U15A

MAJOR SEMI FINAL
VS AVOCA (LOST 1-2)
August 19, 2017

From the kick off we came out and asserted ourselves in the middle of the park to dominate, and some would say shock our opponents. However with this domination we were unable to score despite some good opportunities.

The game changed however when Avoca made their first inroad into our box and some miscommunication led to a half chance that was seized upon. Avoca lifted and they began to show why they were the League Champions. Ten minutes before halftime they doubled their lead following a corner. The ball fell to an unmarked player near the penalty spot which caused a few of our players to rush at him. He smartly layed a simple ball to a free player, who had only become free due to our desperation defence. Their player made no mistake and our spirits were broken.

We went into the break reflecting on our early domination and returned intent on doing the same. Unfortunately we couldn't repeat the quality of our start and struggled to create any meaningful chances. With ten to play we did manage to pull one back following a smart headed pass inside the box from Josh Fordham to Alex Lessing. Alex, our top scorer, made no mistake with a composed finish. Unfortunately that was how it remained and we now face a difficult Preliminary Final against Southern Ettalong, which inexplicably is to be held at their home ground.

Man of the Match went to Nick Tabrett who was magnificent early in the middle of the park and solid throughout.

(Words: Michael Kennedy)

GAME #18
VS SOUTHERN ETTALONG (WON 2-1)
August 12, 2017

We went into this very important final round fixture again with players missing due to illness or injury. Fortunately Ali filled in from the U14's and Nick Tabret brought his gear just in case he was required. I say fortunately because 15 mins in we lost our important centre back, in Jayden Dorrough, who tore ligaments in his ankle and limped off. Nick came on to ensure it was still 11 v 11. Not long after Nick entered the field, and playing in the uncustomary position at centre back, he was bustled off the ball in a questionable challenge and Southern made the most of it to steal the lead. We couldn't get a foothold into the game and were out enthused across the park with many players struggling possibly due to being Ill in the days prior.

In the second half Nick was moved back into his customary position in the middle of the park and immediately had an impact. We were toothless up front however, and it was hard to see where an equaliser would come from. Southern continued to apply pressure and could've scored a couple more if it weren't for some brilliant goalkeeping by a limping Rio Eden.

At 0-1 down with 10 to play we were watching our hopes of finishing in the top 2 fade away. Then, following a corner and goalmouth scramble, Nick stepped up to kick home the equaliser. A draw was not enough for us as we wanted a berth in the Major semi next week, so we pressed on. Four minutes from time Ethan Kennedy delivered a dangerous free kick that deceived all challengers including the goalkeeper and began to make it's way to the back post. A last ditch effort by a defender was missed and the ball trickled in to give us the lead. The final few minutes were nerve wracking and with some questionable refereeing both ways, including what looked a clear penalty to Southern, we managed to hang on and claim the 3 points. The other result went our way which saw us leapfrog Woongarrah into second place and claim a spot in the Major semi.

Huge games from Rio Eden & Nick Tabret were ultimately the difference on this occasion.

It must be mentioned that the Southern Ettalong coaches and players conducted themselves with nobility after the match despite some rough decisions in the dying moments. An example to the rest of us for the future!

(Words: Michael Kennedy)

GAME #17
VS KANWAL (WON 3-0)
August 5, 2017

Kanwal were our bitter rivals last year but lost a few strong players before this season. Regardless they know how to fight hard and have put in a commendable second half of the season.

We went in expecting a battle but always looked in control except on the scoresheet. The first half we were far too slow with our ball movement and continually turned back from attacking areas therefore failing to penetrate.

The second half was like we'd flicked a switch at halftime. We played with purpose and belief. Our first goal was scored by Josh 'Tiger blood' Fordham who latched onto a nice ball from Alex Lessing down the right and finished with an unstoppable shot into the top left corner. It was his first goal for the club but there's no way it'll be his last. The second was scored by Alex who finished neatly after Josh Van Gestel, playing attacking mid for the first time this season, played a beautiful through ball. Josh was a revelation in that position, demonstrating his strength on the ball and impressive technique. He also set up the third from a quality corner which Alex finished with class and authority, side volleying from the 6yd box.

The second half was the best we've played all season and gives us good momentum heading into the final round. A win next week could see us jump into second and secure a berth in the Major semi.

