Long range shots pay off...........
The Classics continued their relentless strive to emulate Arsenal of the English Premiership when they put in another convincing performance against the visiting Delta United. Played in heavy rain, the first half was mainly one way traffic for the Classics as they pushed Delta all the way. It was a welcome return to action for Billy Ranger after several months of inactivity due to injury. Ranger almost capped his comeback with a goal with his first touch, in the first minute, as he latched on to a through ball and blasted it goalwards. The United keeper pulled of a fine reflex save to palm the ball away for a corner.

Chuck McGill somehow tripped over his own feet, much to the amusement of the rest of the team, and came thumping to earth to create a precursory effect of what might just happen should Mount St. Helens eventually erupt again. The Classics had several first half chances but their goalbound efforts were handled capably by the giant Delta keeper. He was estimated to be 6’-13” without his boots on so why were all the shots high on him? As the teams left for half time the score was 0-0 but in reality the Classics could have had a healthy lead but for some off target shooting and some heroics by the United keeper.

The second half continued in similar vein but still the breakthrough wouldn’t come. The whole team was performing well as a unit and some good football was displayed but lack of finishing was still the problem. Midway through the second half the turning point came. Bill McAuley, wishing to make amends for his woeful finishing from last week, let rip with a cracking shot from all of 25 yards. The ball bounced on the slippery surface in front of the keeper and a relieved Classics ensemble celebrated a fine strike.

Five minutes later it was the turn of Bruce Cook to copy McAuley’s lead, as he hit a very similar shot from a very similar position to put the icing on the cake. Cook must have been watching re-runs of Henry’s displays for Arsenal all Saturday as he was copying his skills throughout the game with clever back-heels and displays of deceptive footwork. McGill got into the thick of things in the penalty box and hit a goalbound shot which took a wicked deflection off an opposing player before a defender on the line deliberately put his hand above his head and handled the ball to give away a penalty. The defender was red carded. Chris Arcari stepped up the take the penalty kick but the shot was too near the keeper and was easily saved. It was Arcari’s second penalty miss from his last three attempts.

    

Cook’s skills were to pay dividends ten minutes from time when Jim Eden sent the ball out wide to Arcari. Arcari whipped the ball over quickly and as it was heading for the back post, Cook nipped in and cheekily back-heeled the ball into the net to put the cherry on the icing on the cake! The goal was Cook's fourth of the campaign. It always seems unfair to single players out after a great team performance but Larry Thorlakson needs special mention for his constant running, tackling and devastating wing play. He was at his pugnacious best and set a great example to the rest of the team.

Final Score 3-0 (0-0)

Stats:
C. McGill made his 100th. appearance
C. Arcari missed a penalty
Club photographer: T. Short
"You Were Crap" award: C. Arcari