Totaal Hit Wall

Totaalvoetbal fell victim to a sucker-punch as they out-chanced AFC Stanley 3-1 but were still on the wrong end of a 1-0 score-line.

The visitors started in troubled fashion with bookings for Raymond Putnam and Ger Wattamaleo within the first six minutes. Despite this, they still managed to create the first opening as Ike Dyer shot tamely at Hessbo in goal.

In a quiet, and often tame, first-half the sides struggled for superiority and chances. This being the case it came as a surprise when Matts Wallman fired Stanley into the lead. Following further indiscretion from the visitors, Stanley were awarded a free-kick from which Wallman cracked a super effort past Keizer to give the hosts the crucial breakthrough.

Totaalvoetbal did attempt to strike back on the stroke of half-time but Pierre van Diemen’s bicycle kick forced the best out of Hessbo who produced a stunning save.

The second-half began as the first ended, with Totaal having an effort on goal. A well-weighted cross from Horacio Metelo was met with a looping header from Wattamaleo and the young midfielder had every right to curse his luck as the ball crashed off the bar and to safety.

The rest of the half saw Stanley nullify any threat from the visitors to protect their lead and get the three points which catapults them back into the title race.

Meeblind was philosophical after the defeat:

“I’d say we played okay today. We didn’t finish particularly well but Watta was unfortunate.

“Stanley are a big strong unit, though, led by a quality manager. Fair play to them and Wallman for taking his chance. I wish them the best of luck in their quest for the title.”