Line-up (4-4-2):
tbc

Well after a disappointing result against Atholl a week before, CPR were looking to raise their game for the first of a double header against a very good Arian outfit (who only lost 4-1 to the Iranian national team). After a rousing team speech by peppers and the wee man, CPR went out looking to get their first league points up on the board. Without a goalkeeper it was left to Simon who unselfishly volunteered to go between the posts. His disappointment at not being given the chance to score on the pitch obviously spurred him on later that night in the Swan, to which numerous CPR players were to witness later.

In the first ten minutes things started to look a bit ominous, after a sluggish start by the homeside, they were put under some pressure by some great football from Arian. Thankfully CPR found there feet with Richard Littlechild flying in with some big challenges in the middle of the park to wake everyone up. It was then that CPR were dealt a cruel blow as a through ball was neatly cut out by Johnston only to ricochet off the attacking player and send him through one on one. The striker then managed to just slip the through the legs of the stand in keeper. Shortly afterwards CPR were reeling from another twist of the knife as the Arian left winger tried to put in a cross only for the ball to balloon over the keepers head and into the back of the net. To any other team these extremely lucky goals may have caused heads fall but not CPR, who started to show some real fight. Through the hard tackling Littlechild and the endless running of the wee man Kuczynski CPR tried to carve out a few opportunities only to be thwarted by an impressive Arian defence.

Just before half time Arian got a third, but there was no luck this time and Arian showed why they are such a good footballing side. As the Arian captain spread the ball wide on the right, a first time cross was drilled across the goal face to find the Arian number 9 at the back post who with a sublime finish gave Arian the 3-0 lead they would take in to half time.

Three goals down at half time and staring defeat in the face it was then that the world famous CPR spirit shone through. Andi Fulton made way on the left for Evo’s sister’s bloke and with gritted teeth, CPR set out to show why they deserve to be in this league. Walsh and Littlechild in the middle of the park started to see more of the ball and an inspired Saif started to give Arian some real problems down the right flank. Starting to match Arian now CPR started to cause a few problems with the wee man going close with a shot that flashed across the goal.

While CPR pushed forward trying to get a goal back Arian were able to extend there lead. A through ball to the number 7 took him through to the by-line, a neat turn then put him through on goal where he finished from the tightest of angles. Still CPR’s determination to get a goal back did not falter, and applying some good pressure were awarded some great set piece opportunities. A corner was then put in to the box and without being dealt with fell to Scotty on the backpost. With everyone in the team getting ready to watch the ball blaze over the bar, Mr Highlights shocked everyone, even himself when he hit a sweet strike agonizingly close. Although how close seemed to change as the after match chat continued.

With CPR continuing to push for a consolation Arian made it five and despite a late Walsh effort, CPR’s efforts went unrewarded. The final whistle went confirming the loss, yet with the CPR players knowing that the scoreline was harsh. With the team still looking for their first league points they can surely take heart from the performance, the spirit shown and the fact that they have the opportunity to put it right next week. Same team, same place, different result!! Watch out Arian!!

Final score: CPR 0, Arian 5

Match Reporter: Chris Walsh