(Words: Michael Kennedy)

GAME #16
VS BUDGEWOI (WON 3-0)
July 29, 2017

GAME #15
VS WOONGARRAH (LOST 1-2)
July 22, 2017

Our perennial rivals Woongarrah visited the hallowed turf of Alan Davidson Oval for the first time in the past two seasons, and from the start we had it didn't suit them. We dominated the midfield early on and prevented their dangerous and speedy forwards from seeing much of the ball. Whilst we dominated the play, chances were few and far between until the injection of the mighty midget Jay Panopoulous (no offence Jay) began to cause problems for Woongarrah. Sure enough it was Jay who opened the scoring 10 mins before halftime when he met a dangerous cross from a free kick and guided it home. Minutes later we should've been two up when a corner kick found Alex Lessing unmarked however he couldn't get sufficient contact to send it goalward.

Almost from the kickoff to the second half the game changed. A miscontrolled ball by our backline was greeted by a Woongarrah player who took the opportunity to drive low into the right corner of our goal. The disappointment was obvious however we continued to play football and again led the way in football terms, with Woongarrah playing an uncharacteristic long ball game. A magnificent run down the right wing by Josh 'The Hammer' Fordham saw him break free in behind the Woongarrah defence and provide a perfect cross on the penalty spot for what appeared would be our second goal. Unfortunately the chance was spurned (though that's probably not the best term to use because any word that has 'spur' in it is usually good in football terms). From the ensuing goal kick Woongarrah punched the ball upfield, found space on the left, whipped in a cross and it was headed home for the winner.

We were a mixed bunch in this game with some very good performances but also some pretty ordinary ones. Kaelan Burke was our best along with Josh Fordham who is having a super July.

(Words: Michael Kennedy)

GAME #14
VS AVOCA (LOST 0-2)
July 15, 2017

This top of the table clash was always going to be difficult without the services of two of our best this season in Nick Tabret and Alex Lessing, who were both away.

From the outset we were wasteful in the midfield through poor decisions and heavy touches. Avoca on the other hand played simple and smart. Our constant turnovers hurt us by forcing our guys to work very hard to try and win back possession or simply snuff out an Avoca chance.

Ten minutes before halftime Avoca took the lead when a seemingly innocuous cross/shot was watched into the far corner. A lack of desperation in the box is something very rare from this Wyoming side and I'm sure something they're not too keen to see happen again.

The second half was a much more even contest and whilst Avoca still dominated slightly, we began to ask questions. Jay Panopoulous latched onto an Ethan Kennedy corner and thundered an unstoppable header goalward. Unfortunately it connected with the middle of the crossbar and bounced out. Then Josh Fordham, putting in an inspired performance at left back, twice got forward and into the box forcing Avoca to scramble. Then when he was moved to right wing, after looking our most likely player to score, he forced the Avoca keeper into a good save after another determined run into the box. Unfortunately Avoca reacted quickly following this attack and forced a counter attack. A neat through-ball saw them in a one-on-one with our keeper Rio, who has bravely returned from a serious shoulder injury, and they didn't waste the opportunity. A tough day at the office for our boys but hopefully they will learn from it and be better with the ball next time.

(Words: Michael Kennedy)

GAME #13
VS KARIONG (WON 4-0)
July 8, 2017

With the disruptions through injuries and washouts now hopefully behind them the boys are getting back into their groove and are playing the quality team football that has been their hallmark over the past two seasons. As usual Kariong came at us hard and were committed throughout and it took yet another sensational long-distance free kick from 'Bomber' Burke to break the deadlock midway through the first half. There's is no player in the club, from First Grade down that can match his accuracy in dead-ball situations. Alex Lessing doubled the lead shortly afterwards finishing an excellent team goal that started in our own half and went through half a dozen feet before a clean finish from our leading scorer. Alex's second goal effectively settled the result just before half-time and he went on to complete his second hat-trick of the season (or is that his third ... I'm sure he'll let me know) midway through the second term.

The win in this postponed match means that all teams are back on level terms having played 13 matches each and gets us back on top of the table, although only on goal difference. Huge match next week against joint leaders Avoca and one could could well decide the league championship and Champion of Champions place. Thanks yet again to Dan Tabrett and Brett Ryan who took over the coaching role with another clash of times meaning that Michael was with his U12A team.

(Words: Alistair Kennedy)

GAME #12
VS INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL SCHOOL (WON 3-1)
July 1, 2017

Last week's washout, together with training field closures meant that the lads went into this match severely underdone and it showed especially during a scrappy first half. On the positive side goalkeeper Rio Eden return from injury meant that players could revert to their normal positions. The longer the game went the better we looked with goals to Alex Lessing, Nathan Kelett and Jay Panopolous sealing the three points.

