MINOR SEMI FINAL
VS KILLARNEY (LOST 1-2)
August 19, 2017
We had a disjointed couple of weeks leading into the semi finals with a number of players missing multiple training session for various reasons. It should therefore have come as no surprise that we started scratchy. If it weren't for our magnificent goalkeeper Jasper, we'd have certainly conceded within the first few minutes. Once we settled we started to look threatening and some attacking through balls found our speedy striker Daniel Walker in space. He looked menacing on the dribble, but couldn't make the most of an early left foot chance. Minutes later however, rather than shoot with his left, he layed the ball across the face of the goal for Liam Haddock to drive home the opener. The boys were thrilled!
It didn't take long for Killarney to threaten an equaliser from a corner. They went through a five minute period with four corners, each looking as likely as the last to be converted. Again it was thanks to Jasper that we held on and went into the break up 1-0.
The second half was barely 30 seconds old when Killarney played a dangerous cross on the edge of our box. What could've been safely collected by our keeper was blocked at the backline then passed forward to the Killarney winger. He used his size to get goal-side and finished with aplomb to draw level. From there we had moments of forward play that looked threatening but lacked the composure to create anything meaningful. Tommy Walker was great for us at the back and intercepted many of their attacks. Unfortunately his determination led to a foul 25 metres out which was followed by an unstoppable for Killarney free kick to clinch the winner.
The boys made us all proud, not only today but during the entire season. There were tears at full time which showed how committed and determined they are. They have been a pleasure to coach and I look forward to seeing their continued development next season.
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
GAME #16
VS TERRIGAL (LOST 0-3)
August 12, 2017
We were the first team to take a point off Terrigal in Rd 1 with a surprise 1-1 draw against the competition heavyweights. Since that time only one other team had matched that feat so we knew Terrigal were still proving a force. They had already clinched the League title and somehow twice beaten IFS, who this author rates as hands down the best football side in the comp.
IFS had earlier in the day taken care of our rivals East Gosford 6-0 which secured our top 4 placing, so there was nothing but winning momentum & confidence to play for in this one.
We didn't take it lightly though and were primed for the battle. Unfortunately however, after a positive start, a few defensive mistakes and too much ball watching allowed Terrigal to take control with 2 goals in the first half. The second half was better and we defended resolutely but failed to create meaningful attacking plays. The tougher it got the more we relied on clearances and went away from trying to control the play and the midfield. It finished 3-0 and from it we know we must clearly be the better football side on the day, if we hope to have any chance should we meet again.
Man of the Match: Ollie Bettison
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
GAME #15
VS KANWAL (WON 4-1)
August 5, 2017
Up against the winless cellar dwellers, we spoke about not taking this game for granted as 3 points were crucial if we hoped to play finals football. From the outset it was obvious that we were the better side however we failed to show that on the scoresheet. Fortunately Daniel Walker added to his impressive season tally in the first half following a break from halfway, but we failed to create opportunities thereafter once Kanwal played a deep sweeper.
At the break we discussed how to nullify the sweeper and the boys executed the plan well. Lachlan Duke made some good runs down the right flank and eventually an opportunity fell to Jordy Stevens who again displayed his class in front of goal with a quality finish. Zane Bowmaker dominated the midfield in the second half with busy defending and nice ball running. His distribution has improved out of sight in the past month. Ollie Bettison then made it three with another nice finish before Jasper Hawkins (who is the best goalkeeper in the league) showed that he also has no problem scoring them with a lovely deft touch to beat the keeper when one on one. Unfortunately we opened up through the middle late in the game and allowed a consolation goal, but the job was already done and we'd given ourselves a good chance to be in the minor semi in two weeks time.
We play the unbeaten Terrigal next week and are without Jordy and possibly Koby 'Iron Man' Salter, not to mention Dan Lavery who is nursing damaged rib cartilage. We sit in third, one point ahead of fourth & three points ahead of fifth, but with a +15 goal differential over them. Fingers crossed!
