Match Reports courtesy of Central Coast Football MPL Recaps
GAME #1 (05 APRIL 2025)
Wyoming 1 – 0 Ourimbah
A large crowd gathered at The Den this past Saturday night as our two promoted teams with quite a history kicked off our MPL season.
After an intense ninety minutes, it was the home side Wyoming who would claim the win in the Match of the Round thanks to a wonder strike from their English debutant Henry Walker.
It was a typical derby affair with both sides playing end to end football as they looked to settle into the contest quickly and get control of the play. Ourimbah saw two great chances go by early in the first half as McAndrews men were unable to capitalise on these promising opportunities.
The only goal of the game came midway through the opening period. Reegan Cairns received the ball from a Wyoming throw-in in the middle of Ourimbah’s half and laid the ball off to Henry Walker who made a run out of the Tiger’s backline.
Walker took one touch forward before unleashing a powerful strike that left the Ourimbah keeper zero chance of saving. This early goal of the season contender saw the Wyoming crowd erupt into celebrations.
Ourimbah wouldn’t go away easy, constantly testing the defence of the opposition with long balls in behind. The Falcons had a night to forget in front of goals, wasting plenty of good chances as the Wyoming defence remained strong, doing what was necessary to keep that important clean sheet.
Wyoming also squandered chances in front of goals to double their lead, but nevertheless, the points would come home with Wyoming who start their season with an important win.
After winning in his debut match as head coach, Scott Snodgrass commented. “It was good to spend some time with them all after the match at The Grange Hotel, for me personally chatting with a few of the lads gave me a newfound respect for their squad. Good luck to Ian Mac and his squad for the rest of the season.”
McAndrew also commented on the game, “The game was decided by what could be the goal of the season, it was a great strike.”
“Overall Wyoming scored and that’s what matters in football. As a team need to take our chances, we had five or six good opportunities to put the game to bed and couldn’t.”
“We had a chat at the end of the game, and we were down but we know we know if we can be clinical in big stages moving on we will be very hard to beat cause as a defensive unit we were strong Saturday night and still have our centre halves to come back in over the next couple of weeks. Well done to Wyoming on getting the win.”
Match Official – Anthony Kabbout
GAME #2 (13 APRIL 2025)
Wyoming 1 – 1 Avoca
A tightly contested battle between Wyoming and Avoca saw the Sharks come from behind to salvage their first point of the season as Wyoming fell just short of recording back-to-back wins to start 2025.
In a game of two halves, Wyoming started the game strong, with Tigers captain Jared McNee causing a number of problems to the Avoca defence.
About 15 minutes into the game a loose ball outside the box fell to McNee who was able to force his way into the box and opened the scoring after a well worked play.
The remainder of the first half was evenly matched with the Wyoming keeper Joshua Byrnes making some crucial saves leading into the break as the scoreline remained at 1-0 after the opening 45 minutes.
Avoca came out with a much better second half, creating several goal attempts, causing the Wyoming defence to scramble with several shots cleared off the line.
Their breakthrough came with roughly 20 minutes left to play, a through ball from Jesse Parnell put Tyler Wade on goal who slotted it past the Wyoming goalkeeper for Avoca’s first goal of 2025.
The remainder of the match saw neither team able to take any of their half chances, with the game finishing in a closely contested draw.
“The boys felt disappointed to not get more from the game, especially after an improved second-half performance, credit goes to the Wyoming defence and goalkeeper with some important saves and goal line clearances throughout the match,” voiced Avoca’s Phil Anderson.
Scott Snodgrass also reflected on the contest. “As in previous weeks, our execution and ability to hold the ball diminished in the second half.”
“Credit to Avoca for applying sustained pressure to get the equaliser with a quality lead-up and a great finish. A draw was a fair result in my view. I wish the Sharkies all the best for the rest of the season.”
Match Official – Luke Dunkerley
GAME #3 (26 APRIL 2025)
Berkeley Vale 3 – 0 Wyoming
Berkeley Vale handed Wyoming their first loss since being promoted back into the top-flight competition, defeating the Tigers to secure their second victory of the season.
