Result: Clairvaux 0 KPR 1

Date: Saturday 17/07/10

Kick Off: 17:00

Conditions: Glorious

Guest Reporter: Tom Beattie

A magnificent winter’s evening at Mt Gravatt provided the backdrop for this hard-fought battle between the mighty Metro 5 KPR boys and Clairvaux. 

It was a cautious start from both teams, with neither side able to find its rhythm in the early stages of the first half. Some nice passing play from the midfield of Tomo, Neil, Chris Duffy, and Graham provided a few scares for the home side. With characteristic grit and determination, Chris Rojek and Danny made their presence felt up front.

Quality chances were few and far between, and it was a war of attrition in midfield as both teams fought for supremacy heading into half time. A free kick 25m in front of the Clairvaux goal provided a chance for KPR to take the lead. Stevie stepped up to take the shot. Not a sound could be heard as the massive crowd (consisting of Chris Oliver and Grant’s other halves) waited in anticipation on the edge of their seats. A dog howled in the background and tumbleweed blew across the pitch. Then, easy as you like and with pinpoint accuracy, Stevie slotted the ball out of the keeper’s reach and broke the deadlock – 1-0 to KPR. This wonder strike gave the KPR boys the confidence to push on and pressure Clairvaux for the remainder of the first half.

The quality on the bench was called into action after the half hour mark, with Fitz and Andy adding much-needed vitality to the side and Brent Compton coming on to put on a clinic on the wing (keeper one week, winger the next – is there a position the Black Cat can’t play in?).  

Half time rolled around and at 1-nil down, the home side looked to be in more trouble than fine China at a Greek wedding. KPR’s defensive line held its nerve in the second half despite persistent pressure from a determined Clairvaux outfit. Credit to Chris Oliver, Stevie, Des and Elias for some tight marking and strong challenges to keep Clairvaux out.

Returning goalkeeper Grant Preston put pressure on the KPR selectors to retain his position as KPR’s number one glovesman, with a dazzlingly-athletic one-handed save in the last minutes of the match. A stinging shot from the Clairvaux attacker was deftly palmed away by the classy Welshman, who got his left mit to the ball just in the nick of time to keep KPR in front with not long to go. (Credit to gaffer Graham, who stuck with Granty in goals despite the Black Cat’s superlative face-first performance in goal last match). 

KPR’s winning ways were getting right under the skin of a few of the Clairvaux players, who were guilty of some ungentlemanly touch ups off the ball. One indiscretion they couldn’t get away with was the bringing down of KPR’s Latin hurricane Danny in the box. Danny’s penalty hit the foot of the post and was cleared by a scrambling Clairvaux defence. Not to worry, the boys held on for a 1-0 win.

With three wins on the trot, KPR Metro 5 are looking the business and finding form at the pointy end of the competition. Ipswich next week will be yet another ‘must-win’ and is sure to pull a massive crowd for the Super Sunday session at Piney Park. Don’t miss it!