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
GAME #14
VS BERKELEY VALE (WON 5-3)
July 29, 2017
We travelled to Kurraba oval to face a Berkley side out of finals contention, but one that had notched their first win of the season when we last met. We knew not to underestimate them and left nothing to chance as we jumped out of the blocks. Quick goals to Daniel Walker and Liam Haddock saw us race to a 2 nil lead after tweve minutes. At this point the coach decided to give our two dominant attacking midfielders, Liam and Jordy Stevens a breather. Seconds later everyone was questioning the wisdom of that decision as Berkley grabbed one back, closely followed by an equaliser. Leaving nothing to chance the dynamic duo were re-inserted for the final 8 minutes of the half and sure enough we went to the break with our 2 goal advantage restored courtesy of an own goal and a brace to Liam.
The second half we played better football including some lovely inter-passing through the middle but couldn't extend our advantage. Things got tense when a well constructed Berkley attack, followed by a failed attempt to clear, saw Berkley make the most of the opportunity to bring it back to 4-3. We fought on, and with 5 minutes to play sealed the 3 points when Daniel Walker grabbed his brace. Credit to the Berkley kids who played hard but fair and fought right to the final whistle. Also to their two coaches who are very encouraging and conduct themselves with dignity and respect.
Other results were much kinder to us this week and we jumped from 5th to 3rd. A win next week could see us secure a finals berth in what has been a tremendously even and spirited 12A competition.
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
BYE ROUND
July 22, 2017
No play this week due to the bye. However there was still plenty of action, and results in other matches didn't go our way. Following this we drop out of the top 4. A big month ahead with every game crucial to our chances of playing finals football.
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
GAME #13
VS BUDGEWOI (DREW 2-2)
July 15, 2017
After storming up the ladder in recent weeks we were confident against Budgewoi, but well aware of their physical (but fair) style of play.
It didn't take long to realise that our passage towards goal would always face a difficult obstacle in the form of their big strong and fast centre back. The fact she is a young girl shouldn't matter, but it probably sees her underestimated on a regular basis.
The midfield was where we struggled most with our central attacking midfielders regularly moving forward and out of position leaving no pass back option for the forwards and creating a hole for our opponents to exploit when they went forward. One minute before the break we went behind despite an excellent first half from keeper Sam Blomfield.
The second half was much the same and whilst we managed to hold our midfield shape better, we wasted good opportunities with poor quality crosses. With ten to play the game looked lost and our season on the line after Budgie scored a second. They were just too physical for us and constantly won the 50/50 challenges.
However with just over 3 minutes remaining Blake Davidson gave us a lifeline when he cracked a shot from about the penalty spot. It hit the underside of the bar then bounced on the line and up into the net. This clearly lifted our side and we immediately went after an equaliser. With 90 seconds left on the clock a through ball from Blake was chased with determination by Daniel Walker who managed to break free from the defender and tried his luck from the edge of the box. The shot was unstoppable and powered into the back of the net. The boys were jubilant and the Wyoming spectators also very excited.
In a game that we were lucky to draw, the single competition point could prove vital at the end of the season as it moved us from 4th to 3rd but with the bye next week.
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
GAME #12
VS KILLARNEY (WON 3-1)
July 8, 2017
After last weeks magnificent performance the question was, could we back it up. Killarney were positioned 4th for good reason and have plenty of attacking flair and speed across the park.
The first 10 mins was an arm wrestle during which we wasted a good opportunity. From there however we blew the match wide open with three goals in five minutes. Firstly from Daniel Walker who made the most of a sloppy turnover. Then Ollie Bettison finished nicely with his left foot following a quality switch of play from Daniel. Then a lovely corner from Ollie was expertly finished by Daniel who headed home at the near post. Our football wasn't great & we never looked comfortable so it was no surprise that Killarney got one back just before the break. They'd have scored more if not for the quality goalkeeping of Jasper Hawkins who looks a natural between the sticks.
The second half continued to be a battle and were it not for a very solid performance by Koby Salter in our backline, as well as an excellent job by Lachie Duke who kept in the 2nd half, I've no doubt this game would've finished differently. The pleasing aspect of the second half was that we continued to create good opportunities. Two chances to Ollie, which were practically on the goal line, were missed however we can all miss them. The fact that we created the chances and he put himself in the position to score is the good thing.
