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LAMBERT TAKES POSITIVE OUT OF SECOND HALF FIGHTBACK
By Bren Hartnoll
Sundays Social Premier League fixture at Tompkins Park saw a spirited second half fight back earn the BankWest Perth Saints a share of the points after Forrestfield took a comfortable 2-0 lead into half time.
Saints coach Brett Lambert's men got back into the game courtesy of a neat header from Michael Walbach and a superb Sean Morgan strike only to fall behind once again, before Alex Vaughan coolly secured the draw from the penalty spot in the closing stages of the game.
After the dramatic conclusion Lambert told perthsaints.com; “The biggest positive to come out (of the game) was the commitment to come back after being down 2-0 at half time, then coming back again after being down 3-2.”
“They (Forrestfield) were running us into the ground and they were not going to give up no mater what the score.”
“We all needed to be pumped up and grit and determination was what we were going to have to show to get something out of this game” he said.
It was a difficult afternoon for the Saints after falling behind after only eight minutes following a mix up at the back and with Forrestfield’s midfield pulling the strings in the centre of the park. When the Saints went further behind mid way through the second half, it looked as though the visitors had the momentum to secure the three points.
“I thought; we are going to have to battle to get something out of this. Their number 4 (Jesus look-a-like) was everywhere on the field and pumping us in tackles and we needed to do something about it” said the Saints coach.
“But the lads worked hard, tackling, running off the ball, marking your man and assisting in attack and defense.”
Indeed Lamberts comments at half time seemed to make a difference and the Saints set about dragging themselves back into the game. The introduction of Eddie Greco on the right helped sway the momentum as well as a number of outstanding performances amongst the men in Blue.
“Playing with just 12 was difficult and having (Alex) Vaughan and (Anthony) Triscari with limited game time recently, some shuffling was going to be needed.”
“The introduction of Eddie to add something different was a blessing. Plus it allowed Vaughnie and Triscari to have a breather” he said.
“I thought Ben was inspirational, Skip was solid again, Fletch created stuff and spread the game beautifully. Ben and Skips huge tackles inspired the rest around them - you remember both those tackles don’t you?” remarked Lambert.
Lambert also highlighted another positive for the Saints side with an impressive debut performance from new recruit Stefan Lombardo.
“He holds the ball and does not rush things. He gets up and down the line and adds to our attack and defends well.”
“For his first hit out with us I was very pleased. He will be good for us on that left hand side.”
The Saints now look to a tricky away fixture as they make the long trip to Harry Riseborough Reserve to take on Perth Hills FC who will be coming into the match following a confident 2-1 win over Balcatta.
“We really need this one to keep in touch with the front runners. I like our style of football at the moment and all the lads should be confident with how they are playing. But you still have to do the little things. We are all a part of the team and we all have different roles, but you can not get away from contributing” he said.
April 28, 2008
