Portuguese-Canadian Club-Strathroy: This Saturday evening's game between Sarnia Fury and Middlesex United Hawks in Third Division West saw speed and agility matched against size and strength. Click Here To View Full Gallery

 

 

In the early going it seemed United's size might just prove too much for the smaller Sarnia squad. Coming off a loss in their season opener against Marconi, the team in red dressed only eleven players in total and appeared to be the younger and smaller group. 

 

 

Middlesex pressured first through the opening frame until the Fury found their feet and began to put together some nice passing plays.  Slowly the tide turned in their favour, in what was, for at least the first fifteen minutes, a gentlemanly affair with few whistles.  There was no scoring in the first half, although notable efforts by number 14 Sarnia (in terms of passing, throw-ins, and one-on-one contests) on the left wing suggested a slight advantage over their opponents in white.

 

 

Much action continued (along with some back and forth midfield play) through the second part of the first half on that side of the field, with #13 Middlesex (in white) making his defensive presence known.  Neither goalie was seriously tested during the first half, and both teams experienced difficulties with the offside rule.

 

 

Few, if any shots on goal originated in the 18 yard box area during the first 45 minutes of play and the first half ended scoreless.

 

 

As the second half of the game was whistled to a start, both teams seemed to have "gelled" subsequent to the break and were prepared for more aggressive play.  Both coaches were noticeably vociferous, egging their players on for better performance and the win. 

 

 

Middlesex came out in a 4-4-2 formation, suggesting a determination to prevent their somewhat speedier opponents from scoring and retreating into a defensive shell of their own.  Regardless, and even in the early going, it was Sarnia that demonstrated the determination, and indeed superior ball control.  Several offensive thrusts were made deep into United territory, and a hard shot deflected off the left post about 15 minutes in showed that they were serious about taking the game away from the better-staffed home-team squad.

 

 

Threatening from the far left side, it was again 14 red that showcased the speed and control as he deeked two or more defenders, drove in from the far side and connected with #4 (red) for a hard shot into the left side of the Middlesex goal at about 25 minutes in.  Several previous shots had challenged the United goalkeeper and it appeared at that point that the goal was indeed forthcoming.

 

 

Sarnia continued with some pressure, as play became significantly more rough.  Numerous infractions where whistled down as United finally began establishing a physical presence in their offensive zone.  A few close misses followed, and in several instances Sarnia were put back on their heels.  The Hawks failed to convert however as the second half came to an end in what gradually became a very physical affair.