It was always going to be one of those days. Influential midfielder Dave Little struck down by a virus, several key players absent through injury meant a reshuffled starting eleven for the Countryman. And so it proved, the first twenty minutes neither side taking control, a scrappy affair with the pitch not helping. Eventually though Grasshoppers sprang the defence and scored the opener on the break. A second goal quickly followed before half time, to be honest neither side really having taken control of the match.
A couple of substitutions at half time through more injuries made an initial difference for the Countryman as they started brightly, but again the pace of Grasshoppers broke through to score a game deciding third goal ten minutes in to the second half.
It was one of those days when nothing went for the away side, with some very strange decisions from the referee, but when you are losing it often seems to go that way. A third injury to goalkeeper Steve "The Cat" Shepherd meant another substitution, and then the inevitable fourth goal rounded things off for Grasshoppers.
A bad day at the office, but thanks to Grasshoppers for their post match hospitality.
(Story First Published: 21.02.06) |