(Words: Alistair Kennedy)

GAME #11
VS OURIMBAH (WON 4-0)
June 17, 2017

The long weekend break and training washouts showed in the early stages of the match as the boys struggled to take control of the match. Two first half penalties proved to be turning points in the match, the first a wide-shot that would have given Ourimbah the lead followed shortly afterwards by one at the other end. With other teams the awarding of a penalty can often lead to confusion and indecision about who will take the shot. There’s never any such problem with the WFC 15As – they just turn around and toss the ball to Kaelan Burke. Once again the skipper didn’t disappoint converting with his usual precision for the 10th straight time since the start of the 2016 season.

Fortunately for us the referee’s watch wasn’t a few seconds fast, because if it had been we’d have won 2-0 and not 4-0. On both occasions the goals were scored by our Golden Boot leader Alex Lessing, the first just before the half-time break after some good lead-up work by Ethan Kennedy and Josh Van Gestel and the second, right on full-time, a clean header from a corner kick. In between Nathan Kellet capped an excellent game when he ran onto a perfect through ball from Ethan then beat two players to score.

The key to the win was in the midfield engine room where Man of the Match Nick Tabrett and Ethan were joined by Lochie Ryan with all three working tirelessly in both attack and defence.

With two other results going our way we’re back on top of the table, although only on goal difference. Once again we went around with just 11 players but with goalkeeper Rio Eden hopefully back on deck next week the balance of the team should hopefully be resumed.

(Words: Alistair Kennedy)

GAME #10
VS KILLARNEY (DREW 2-2)
June 3, 2017

Overall this wasn't our worst performance collectively however for some individuals it certainly was. Too much individual play saw countless turnovers and it was no surprise that we went behind midway through the first half. A somewhat lucky penalty was perfectly converted by Kaelan Burke and we managed to go to the break 1-1. The second half was much the same with some nice team play being cancelled out by poor individual play. Again we went behind and it was only luck that saw us equalise from the last play of the game through a Killarney own goal. Twice we've played them this season and on both occasions they've deserved the win. Apologies to their Coach Damien Browne who is an absolute gentleman and doing a great job with their side.

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Megan Wallace)

GAME #9
VS SOUTHERN ETTALONG (LOST 0-1)
May 27, 2017

We knew what to expect against Southern who possess the quickest wingers in the comp (if not the country😜) and we were without Ethan Kennedy who's been playing like a young man possessed this year. On the flip side we saw the return of the skillful Saxon Peers who had only played two games this season due to two seperate injuries. We conceded early and then Saxon went down with another injury which saw play come to a halt. An ambulance was called as a precaution and play was unable to restart which saw half of the game missed. When play resumed the boys fought doggedly but were unable to grab an equaliser. This was the sides first loss since Rd 1 in 2016 and saw plenty of unhappy parents on the sideline. However losing can be character building and we are still in the development stage of these boys careers. We will bounce back!

(Words: Michael Kennedy)

GAME #8
VS KANWAL (WON 4-1)
May 20, 2017

GAME #7
VS BUDGEWOI (WON 8-2)
May 13, 2017

Up against a side who's been struggling, we failed to get out of second gear in the first half. If it wasn't for some quality attacking runs and magnificent finishing from Josh Van Gestel the game would've been tight. We led 4-1 at half time and began to put it together in the second half increasing the lead as Josh notched his first hattrick for the club. Jay Panopoulos claimed a brace and Nick Tabrett and Alex Lessing scored quality goals from long range chips. Whilst the score line looked convincing it wasn't our best performance of the campaign.

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Alistair Kennedy)

GAME #6
VS WOONGARRAH (WON 2-1)
May 6, 2017

This rematch of last years Grand Finalists was the first fixture marked down when the draw was released. And unsurprisingly it was a top of the table clash to mark Round 6 of the competition. But unlike the Grand Final where we had all hands on deck, this time we were understrength and had players playing out of position. We had lost our keeper Rio Eden, who busted his shoulder last week, Lachie Ryan, who was sipping cocktails in Hawaii, and Saxon Peer. The loss of Saxon following an injury at training was a big concern as he has looked magnificent since his return from a previous injury. Add to that Alex Lessing, our centre forward, playing with a strained quadriceps in goals, and Kaelan Burke (our Captain) defying doctors orders by playing despite suffering with shin splints. The boys didn’t let that get to them and went out with a positive mindset.