Overall a gritty win and another showing that this side is starting to believe that they can compete with the big boys. Well done!
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
GAME #11
VS EAST GOSFORD (WON 5-0)
July 1, 2017
Up against 3rd placed East Gosford, we were eager to see where we were at after a strong showing at the Kariong gala day the week before.
From the outset we were good, playing smart possession football whilst looking to promote the ball forward. Fifteen minutes in, our play was rewarded with an excellent left foot shot from the edge of the box by Jordy Stevens proving unstoppable. This lifted the side further and we pressed more without changing our style of play. Some clever work in the box by Ollie Bettison got him in behind their defence then a ball to Daniel Walker was capitalized on and we went into the break very happy and 2 goals ahead.
The second half was more of the same and we continued to create chances. Daniel Walker headed home from a corner, Jasper Hawkins made the most of some space in the box and Lachie Duke finished off after his first shot was saved.
A five nil victory against a top 3 side was more than we could've hoped for. But it wasn't just the score line that was impressive, the football couldn't have been much better which is the most pleasing aspect.
Man of the match was Tommy Walker who snuffed out any opposition attack with his usual cool calm quality play, but honestly there was not a poor performer on the day.
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
GAME #10
VS INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL SCHOOL (LOST 2-6)
June 17, 2017
GAME #9
VS MOUNTAINS (WON 2-1)
June 3, 2017
After a positive few weeks we went into this hoping to continue our march up the ladder. However we forgot that it was good football that had started our momentum. To many individuals still think that dribbling forward from our own half rather than simple passing is what it takes to create chances. This let us down and we looked ordinary. A well taken effort from Daniel Walker on the quick break put us in front before an own goal gave us a 2-0 lead at half time. The second half was much the same and it was no surprise that Mountaibs struck back. We did manage to hang on thanks mainly to our quality back Tommy Walker, Koby Salter, and the reluctant but excellent centre back Liam Haddock. An important win but unless we can break the selfish habits of some of our more skillful ball runners we will continue to struggle.
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
GAME #8
VS TERRIGAL (DREW 1-1)
May 27, 2017
Up against the dominant side in the competition and with their coach away, the boys arrived fearing a demolition. This clearly brought the best out of the side and they fought gallantly but conceded to trail 0-1 at the break. The second half was one for the bookies as the Wyoming lads grabbed an early equaliser before twice being denied by the woodwork. An upset looked likely however Terrigal managed to hang on for the draw. This result showed the resilience if this side when they have low expectations. A very positive result and one we can hopefully build on.
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
GAME #7
VS KANWAL (WON 3-1)
May 20, 2017
Up against bottom of the table Kanwal, the out of form Tigers quickly learnt that the Rovers wouldn't be handing over 3 points cheaply. However we fought tenaciously at the back and finally played a passing game through the midfield. This allowed us to open up our opponents backline and create chances. Ollie Bettison opened the scoring however a lapse in concentration at the back saw Kanwal equalise shortly after. We weren't deterred by this and pressed on playing positive football. Shortly before the break we were rewarded with a second goal. A happy coach was finally seen at halftime and praised the kid's efforts. The nice football continued in the second half and we sealed the deal with a nice strike from Jordy Stevens.
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
GAME #6
VS BERKELEY VALE
May 13, 2017
(Photos: Alistair Kennedy)
GAME #5
VS BUDGEWOI (DREW 2-2)
April 30, 2017
Our first half in this one wasn't great as we demonstrated poor ball control and bad judgement when trying to stop our opponents. We practically handed them the lead early on with sloppy work inside our 6 yard box resulting in an easy finish. If it wasn't for our keeper Zane Bowmaker in goals, who was outstanding, we'd have trailled by four at the break. We did trail by two however as Budgie scored through some handy build up play and an unstoppable finish from outside the box.
Again we came out in the second half energized, and produced arguably our best period of the season so far. Ollie Bettison on the left flank caused trouble and was assisted through quality ball and overlapping runs from Jonty Woolford at left back. Budgie looked completely lost and suddenly momentum was in our favour when Ollie scored following some pretty one-touch passing to get us into the box. We continued to press and created even better chances which we wasted unfortunately. With 5 minutes to play however, we did equalise through another well taken opportunity by Jasper Hawkins, although we may have benefitted by not having a linesman at that end of the field. The final minutes were very tense and Budgie awoke from their slumber to create an opportunity with which they looked sure to score. Fortunately for us the final shot just missed and we clung on for the point. There were plenty of positives in the second half however it will no doubt take a bit more time before we can mix it with the big guns in this league.
