Prems Match Report v CBD

Burney’s men arrived at The Domain looking to continue their impressive recent form and close the gap at the top of the league. Despite the two sides being at opposite ends of the table, The Domain pitch can always be a ‘leveller’ and potential banana skin.

Dunbar almost got off to a perfect start, striking the post in the opening minutes with a right foot effort from the edge of the box from Bowman . The early strike suggested an open game would ensue. However, there would be no more clear cut chances created for some time. CBD’s man-marking and defensive tactics stifled Dunbar’s attack, putting numbers at the back and reducing space on an already tight pitch. CBD themselves offered advances in attack with a 20 minute spell of enjoying time in Dunbar’s defensive third but without seriously troubling Charlie Fanner ‘s goal.

A very flat game deperately needed a goal and that came on the 30 minute mark following a quick Dunbar counter-attack. The ball was played out early to Philby on the right who clipped an early ball over the top of the CBD backline for Bowman to run on to and shoot early, finishing off the underside of the bar in to the top left corner.

The second followed just before half time. Dunbar recognising the need to move the ball around quicker in order to open up a stubborn CBD defence. Palmer sprayed the ball out wide to Philby, who again delivered another quality pin-point cross for Bowman to nod home. 2-0 at HT despite a lethargic performance for most parts.

The game opened up in the second half with CBD having to abort their defensive tactics to get back in the game. Dunbar moved the ball around quicker and more direct to exploit the space. A quick throw caught the CBD napping to which Richmond raced on to, winding and weaving before coolly slotting home to make it 3-0.

The floodgates then threatened to open with a countless number of chances being squandered by the Dunbar front line. Despite being clinical of late, Dunbar had a 20 minute spell of poor finishing and not capitalising on the chances being created. Bowman, being guilty of wasting a number of those chances then completed his hat-trick with around 15 minutes to go. Strike partner Wilson unluckily hitting the post before unselfishly squaring the rebound for Bowman to tap in to an empty net. Bowman then added a 5th for Dunbar before the end, finding space from a clever Richmond through ball before rounding the keeper to slot home.

Full time and a 5-0 win to Dunbar. Caps off to a CBD team who fought hard but were out on their legs towards the end after having numerous players already playing for the ressies. Another 5 goals for Dunbar but they will feel irked that they did not take full advanatge in front of goal and could have been in double figures. At the back, another solid performace and clean sheet from Maltby , Fitz, Delaney, Philby and Fanner in goal. A midfield ofOllie, Nick and Palmer dominated the middle of the park with Philby and Richmond always a threat out wide. It was also good to welcome back Jakeand Dale from the bench after missing the Coogee win, with new signing Dave also getting some minutes. No one will forget Clayton‘s 50 yard lobbed no look back pass especially Keeper Fanner who had to clear the ball from the forwards feet. That’s 4 clean sheets and 22 goals scored in the last 4 matches.
A shout out to members of the ladies squad who came down to offer their support. The extra support is always appreciated after numbers of female supporters have dropped this season (coincidently?) following the departure of a certain fan favourite.
Despite a poor start Dunbar now find themselves back in contention at the top of the table with confidence high going in to the second half of the season. Dunbar will welcome back a number of players from injury and holiday for the crucial run-in, adding to an already strong looking squad with competition for places giving Burney a selection headache.