Writing this report has been every bit as difficult, as watching the souless performance by Coeur against Cardinal Newman. After last weeks dissapointing 2 - 2 draw against an average Corinthian side, Coeur should have be looking to make ammends and gain 3 points that would keep them near the top of the table. What actually occured was a limp
1 - 3 defeat by a Cardinal Newman side who outfought them, despite no apparent advantage in the skill department. Over the last 2 years Coeur have gained victories when it seemed against the odds, by producing hard working spirited performances, this however was the complete opposite.

Coeur,once more, were suffering with numerous injury problems with no fewer that 7 players missing. This run of bad luck with injuries was sure to turn, yet depressingly, Alan Hulthen had to be replaced within minutes of the start of this game, as he turned his ankle when clearing a ball for a throw in. Coeur reshuffled with Andy Blackburn finding himself in the action far sooner than he had expected. Coeur looked jaded and were under consistant pressure for the 20 minutes of the game, failing to string any decent moves together. It came as no suprise that Cardinal Newman took the lead when poor defending and indeed goalkeeping, led to Cardinal Newman taking the lead.
This had an effect on Coeur, who slowly began to develop a foothold in the game. A good chance was carved out, but Speed couldn't quite manage to convert it, with the keeper standing up and saving well. Craig Burns produced a few showboat moments which culminated in him getting booted, after he had produced an audacious nutmeg on one of the Cardinal Newman defenders. Coeur continued to improve and indeed were deservedly back on terms when Michael Carr picked the ball up 30 yards from goal. The Cardinal Newman defence pushed out, congesting the play just outside their box. Michael Carr was astute enough to realise this and danced his way through the pack with some magical footwork, before sliding the ball past the onrushing keeper and into the net.
Half Time 1 - 1.

Coeur went into half time realising that for the majority of the half they had been way below par, yet they were still level. The game was there for Coeur to take by the scruff of the neck, but somehow Coeur regressed, producing a limp and lifeless second half display. The midifeld tired badly and never really afforded the defence any protection. Cardinal Newman then took the lead for a second time when a shot from 8 yards beat Si Furlong, who probably should have done better, as it snook into the corner of the net. Coeur offered very little going forward and the front two were left isolated. The third goal for Newman, was a bitter pill to swallow as the forward was clearly offside as he tucked the ball home from 5 yards out. Previously Coeur have bounced back and fought their way back into games through sheer grit and determination, sadly there wasn't any on offer, as the match slipped away without so much as a whimper from Coeur.
Full Time 1 - 3

Probably the most lacklustre performance from Coeur inside 2 and a half years. Next week 3 points is a must against Collegiate as Coeur attempt to get their season back on track.