The first twenty minutes were tense with both teams enjoying periods of domination, but as the half went on we began to open them up with excellent midfield play. Our midfield domination allowed us to punch holes in their defensive line and push the play up in their half. About ten minutes before halftime Ethan Kennedy played into Nathan Kellett and continued a forward run. Nathan controlled well and returned a through ball for Ethan who cooly slotted home the opener with his left foot. Woongarrah were determined to hit back however our control of the ball and pressure whilst not in possession, allowed us to keep them at bay.

The second half started much the same as how the first one ended, with us holding a slight edge through the middle of the park. Woongarrah are a quality side though and play attractive football which consistently asks questions of their opponents. So it was with great satisfaction that ten minutes in, we doubled our lead. Ethan served up another precise corner which was headed by Jay Panopolous into the range of Kaelan, who wasted no time in driving the ball hard into the back of the net. Naturally Woongarrah threw everything at us but we remained steadfast. That was until with five to play, a goal-bound shot was seemingly headed off the line by Jayden Dorrough. But as it turns out Jayden had managed to deceive onlookers better than Maradona in 86, with a hand of god header to literally push the ball over the bar. The eagle-eyed young ref was having none of it and duly gave Jayden his marching orders. The ensuing Penalty was scored and again we saw ourselves faced with a nervous final five minutes at Hamlyn Terrace. Last season we gave up a 2 goal lead with five to play, however today we were clearly determined to grab the valuable 3 points. We now jump above them on the ladder and sit atop by 1 point, with a healthy goal difference of +15. Congratulations to the lads today in what was a game for the ages.

(Words: Michael Kennedy)

GAME #5
VS AVOCA (DREW 2-2)
April 30, 2017

Although there was some frustration at the scheduling of this weekend’s double-headers there was a good reason. It was done to ensure that all the junior A grade competitions finished a week earlier than the lower grades to fit into the limited dates for grand finals at Central Coast Stadium. All those involved in last season’s memorable decider will agree that it’s worth this minor inconvenience.

One problem with Sunday matches is that there is a severe shortage of referees and after looking like our highly-qualified, but reluctant, ex-NSL whistle blower Jason Burke looked like he would have to run the show. At the last moment an official referee was recruited albeit without any assistants.

Despite another brilliant start that saw Saxon Peers score inside the opening two minutes the boys never really settled into their normal composed and structured play. Our finishing was nowhere near as clinical as in the previous matches with Avoca frequently bustling us into errors. The young Sharks equalised with a fine team goal before we went 2-1 up with yet another clinical penalty from Kaelan Burke. Avoca’s second goal was controversial with both a shot and our goalkeeper, Rio Eden, hitting the post at the same time with Rio still on the ground in obvious pain when, an apparently off-side Avoca player scored from the rebound. Unfortunately, without a linesman, these things are bound to happen. Fortunately Rio’s injury isn’t as bad as first thought although he will miss next Saturday’s crucial grand final re-match against the Wildcats

(Words: Alistair Kennedy. Photos: Kev Lee, Ronan Clements-Lee)

GAME #4
VS IFS (WON 5-2)
April 29, 2017

The well-organised IFS team was no match in the opening stages as we proceeded to score early and shake off any nerves we may have had in our first home game of the season.

To get things rolling Ethan Kennedy served up a precise corner for the timely arrival of Kaelan Burke to head home. We didn't stop there and it was a fellow IFS student Saxon Peer, who has pledged allegiance to the Tigers since last season, who caused enormous headaches for the visitors down the left edge. He constantly worked his way in behind their defensive line through his silky skills and well timed attacking runs. Alex Lessing tapped home our second after some constant pressure and a short time later was brought down inside the box, which led to our third as Kaelan converted the ensuing penalty. Finally Saxon finished his own handy work with a skillful run and quality finish to see us head into the break with a 4-0 advantage.

The second half was a little lackluster however we added to our lead when Alex volleyed home from close range midway through the half. The score line didn't tell the true tale of the match, with the IFS being well organised and playing an attractive brand of football. They were rewarded in the final 15 minutes with two goals and also struck the crossbar. Overall we can be happy with the win however will need to be wary of IFS who will no doubt continue to improve.

