2nd half VISL schedule begins
November 19, 2009
VISL DIV 1 action- Friday Nov 13 - Braefoot park United -0 Lakehill- 2
On Friday 13th the Nanaimo United first team travelled once again to Victoria to take on the 'Highlander' infused Lakehill FC. Upon regaining first divisoin status this term after a spell in the Second tier of the VISL, Lakehill have been one of the better performers so far. Having came to Merle Logan On opening day and trounced a new-look, and it has to be said, weakened United team they have carried on their good form.
The game kicked off amidst freezing temperatures for November and the frost covered turf field made for a quick and slick opening with players on both teams sending passes and long balls astray. Nanaimo looked good in the opening exchanges, Captain for the night Dan Cato marshalled the Defence that welcomed Ben Leggett back to the team and Brant Losch was as calm an dependable as ever. The boys got caught 'napping' early on however and as a couple defenders went for the same ball that was flicked on by Lakehills' Matt Pele, The right winger was left with time and space to feed the on rushing veteran Nando Dunic for the games opener.1-0. A bitter blow for United as the boys had began fairly well although it was obvious that the physical presence of Pele was a cause for concern.
United were pressing hard for the equaliser and without question was trying to play the better brand of Soccer, But like so many other games in the past appeared 'Gun-Shy' in front of goal. James Merriman and Chris Arnett both had efforts fall just wide of the net, A signal of intent however. Midway through the opening half Kyle Noble then Terry Strawson were introduced to the fray and aruably the best chance of the evening fell to the latter at the back post. A cross that Lakehill failed to clear properly fell kindly but the redirect was first fumbled then gathered up by the opposing keeper. United headed into the dressing room trailing but well in the game. The second half began much like the first, Nanaimo trying to play football and Lakehill looking long for the talented Pele and Devenish. The game was getting messy by this point and with the referee failing to stamp his authority on it.It boiled over. Strawson then Cato were both booked for dissent and a crunching tackle(foul) respectively. For all the possesion though,United lacked the creative spark in the final third and after letting Pele run past 3 or 4 players before he was finally upended 35 yards from goal, The resulting Free-Kick was smashed home By Tynan Diaz. The game ended 2-0 and a long drive home was to follow for the United boys.
Next week will see Sooke Celtic come to town. Always fun. Always a battle. Cant wait.
VISL - DIV 3A action- Sat Nov 14- Merle Logan Field- United 2- Gorge Cdns 0
The Div 3 Men got back on track Saturday night after their disappointing loss to JDF last week. Nanaimo took on 6th placed Gorge Canadians and got down to business early. 20 minutes in William Fitzgerald draws a foul in the attacking third and gets on the end of the free kick, vollying it to the bottom corner. Soon after Tony Maestrello, who is back in the lineup following ankle problems, streaks down the wing all the way to the touchline and cuts back a gift for Sunny Hill who makes no mistake. For the rest of the game Nanaimo combfortably handled Gorges efforts to attack but were lacking in their own attacking game and failed to find the net again. The entire team showed alot of class by being calm and collected. Nanaimos next game is against 9th placed Prospect Lake Black at Layritz Turf on Friday, November 20th.
VISL-DIV 4B action- Sun Nov 15 -Central park- United 1-Vic West Casuals- 1
"I hate playing on fields like this."
"Well, they had to play on it too."
On a small and saturated pitch our boys set to war against Vic West Casuals with top of the table in the balance. As has been the situation in the past Nanaimo, from the whistle moved the ball around efficently and controlled the pace of the game, but lacked the ability to find the back of the net on most occasions. Squandering many opportunities throughout the first half neither team found themselves on the scoreboard at the break.
Early into the second half Vic West was the first to strike on some unfortunate keeping, not helped by the wet field conditions. Unfazed by the set-back our boys carried on in the same style of play, unable to find the back of the net, let alone hit it. It was Mike Warren who again came to the rescue with fifteen minutes to spare slicing through the defense and slotting it home at a tough angle.
At this point Vic west became noticeably 'un-casual' and the game, like so many before, ended in sloppy frantic play from everyone involved.
No player of the game for such a shocking display all around.
U21's did not play this past weeknd as they were rained out for thier big match with bays gunners. It looks as if they may face that same fate this weekend and the club will be looking to find them a game to keep them sharp. The Boys are riding high in first place in league standings.
