Round 9: 23rd April 2002 vs. Coup

Match report by Alan Clark

EDO Makes It A Double

MELBOURNE 24 April 2002 - EDO MADE IT two-in-a-row in Tuesday evening's late late show, defeating Division rivals Coup 6-3 in a game that ebbed and flowed as firmly as the currents through Port Phillip Heads.

EDO had run up three goals without a single reply, only to see Coup return the contest to level-pegging with three unanswered of their own before half-time, allowing the second half to start as keenly-balanced as the first.

But another three unanswered EDO goals gave EDO the game to end yet another of the classic battles between these two fine sporting sides.

With the demise of Carlton in the NSL, and the consequent silence in the fixture list when once there was the clamour of the twice-yearly South Melbourne derby, so eagerly looked forward to by players, fans, and media alike, there has been little to excite the Melbourne sports fan.

But slowly at first, and then latterly with a rush, the EDO v Coup games have stepped into the breach.

Tuesday evening's battle was no exception.

The pick of the half-dozen EDO goals was scored by midfield maestro Paul Holland. He let loose a shot from inside his own half which screamed into the bottom right corner of the net, giving the hapless Coup custodian not the barest sniff of an opportunity to alter its path and deviate it from its destiny.

This EDO team is crammed with attacking guile and uncompromising defence. From the deepest defensive position of goalkeeper, Rico - who once again excelled, making many fine saves, including two stupendous blocks from Coup thunderbolt efforts - into the engine-room and creative centre where Luis Rojas has the ball on a string, this squad seems to have gelled like in no other season. Last week's first-ever victory against Va Stu Catsu showed the foundations that are being laid. This week's, against fierce rivals Coup, indicates the foundations are solid enough to support a structure of magnitude and beauty.

EDO Line-up: Rico, Matt Curtis, Wes Black, Paul Holland , Luis Rojas, Stu Black.

Match Summary:

Played at Albert Park Indoor Sports Centre, court 5, Tuesday 23 April 2002, 10:40pm.
Line-up: Rico, M. Curtis, W. Black, P. Holland, L. Rojas, S. Black
EDO 1776 FC: 6
Coup: 3
HT: 3-3
Conditions: Dry.
Attendance: 2