Speedball II XBLA

I need advice I how to beat a fiend at speedball. I played three games against him and he narrowly beat me by resorting to a gay button mashing technique. How do I counter him piling towards my goal? How to I control the goal keeper better? Any other tips appreciated. Including beyond the basics on usingpower ups etc.

I did play better I just got beat by someone exploiting a cheap method.

Atm Im thinking that every tip off I'll try the same tactic until the ball is properly in play. Then I'll use multipliers to boost my score and start sooting at the stars then once I've drawn him away from his goal I can take a shot.

How are magnetic buffs best used?