Mediaspec FC Message Board

Our Match Reporter answers his critics...

It would seem that some of the Harvester camp have taken offence at sections of the match report. That was never my intension, but if you look closely enough, the underlying message being conveyed is that Harvester possibly won the game because they were more astute in a number of ways.

Yes, Harvester did foul the keeper to get that dramatic equaliser. Nobody can deny that fact. But how many players would have gone in there to get the ball when it was already in the keeper’s possession? Not many, but surely it is the Harvester player who deserves credit for turning a lost cause into a goal.

Regarding the penalty, I would say it was not a penalty because the ball was traveling so fast that the Mediaspec player had no chance in getting his arm out of the way. It was therefore not a deliberate handball offence - hence the reason why I referred to the matter as a dodgy decision. The newspapers yesterday were full of a similar incident that happened in Thursday's UEFA game - and rightly so, because it was a major talking point. The referee disallowed a goal because he must have felt the player had used his arms deliberately when scoring. Depending on what team you support, you would say: it was dodgy decision, or the referee was kind to us.

Regarding Harvester’s winning goal, at least we can all agree that it was a great goal.

The head butting incident that occurred in the first game was most unfortunate. I have to say there were mitigating factors that led to the incident. The goalie simply did not simply just head butt the player. However, the goalie accepts what he did was wrong, and I’m sure if the Harvester players met this quiet lad, they would soon realise that it was completely out of character. The goalie concerned will be out of action for a while; hence the reason why Mediaspec brought in a new keeper as you have obviously noticed. But I am surprised at your subtle reaction. Has the same Harvester keeper played in all of your Scottish Cup ties? Have you never had new players?

I stick by the point I made about the match being played in Edinburgh. Had the match been played in Paisley, which is near Glasgow, it would have been unfair for Harvester, in terms of extra traveling costs, and a reduction in the number of your fans traveling. It was a general point I made to encourage everyone, including Harvester, to perhaps fight for your rights when such decisions are made. Extra fans could make that difference between winning and losing.

I also stick by my views on the first sending off. I honestly did not see a head butt. I saw a head to head confrontation involving both players.

Regarding the seven minutes added time, Mediaspec were winning 2-0 with 9 minutes remaining, so it does not make sense what you are saying about Mediaspec’s keeper. Are you saying that he wasted 7 minutes time in the last 9 minutes? Can you imagine the uproar if, for example, Man U were winning a cup match, and the referee added on 7 minutes? Can you imagine the even greater uproar if the team scored against united during these added minutes, when it was really a foul? That’s the beauty of football, these weird things happen. The scenario would make great headlines; but it would have nothing to do with being a bad loser.

I ended my report by discussing ways in which Mediaspec could improve and reach that next level. I posed questions relating to their experience of playing Harvester, and what they could learn. I doubt very much that the Harvester players deliberately set out to foul the Mediaspec keeper, but I am asking whether the Mediaspec players should adopt a similar style and battle more with the opposing goalie. It worked for Harvester. I am also drawing attention to the importance of having a rapport with the referee, and dealing with unfair decisions.

What a game you lot have coming up in the semi. I’d love to come, but your supporters might not approve. I could even do a short match report and link it to this site, but then I would get the Sangeet mob on my back.

Good luck in the semi, and enjoy it while it lasts. Who knows, you could be lifting the Cup.