Man of the match: Jonty Woolford with honourable mentions to Ollie Bettison and another high quality display at centre back by Liam Haddock.
(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Alistair Kennedy)
GAME #4
VS EAST GOSFORD (LOST 2-3)
April 29, 2017
We jumped out of the blocks to score within 60 seconds thanks to a nicely taken opportunity on the break by Jasper Hawkins. That was about as good as it got in the first half as our opponents dominated possession and benefitted from our inability to hold onto the ball. Our lead was quickly cancelled out and Easts proceeded to add two more before the break.
3-1 down at half time and with the coach repeating instructions from the past two half-time speeches, we came out in the second half more organised. Our midfield kept their shape better and we improved on our passing turnovers. We were rewarded with 10 minutes to play, scoring off a well placed corner which was neatly finished by Ollie Bettison in his first game of the season. Jasper Hawkins was in goals in the second half and again displayed his high quality goalkeeping ability which helped keep our opponents scoreless during that period. Overall another inconsistent performance against a slightly superior opponent however a decent effort and something to build on.
Man of the Match: Daniel Lavery
(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Alistair Kennedy)
GAME #3
VS KILLARNEY (DREW 1-1)
April 22, 2017
We were slow to start in this match and struggled to work the ball into our opponents half. Some desperate defending kept us level until Killarney broke the deadlock around the 10 min. mark with a shot which just dipped under the crossbar. As the half went on we began to link some passes and this opened things up for us as we began to make it a contest.
The second half was again a step forward with some quality midfield passing creating opportunities. Zane Bowmaker equalised with under 10 mins to play through an unstoppable shot from a tight angle high into the far corner of the goal. We continued to press and created the best opportunity of the match in the dying moments only for the shot to be directed wide.
Overall there were positive signs that we are moving in the right direction in what was an even and fair match.
Man of the match: Daniel Walker
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
GAME #2
VS INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL SCHOOL #1 (LOST 1-5)
April 8, 2017
Up against the Patrick Zwaanswijk trained side from the football school, it quickly became evident that we needed to play at our very best if we hoped to get a result in this one, especially with 4 regulars unavailable. Nick Gately filled in for us and took on the goalkeeping responsibility, with which he did an excellent job. We were outplayed from the kickoff with our opponents demonstrating a better understanding of team football and more sense of when to run and when to pass. It didn't help that we lost the always impressive Tommy Walker in the first half, to what turned out to be a fractured wrist. We went in at the break down 0-4 and with confidence shaken. The second half was a positive in that we held them to 1-1 which included a nicely taken solo effort from the younger Walker brother Daniel. Liam Haddock was excellent for us in the backline and was ably assisted by Jordan Stevens. A tough lesson overall but one which we will certainly benefit from.
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
GAME #1
VS MOUNTAINS (WON 4-1)
April 1, 2017
After 7 years in training these keen cubs finally got to compete for competition points in Rd 1 of the 12A draw. We started strong and demonstrated a willingness to keep possession by passing smartly and keeping it away from our opponents. We scored early through Liam Haddock and dominated the first 15mins. But just as we began to feel comfortable, our opponents demonstrated why they were the dominant B side of 2016 and struck back. Just before the break Jasper Hawkins again put us in front with a shot that slipped under their keeper.
The second half began evenly however we eventually broke clear with a strong shot from Blake Davidson after a well worked move down the right flank. We nailed the game shut with 5 to play thanks to Lachie Duke finishing smartly at the near post.
Whilst it was nice to grab the 3 points, we will need to sharpen up our passing to reduce the turnovers if we hope to compete against the heavyweights of this league.
Man of the match Kobe Salter demonstrated amazing athletic ability to dominate the midfield with his tenacious tackling and unbelievable endurance.
(Words: Michael Kennedy)
