Monday, December 12, 2016
Can We Play You Every Week?
Yes football needs goals to keep fans, armchair viewers and pundits purring about the beautiful game but does there come a time when there are too many goals? We are approaching the business end of the season in Indonesia and traditionally this is a time when scores take on an alternate reality. I'm sure a few recall the sudden goal glut that came over PSAP in the Divisi Utama 2010/2011 when, following three goals in four games, they hit 19 in two home games which of course did wonders for their goal difference.
The current Indonesia Soccer Championship is seeing a few goals fly in as we approach the finale and leading the way, if not for the best reasons, are Perseru.
That Perseru are comfortably mid table is thanks to their fine home form; no team has won there all season and only five have managed to earn a draw. But on their travels Perseru are woeful with a capital W and that woefulness has been borne out in their last three away games.
Perseru are only following a pattern all too familiar in Indonesian football. That of a side from a remote location boasting an unbelievable home record but can't even win the toss on their travels. Papuan neighbours Persiwa had a similar record at their height for example. And of course PSAP were another side loathe to lose at home.
27/11 Pusamania 1-6
30/11 Persib 2-6
10/12 Madura United 1-7
Hapless Perseru have picked up just one away win all season defeating Persiba 2-1 back in August. Their mauling away to Madura made it six straight losses on their travels but while their last three games resembled tennis scores their three previous defeats were more mundane affairs; 0-1, 0-2, 1-2.
Ironically one of those losses came against ISC whipping boys PS TNI. With a squad assembled from all local lads, PS TNI's backline makes Perseru's seem almost Tony Adamsesque. The Papuan side have conceded 51 goals while the military backed side have let in a whopping 67 goals including 6-1 away to Pusamania recently.
Still, at least Perseru get to see out their campaign with their final game of the season at home to Bhayangkara. Surely they can go through the campaign unbeaten there at least?
Did You Know: Osas Marvellous was part of the PSAP team that went goal crazy. He is now part of the Perseru side!
# posted by Me @ 3:16 PM 