Wyoming entered the contest with the Wombats with Scott Snodgrass looking to set up defensively minded against the reigning Premiers, looking to counter Berkeley Vale who enjoyed the majority of the ball throughout the ninety minutes.
The home side started well, threatening the flanks of Wyoming with Conor Fitzpatrick and Felix Beed who caused damage when receiving the ball out wide.
Wyoming were well-organised and extremely determined, holding out Berkeley for much of the opening half.
Big shouts for a handball inside the Wombats box were turned down by the official. Berkeley were able to swiftly move the ball to the other end of the pitch where Felix Beed converted a good through ball to give his side a 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half was played out in a similar fashion as Wyoming continued to set up defensively to keep the opposition’s attack at bay, whilst searching for chances on the counterattack when presented.
Berkeley Vale had multiple chances to double their lead but were unable to convert on their opportunities until 70 minutes into the contest when attacking duo Conor Fitzpatrick and Jakeb Brownlow connected as Brownlow finished well to take the game to 2-0.
In the search of salvaging something from the contest, Wyoming made three substitutions, throwing numbers forward in search of a goal.
Despite having more possession than previous, Wyoming were unable to turn any half chances into goals.
Just prior to the final whistle, a torrential downpour hit Mingara Oval as Berkeley Vale hit the back of the net for their third and final goal after Joshua Cairelli was able to poke the ball home in the 90th minute.
After picking up the win, a proud Mark Pratt voiced, “We are slowly building up some good cohesion and look forward to playing Avoca next weekend on hopefully a slick Pluim Park.”
Scott Snodgrass commended the opposition post-match, ““Berkeley are a side that play beautiful free-flowing, attacking football. They are well coached with quality players and it’s not luck that they are last year’s Premiers”
“I am proud of my young group of players and the discipline they showed in defence. The penalty shout that was turned down and then them scoring at the other end just before half-time hurt, but that’s football.”
“We continued to try and play but found it challenging to keep the ball. The game opened up a bit more when we threw everything at them, but they handled it well. We aren’t miles off the top sides but there is further work to do. I have no doubt Gumps, and his squad will be their finals time again this season.”
“Finally, I have to comment on the state of the pitch. With the irrigation left on, it left the surface, particularly the flanks heavy and chopped up after the Reserve grade game. Whilst it’s not the ‘Bats’ fault, the game and our top grade deserves better. We want to increase the standard and profile of the league on one hand, yet play on substandard surfaces, is a step in the wrong direction in my view.”
Match Official – Trent Dickeson
GAME #4 (03 MAY 2025)
Wyoming 1 – 2 Terrigal
The O’lads scored their first win of the season on Saturday, in our inaugural Magic Round, knocking off a determined Wyoming side who now record back-to-back defeats after four games played.
It was a bright start from Terrigal, scoring in the first 5 minutes with Josh Anderson, making his starting debut, following a corner to the back post to easily finish and get Terrigal off to a dream start.
Wyoming started to get their way into the game, and they were rewarded on the 30-minute mark when the dangerous Jared Mcnee held off a strong challenge and played a pass through on goal for striker Panashe Mudavose to finish and level up the scores.
Straight from the kickoff, Terrigal went on the attack, with Josh Anderson getting in behind the defence and showing his strength to evade defenders and get a shot off.
The shot was blocked by the goalkeeper but straight into the path of Aidan Bastick who calmly slotted home to give Terrigal the lead again.
The second half was very tense, with both sides creating plenty but not being able to find a finish, A dangerous free kick from Terrigal found Max Vegter unmarked, but a great save from the Wyoming keeper kept them in it.
Wyoming had good chances of their own with multiple great saves by Connor Noble and a goal-line clearance from Ryan Pearce, in the end, Terrigal walked away with a 2-1 win with their season now off and running.
“Very disappointed in the result, the game was there for the taking,” stated Wyoming’s Scott Snodgrass.
“Multiple opportunities to win the game in the second half, we just could not convert which has been a common theme. Not sure we deserved to lose but that’s football when you don’t take your chances. Congratulations to Ryan and his squad on the win, they worked hard and held us out.”
Match Official – Luke Dunkerley
