Workman makes himself unavailable

Underground FC have accepted Matiu Workman's request to be deregistered for the remainder of the 2013 Major League season.

A foundation player, Workman has struggled with injuries throughout the 2013 campaign and has subsequently requested to make himself unavailable for the rest of the season.

While devastated with his horror injury run that includes two rolled ankles, a left hamstring year and a strained right hamstring, Workman was philosophical about the injuries.

"Look, they're never ideal but they give me a chance to really hone in on what's set to be a big year," he said.

"I'll certainly be doing my best to support the lads on their quest to win back-to-back Major League titles."

Deregistering Workman will also allow the spot to be taken by an import player soon to be announced by the club.

"This situation is a win-win, really. It's a shame it has come to this but it's the right thing."

Underground 2 : BCC Grundies 3

An improved performance wasn't enough for Underground to avoid a 2-3 loss to BCC Grundies on Saturday.

With destiny in their own hands, Underground fought valiantly in an attempt to avoid a drop to the Super League.

Despite the loss, their place in the Major League was assured when Orcas were relegated following a 3-3 draw with The Othe Guys. It was a poor result for Orcas given they held a 3-0 lead at one stage.

It wasn't all bad news for Underground. An improved passing display helped the orange and blacks to a deserved 2-1 lead midway through the first half before a goal either side of half-time allowed Grundies to sneak home.

What was particularly pleasing for Underground was a more unified approach in defence, something that had been missing for the majority of Round 1.                                                                                  

With Byron de Beer steering the new five-man backline superbly throughout the match, Underground looked confident and assured at the back.

Poor conditions for the second consecutive week threatened to spoil Underground's long-passing game, and instead forced them to play a smarter game based on putting people into space.

In the end the tactic proved successful as lanky striker Ryan Bradley's sixth goal of the campaign finished off a disappointed Underground side.

With a week off, Underground must ensure these improvements don't fade. Instead, it's a matter of working on improving their game further, something that can only be done by playing more as a team in the buildup to Saturday.