Saturday saw the fifth instalment of the Derby Down Under, hosted in Brisbane at AC Carina FC, and Ed Parker, chair of the Australasian Branch of the Town Supporters Club who took on deadly foes Canaries Down Under, reports on a Blues victory, their fourth following last year’s first ever defeat.
With several players coming from interstate, the day got off to a less than favourable start when windy weather saw the cancellation of some flights from Sydney leaving us two players down.
Fortunately, we were able to cover the late withdrawals, however it did leave us short on the bench and with the weather looking warm we anticipated a tough afternoon.
Chontelle French became the first woman to appear for Town in a Derby Down Under, matching up with the Canaries’ Courtney Page who has been a DDU ever-present.
Brisbane has been unseasonably dry this winter and the pitch was reminiscent of a Sydney pitch, hard and dusty.
Town started well with some fluid passing moves through the midfield, however there was little threat until Eddie Lee hit a drive against the bar, halfway through the half, the first real effort of the game.
The Blues followed up with a freekick from the edge of the box, but this was hit straight at the keeper.
Whilst Town had the greater possession, Norwich always looked like they might grab one on the break, especially when Town pushed up, playing three at the back, but Town keeper Richard Moore looked solid and ready for anything.
The game was scoreless at half time, but we felt that the longer it went on, the more likely it would be that we would score.
The second half started in similar fashion with Town enjoying possession but seemingly goal shy.
The game was really shaken to life when, from an excellent corner, an unmarked Norwich player thumped a volley into the net, keeper and defenders left wondering what had just happened.
From here it was pretty much all one-way traffic as Town went after the equaliser. Several chances went begging as it seemed that we wanted to walk the ball in.
With the clock ticking down, Town won a corner which was stabbed in by Eddie Lee much to the relief of us all. The ref blowed for full-time shortly afterwards.
With the final score 1-1, for the second time the DDU went to penalties. Despite an early miss in the shootout, successful spot-kicks from Leo Chandiok [pictured top with Ed and the trophy] and Richard Moore put the pressure back on the Canaries and when a rather dismal effort was followed by a blast over the bar, it was over, Town running out the winners 2-1 of a best of three shootout.
With the trophy safely back in Ipswich custody, pictures were taken, hands were shaken, and both sets of players and supporters shared a beer and barbecue. Many thanks to Courtney and AC Carine for hosting.
Moving out from Sydney has enabled more people to get involved in the Derby Down Under and it was great to meet a different cohort of fans, even more reason to keep it on the road and maybe give Melbourne a go next year.
If you’re interested in joining the Australasian Branch of the Supporters Club, contact Ed by email via edontheroadagain@hotmail.com or look at their group on Facebook.