Tuesday 8th May 2012: BLUE MARLIN vs. Tower Hamlets
(@ Dagenham and Redbridge Stadium)
After an intensive divisional cup final play-off with Switch Bar FC on Saturday 5-May, which pushed Marlin to the physical edge; all eyes turned to the Syd Morrell Essex League Final. Marlin’s first part of the re-cooperation process began at a club fund raising party with Back2Reality along with proud sponsors MauritiusNow, All players and fans under one roof enjoying their moment and realising the task ahead.
The cup final was hosted by league two club Dagenham & Redbridge FC. The Marlin camp absorbed the atmosphere and relished the great pleasure in playing on such an immaculate surface. It was fair to say that Blue Marlin were immediately already on the back foot playing against far superior opponents…on paper at least! The facts revealed Tower Hamlets were not only a division above Marlin but were poised to win it with one game remaining. To compound matters, Tower Hamlets’s reserve team played Blue Marlin a few weeks before in a friendly where Marlin fielded a weaker side and received a 6-1 roasting.
On the day of the final mayhem struck as a traffic accident on the north circular road (the main access to Dagenham) caused immense disruption for players to get to the ground. Kick off was delayed for 30mins to add to the nerves. As Marlin players arrived one by one it was evident the opposition were oozing with confidence. Predictions made by Tower Hamlets, which were heard by some Marlin players, was a 4-0 drubbing…
Marlin finally did manage to get a warm up going where all the boys looked determined. At last kick off came and as both teams made there way onto the field and positioned themselves the capacity crowd did their part with chants.
Marlin had opted for the traditional 4-4-2 formation, and in the early stages of the game they found it difficult to get accustomed to the wide pitch. Tower Hamlets enjoyed early possession; passing the ball around the back four, while Marlin found tried to find their feet and rhythm. It was apparent that Hamlets’ strategy looked like a passing and methodical approach however, Marlin’s pressure and hard work began to pay off. The front two and wingers began to pressure higher up the pitch resulting in channel balls and long balls. This began the Marling attacks; quick thinking keeper Vaschil Rughoo started to release early balls to full-backs Lusungu Ndovi and Simon Ryan. It became more apparent Marlin had now settled down and that they had put the nerves and awe of a final behind them and started focusing on the task in hand.
The solid four of Captain Matthew Evans, Daniel Gordon, Sam Bunce and Elliot Green provided the building block for Marlin to work off. Marlin began to play their usual football by passing and moving, Kabir Jeetoo began to drop off striker Charlie Georgiou and find pockets where other midfielder’s could find and feed him dangerous balls.
Hamlets began to get frustrated and lost for words. The flowing attacks of Marlin resulted in a goal. Georgiou received the ball on the edge of the 18yard line showed good strength and determination along with dazzling feet, weaving past everyone to chip the keeper. Goalkeeper Vaschil Rughoo made some fine saves to keep the score at 1-0 and Marlin’s confidence was growing. It was short lived, however, when midway through the first half Tower Hamlets were awarded a free-kick which was curled in from the left hand side. The lanky frame of the Tower Hamlets captain was on hand to level the score. Was this the start of the inevitable crushing by superior opposition?
After 40 minutes striker Charlie Georgiou was put through with a decisive through ball, but was adjudged to have used his hands to control the ball while the opposite keeper came out and collided into Georgiou. The collision resulted in Georgiou being taken off with an injured hamstring. Fellow striker Neeko Brooks was called upon to take up the responsibility of leading the front line. The sheer presence of Brooks was evident immediately winning an aerial dual and slipping in Campbell who still had it all to do. Campbell skipped past the last defender and converted his left foot shot low and hard. This concluded the first half – a shock 2-1 lead to underdogs Blue Marlin.
As Marlin ran out for the second half the numbers in supporters had increased substantially. The atmosphere was now intensifying and the Marlin players were boosted by the magnificent support. Marlin knew they were in for a battle and that Tower Hamlets would be using their ariel threat against them. Marlin started the second half much like they finished the first and were by far the better team.
An increase in late tackles were beginning to pile up and within 10 minutes hot-headed Kabir Jeetoo was finally booked and lucky not to see red after persistent fouling. Unbelievable! However, moments later Yaemish Rughoo was released down the left wing tormenting the full back, as he dropped the shoulder leaving the defender dead his feet was taken out which led to a penalty kick. After missing two penalties in the semi-final Yaemish Rughoo handed responsibility to fellow Mauritian compatriot Kabir Jeetoo to take the penalty. 3-1 to Marlin and thoroughly deserved.
Marlin had no intentions to ease off, showing no mercy as Neeko Brooks displayed great movement to skip past a defender but his shot whistled just wide. The crowd could sense the game could be killed off and a few moment later another powerful and intelligent run from Brooks gave him acres of space. Brooks decided to go for goal with a well placed low powerful driven shot which hit the post and came back into the box. The air filled with gasps from the fans as Campbell slotted the rebound into the back of the net. Marlin were in ecstasy! 4-1 to Marlin. After celebrations Brooks had hurt his knee which saw the substitute subbed. The introduction of pacey and agile T.Robinson.
The last 15 minutes of the game saw Marlin pinned back in their half as Kabir Jeetoo tucked more into the midfield to help the superb duo of Gordon Daniel and Matthew Evans who for the entire game bossed and regulated the midfield area. Scott Campbell succumbed to cramp and had to be replaced by Fazil Ramdin who came on at right back and release the solid Lusunga Ndovi to right midfield.
Lusunga Ndovi marshaled the right hand side comfortably. His athletic ability saw him make phenomenal last ditch challenges. As both teams showed the tiredness in legs it was apparent Simon Ryan had more in the tank the opposing attacker. His initial starting positing allowed him to work smarter and more efficient. Marlin held Tower Hamlets attacks, which were mainly long balls into the box. However, long ball saw a miss-communication between brothers Vaschil and Yaemish Rughoo allowed the ball to fall into the net giving Hamlets a glimmer of hope with 4 minutes to play. Marlin were held back and soaked up wave after wave of attacks
And great credit to Sam Bunce and Elliot Green who dealt with everything that was thrown at them. Marlin had a shout for a second penalty when Kabir Jeeto was clearly taken down in the box only for the referee to award a free-kick outside.
The final whistle saw ecstatic celebrations from everyone as the entire bench ran onto the pitch in jubilation. Manager Ravin Soobadoo was hoisted into the air as Marlin celebrated one of the greatest cup shocks in the leagues history as well adding to their own club history. A special mention must go out to the Marlin supporters who showed fantastic support at the divisional final and this final.
BLUE MARLIN ACHIEVE A GREAT MOMENT IN HISTORY… Roll on The 2012 Mauritian Tournament and the eagerly awaited tour to MAURITIUS!!!