Margaret River 2 d Hay Park 0

MARGARET River travelled to the metropolis of Bunbury on Bruno’s big happy fun bus Sunday morning.

Lifted by the return of the flying leprechaun Alan McLaughlin, who arrived back Thursday from Ireland sporting his new green spandex PowerRangers suit, Margaret River started out with a lot of possession but not much idea what to do with the ball.

Andy Longmore limped off with lateral stud marks on his leg after a suicide pass from Mattie Newsome.

McLaughlin also had to leave the field of play due to a temporary, but severe, upset stomach.

No goals in the first half, Andy tried an ambitious volley from 20 metres which ended up causing chaos for Sunday afternoon drivers on Bussell Highway.

After some soul searching at half time, Margs returned and upped the tempo considerably.

River started to gel and to find players with passes, exposing weaknesses in Hay Park’s defence.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Justin Davis picked up the ball deep in his own half, rode a couple of challenges and delivered to Mattie Newsome, who switched to Conrad Burton.

Connie then crossed low and hard, and after a bit of confusion in defence, Jay Allington was there to put it in the net.

Next up, Mattie Newsome was fouled inside the box.

The newly reformed clear-headed Matt stood up to take the kick, taking a shocking lame effort straight at the keeper.

Margs were still pressing and creating chances, and Jay Allington got his second with 15 minutes to go to settle the nerves.

Player-manager Clive Slater came on at right back to show Hay Park who’s who, snubbing them with sweet passes and timely challenges.

Ominously for Margies, we only put two goals past a team we put eight past at the start of the season.

It’s the halfway mark of the season, and we’re still in the hunt for glory.

If there was a trophy for fastest bus driver in the South West, Bruno the Broilerman would be top of the league.

We arrived back at the Knight’s Inn in record time to watch the mighty Chinese humble the Socceroos in Sydney.

Man of the Match went to our very own Mr McLoughlin, who was quoted saying “Power Rangers have feelings too” after closing of the Tav Saturday night.

Football Margaret River’s next game is against Manjimup at Western Oval this Sunday.

Kick off is at 1pm.