Athletico Benahavis v Malaga A

MATCH REPORT – BENAHAVIS 6th July by your chief Football reporter Rob Fitzgerald

On a hot and humid Saturday morning in Benahavis, both teams put on a fine display of attacking football which Malaga edged, to run out 6-4 winners in a hard fought encounter.

Atletico lined up with a guest appearance in goal from The Flying Dutchman, Kenneth, PJ and Duncan at the back, a midfield trio of James, Rob F and Paul Rossiter and Andrew Sweeney leading from the front.

Initially, Atletico were on the back foot as Malaga took command and created chances with some quick passing and movement. Atletico seemed out of sorts and it took awhile for them to settle and their cause was not helped when Malaga took a 1-0 lead.

Atletico bounced back however with a well taken goal from Paul Rossiter to make the halftime score 1-1.

The second half started disastrously for Atletico as they conceded two silly goals from free kicks just outside the area to fall behind 1-3. This seemed to galvanise the boys in blue as they stormed back into the game. PJ hit the bar from distance and Andrew went close on a couple of occasions. So, it was no surprise to see Atletico pull one back with a left foot swinger which found the bottom corner from Paul Rossiter to make the score 2-3.

No sooner had they got themselves back in the game, Atletico fell further behind following another defensive mishap. But these boys never give up! They gave it their all and were duly rewarded as Rossi converted a penalty to make it 3-4 and then produced a worldly from 25 yards which dipped and curled into the top corner for the equaliser.

However, two late goals from Malaga saw them victorious.

Big thanks due to Adam Chandler who took on the refereeing duties and did a great job for us.

Man of the match – Paul Rossiter