Week 14: Almaty Athletic 1 Viscount 1

Almaty suffer final day torment
After an opening day hammering few could have dreamt that Almaty would take the season to the final day but as the roller coaster season progressed it became increasingly apparent that this was exactly what would happen.
The injuries and absences which blighted Almaty’s season continued last night as both “Ballack” O’Donovan and “Tiger” O’Connell missed out on the showdown. Nevertheless, Jim “Harry Kewell” Butler recovered from his heel injury just in time to take his place in the starting line up, meaning Almaty had a beefy squad of 9 to choose from.
Needing to win by two clear goals (Yes Gav, 2; not 3; you see if we win by 2 then we improve our goal difference by 2 theirs is reduced by 2 – as a Liverpool veteran of ’89 I’m surprised at you!), Almaty started tentatively. From an early stage it became apparent that Viscount were intent on slowing the game to their pace. Delayed free kicks “accidentally” taken from the wrong place, minor injury disruptions and slow at kick outs all contributed to their attempts to disrupt Almaty’s dangerous fluidity.
The increasingly excitable referee, who would later play a central role in proceedings, dished out several vocal warnings on foot of some cynical Viscount defending, but stopped short of issuing the ultimate punishment.
As the first half progressed the game developed into an even contest, with the contrasting styles becoming increasingly apparent. Viscount, eager to protect their advantage, focused on a dour long ball war of attrition. Almaty, by far the most skilful and inventive team in the league, remained undeterred and persevered with their neat passing game. Half chances were spurned at both ends as both keepers made comfortable saves.
Despite a number of further chances for both teams, nothing separated them at half time. Almaty again started the second half brightly and created another chance. Viscount’s big keeper was having an increasing prominent role as time and time again he thwarted Almaty’s prolific forwards. Then, from nothing, Viscount borke free. A shot from the edge of the area fizzed over and “Tricks” Galvin, in a last ditch attempt to prevent the shot, connected with the dangerous Viscount striker. Using all of his experience, the silver haired prick lay prostrate on the turf, clutching whichever part of his anatomy was most convenient. The referee, who up until that point had refrained from brandishing yellow, had no hesitation this time. “Tricks’” sending off was even harsher considering he had been the primary recipient of Viscount’s roughhouse tactics. Alamty’s punishment was severe. From the ensuing free kick Viscount took advantage of Almaty’s lack of numbers to pounce at the far post.
You’d think that Viscount’s comfortable position would have allowed them to play a more attractive brand of football, however they persevered with their increasingly ugly brand hoofball from back to front. Despite their tactics they were a talented side and were always dangerous, even as Almaty, undeterred by the size of the mountain that they now faced, continued to press hard. Viscount’s giant oaf of a keeper was having a stormer.
With 10 minutes remaining “Tricks”, back on the pitch after his brief suspension, broke away to fire a low into the net from some distance. 1-1! Almaty, buoyed by finally having beaten the keeper, pressed hard again. But, as time ticked away it became clear that it just wasn’t going to be their day as the Viscount keeper continued to use his considerable frame to prevent Almaty from even sniffing the two goal advantage that would have given them the title.
As the final whistle blew and Viscount celebrated, thoughts wandered back to that opening day crushing and the meek surrender of a 1-0 lead later in the season; not to mention the Jens Lehmann-esque bloopers and the Emile Hesky-esque finishing in other games which combined to cost Almaty that extra goal which might have made all the difference in the end.
Football, bloody hell…