Canberrra: MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL by Russ Gibbs

There’s something about watching football under floodlights that stirs the soul.


There’s something about watching football under floodlights that stirs the soul. Maybe it’s because most of the iconoclastic matches that sit in the memory were played under lights. Matches such as the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich or the ill-fated 1997 World Cup Qualifier with Iran, or more recently of course the momentous 2005 World Cup Qualifying victory over Uruguay.

Whatever the intangibles may be the sight of twenty-two players going for goal on the green swathe under the glare of the halogen lights brings out the best in almost everyone.

Out of necessity ADFA play many of their scheduled ACT State League fixtures under floodlights. Now this can cause headaches for managers, coaches and players at the lower levels who may find it difficult to get off work in time for 6pm kick offs, of which there are a few.

But when you are greeted by the sight of the RMC pitches at Duntroon bathed in that golden glow the heart is lifted and the imagination soars. So much so that great deeds and great goals become the norm, rather than the exception.

Last night Tuggeranong United State League Five, under the stewardship of the enigmatic Jake Padrotta, had the fortune to play under the lights, kicking off at the more reasonable time of 7pm. Trailing 0-1 at half-time to a well-organised ADFA the Tuggeranong boys, after a spirited pep-talk from the coach at the interval upped the ante.

Steve Diggle slotted home his 8th goal of the season after a goalmouth scramble to level matters before Keon Ansell lashed in a spectacular half-volley to give the visitors the lead. A brace of goals from the livewire Nathan Henry completed a remarkable turn around and keeps the tight-knit Tuggeranong team in the hunt for a finals spot.

The quality of the football was excellent and the poise and panache showed by both teams, in particular Tuggeranong in the second half was a credit to the respective clubs.

So, is there a possibility that in the future we may see more matches played under lights on a Monday? The idea of a big Premier League match may appeal to some and certainly is an idea to be thought of.

There are, or course, disadvantages. Mostly to the largely amateur players who would need to back-up from a hard day at work to play in the evening, but if it is good enough for the lower leagues maybe it could be trialled further up?

Belconnen United have enjoyed mixed success for their early Saturday evening fixtures at McKellar this season, could this be the alternative?

• What are your thoughts? Would Monday Night Football work in the ACT? Which matches played under floodlights stick out in your memory? Let us know.