FIRST GRADE MATCH REPORT

FIRST GRADE MATCH REPORT

Berowra 1 v 0 Lane Cove West

Date: 9th April
Location: Away – Berowra Oval
Conditions: Scorchio

Scorers:

Cards: none

Team                                                                    Subs

1              Stefan Laux                                            12            Mark Sidall

2              Ronnie Thompson                                   13           

3              Scott Girdlestone                                    14           

4              Lee Alfrey                                               15           

5              Clive Cachia                                           16           

6              Ian Wallis

7              Kieron White

8              Anthony Krithinakis

9              Charles Whattam

10            Sebastian Van Der Meulen

11            Dave Fuller

First Half

A weakened reds team missing AJ and the No.9 took to the lovely Berowra Oval against a team relegated from Div 1 last year.  Seb stepped in as the No.9 and Andonis stepped off the bench to more than fill AJ’s boots as the creative centre midfielder.

 

After some encouraging words from Mulv, the boys started in their usual pedestrian pace in the first 20 minutes, to this day no one knows why the 1st team fails to start its engine until 20 minutes in.

 

The Berowra midfield looked very sharp in the early exchanges however a resolute defence limited them to 25 yard pot shots for the majority of the half.  The reds started to get some ball midway through the half when Andonis got involved, his range of passing and speed of thought started to baffle the opposition and created numerous chances for the Reds which came to nothing.

 

As the half came to a close the ball struck Kez on the hand from 2 yards, and due to the fact Kez is not superman, he was unable to get his hand away from the ball, however, the consistently poor referee (at least consistent) decided to ignore the true interpretation of the rules and subsequently awarded a penalty.  Stefan stood tall, but would have to be a giant to reach the shot as it sailed toward the pacific highway.

 

The latter half of the game saw the reds midfield get more into the game, with Andonis causing havoc with his dribbling ability.  The half came to a close with the reds on top defensively and with a good feeling about their chances.

 

Second Half

 

More encouraging noises from Mulv saw the reds take to the field desperate to bag the first goal.  The reds defence were rock solid throughout with Stefan pulling off one excellent save which was arguably going wide – but Heidi was very impressed.  Seb and the No.9 ran their socks off up front but were slightly off the pace all day as a weak Berowra defence managed to somehow ride their luck and keep opportunities to a minimum.

 

The turning point of the game and what was to be the winning goal came with 20 or so to go.  One of the Berowra deep midfielders picked up the ball outside his own 18 yard box and headed forward – whether this fellah smelt or was related in some way to Moses is a mystery as the reds midfield and defence backed off and parted inviting him to strike from 25 or so out.  The dipping swirling shot (yeah right Stefan) beat Stefan and nestled in the roof of the net.  What a cracker.

 

This stunned the reds into their most passionate football, with Ian and Kez wanting to get on the ball all the time and penetrate the Berowra back line, numerous corners came to nothing as the reds searched in vain for the equaliser. 

 

The final whistle blew and numerous vociferous players let loose with their frustration.  Another game against a weaker opposition thrown away.