up after this. They had a couple of nippy lads up front who, when given time and space, gave the Renaissance defence no let up. Jin Ho Park, in particular caught the eye with a fierce shot that Masaccio saw onto the bar. Renaissance looked to reassert themselves upon the game, but the majority of their attacks failed to make an end product. Brunelleschi and the Artist quite expectedly looked to make amends for their errors, and went close.
However, with a minute or so before half time, Avalon took the lead. Following a quick counter attack, Renaissance were left exposed at the back. Close to the edge of the box, Park unleashed a powerful shot that left Masaccio with little chance. 0-1 H/T.
Renaissance made changes instantly at the interval. Both trialists came on, to enusre maximum time was given to make an impact. The game looked much tighter in the second period. There were alot of physical challenges in the midfield, and for the most part the ref allowed things to flow naturally. But frustratingly, as the half wore on, Renaissance looked unlikely to find an equaliser. Sal was playing too deep for a front man, and creativity was drying up. Soon enough, Avalon made it 0-2. It was to be that man again, Park, who found himself in acres of space. He finished clinically.
It looked as though the damage had been done. Avalon now naturally sat back and soaked up any further Renaissance pressure. Angel completed an excellent game saving well from The Artist from the right hand side of the area. FT 0-2.
Things need to be rectified immediately following this demoralising defeat. Ted Baker are next up, and if Renaissance lose out again, then the OMT dream will quickly become a nightmare.
© 2007 Renaissance | site by: chingo
Renaissance glossary
it's all about
a phrase used to wrap up a general idea or rant.
(e.g. "it's all about positional knowledge")
(e.g. "it's all about Mr. Lee")
dossier
1. a blueprint of plans for an intense training session.
2. a highly detailed and thorough critique of an opponents strengths and weaknesses.
Check out more definitions from the Renaissance Glossary.