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Alistair Kennedy)

GAME #3
VS KARIONG (WON 4-0)
April 22, 2017

The boys had unfinished business going into this match at Kariong Oval, the only ground where they were beaten last season. That was in the opening round of the 14A competition and with this 4-0 win the 14A/15A unbeaten run has now been extended to 22 matches.

One of the only weaknesses of the team last season was slow starts and when we went 2-0 down early in the first round match against Killarney it looked like the problem had returned. However, as they did against Ourimbah, they hit the ground running against Kariong with Ivan Toledo scoring in the fourth minute after a goalmouth scramble. Alex Lessing has started the season in red-hot scoring form and when he took his season tally to six with goals in the 10th and 18th minutes, the second after a brilliant run from Jay Panopolous, the match was effectively settled midway through the first half.

As had been the case against Ourimbah we lost momentum from there on although, to their credit, Kariong did fight back well and show that they should be competitive this season. The match did get a bit tetchy at times – more verbal than physical – but that’s something that the lads will need to contend with, now that they’re firmly established as the team to beat and one that everyone else will lift against.

Great to see Saxon Peers back in action after injury and, although a bit short of a gallop, he again showed his class with several determined runs, capped off when he ran onto an inch-perfect through ball from Ethan Kennedy for our fourth goal late in the second half.

As good as our attack has been the three wins have all been built upon our impregnable defensive line of Kaelan Burke, Ivan Toledo and Jayden Dorrough in front of goalkeeper Rio Eden. All were again outstanding today. Statistics don’t always tell the full story but here they do. Since that first 10 minutes against Killarney we haven’t conceded a single goal, that’s around 200 minutes.

During that three hour 20 minute period we’ve scored 13 goals, although a little worrying, only three have been in the second half of the matches.

(Words: Alistair Kennedy, Photos: Alistair Kennedy, Caitlin Kennedy)

GAME #2
VS OURIMBAH (WON 6-0)
April 8, 2017

The local derby against schoolyard friends had been built up during the preceeding weeks in the classroom.

The banter was apparently well contested which is more than could be said about the first half as we raced to a 6-0 lead. Alex Lessing scored a hattrick including two sublime finishes, along with one each to Ivan Toldeo, Kaelan Burke & Josh Van Gestel. Typical of games where a team builds a big lead, it was hard to back it up in the second half. We created a few chances but to Ourimbah's credit they fought hard to keep their dignity and kept the scoreline the same. Jayden Dorrough was a standout for us and demonstrated how much we missed him in Rd 1. He possesses all the attributes of a high quality footballer and, if we can keep him in the sport, will certainly play 1st grade in years to come.

(Words: Michael Kennedy)

It’s now more than a year since this outstanding team lost a match in the local competition capped off by their memorable win in last season’s U14A grand final at Central Coast Stadium. Even so those of us that have been regular watchers on the sidelines at both matches and training have been waiting for the perfect performance that we know they have in them. Half an hour into this match against Ourimbah, and 6-nil up, it looked like we were going to get our wish with a sublime exhibition of team football. Unfortunately the half-time break came along and the boys lost all the momentum and scrambled throughout the remainder of the match.

Hard to be disappointed with a 6-0 win of course but there will need to be a more ruthless attitude in the tougher games ahead. Excellent performance across the park but Man of the Match was clearly Alex Lessing with three quality goals. Kaelan Burke was rock solid at the rear as usual and slotted home another penalty; Ivan Toledo made some great runs down the sideline and scored a nice goal as did Josh Van Gestel with a cool and composed finish.

(Words: Alistair Kennedy)

GAME #1
VS KILLARNEY (WON 3-2)
April 1, 2017

The dominant force of 2016, these teenage Tigers limped out of the stalls in this one and we found ourselves 2 goals down on the quarter hour mark. To their credit the boys didn't lose faith and gradually improved the precision of their passing and stuck tighter with their marking. We got one back just before halftime courtesy of an own goal off a well directed corner.

The second half didn't begin great and we continued to make poor pass choices which allowed our opponents to counter. With 15 mins to play, our new signing Jay Panopolous demonstrated his prowess in front of goal with a well taken first-time left foot pass into the bottom right. Momentum then swung and we began to threaten. Alex Lessing put us in front with a lovely goal where he beat 3 players in the box before an unstoppable shot pigeoned into the top right corner. A late scare was staved off by our keeper Rio Eden with an excellent save down low.

Man of the match Ethan Kennedy began like he did last year with his composure on the ball and excellent decision making matched by an improved workrate.

3 points but plenty to improve if we want to reach the lofty heights of last season.