Coniston FC recorded a 2-1 win over Shellharbour FC in both clubs’ season opening game at JJ Kelly Park. The home side looked comfortable with a two-goal lead, however, when a wasteful Shellharbour pulled a goal back deep into the game, there were some nervous moments before Coniston sealed the points.
Shellharbour started well with an efficient spell of possession. They created their first opportunity after just 90 seconds when Valentino Merxhushi made a darting run down the right side before cutting back to the trailing Jacob Debien who blasted over the bar.
Coniston’s first opportunity also came early as both sides showed attacking intent. Tobias Norval had his effort blocked on the edge of the penalty area. The ball fell to James Coombes whose curling shot just cleared the goal.
The home had a golden chance to go in front on 14 minutes when Josh O’Hanlon timed his run perfectly to beat Shellharbour’s high defensive line. With only Nikodin Matic to beat, he slid the ball past the goalkeeper only to see his effort bounce off the post.
On the half hour mark, some good lead up work between Jayden Smileski and Harrison Anagnostopoulos saw the latter cross to O’Hanlon who laid off to Coombes. His effort from a similar spot earlier in the game had the same outcome, over the bar.
Just before half time, both strikers had half chances that weren’t taken. Sandy Lowcock blasting one across goal and minutes later, shooting over the bar from the edge of the box. At the other end, O’Hanlon couldn’t quite keep a header down from just a few yards out.
Somehow, both teams went in the break scoreless.
It didn’t take long after the break for the opening goal. Tyson Black put in a dangerous cross in from the left. The defensive clearance appeared to strike Norval before ricocheting back into goal.
Anagnostopoulos had a good chance to double Coniston’s lead on 51 minutes but he wasted the finish blasting over.
Shellharbour should have drawn level on the hour. A long floating free kick found Luke Debrot lurking unattended on the back post. His volley from just a few yards out flashed across an unguarded goal.
Coniston brought on livewire John Martinoski and he almost made an immediate impact sliding in O’Hanlon who flushed a shot that was destined for the bottom corner. Matic though, produced a fine save to deny the home side.
Just a few minutes later, Coniston and Martinoski weren’t going to be denied. Martinoski found some open space from the edge of the box and he went for placement over power finding the bottom corner to put the home side two goals up on 69 minutes.
Just seconds later, a lack of concentration from Jair Fernandez saw the ball slip through his fingers and through his legs. From corner of the penalty area, Mustafa Kardoli had an open goal to shoot at but he hooked the ball across goal in what was a big let off for both the goalkeeper and Coniston.
Just minutes later, Kardoli nearly made amends when he linked with Cody Wehmeyer before spectacularly using the outside of his foot to chip Fernandez only to see the ball bounce off the top of the cross bar.
On 76 minutes and at the other end, O’Hanlon’s header also brushed against the cross bar as both sides traded chances.
Matic was called on again to make a save when a long ball was not dealt with well enough by Nathan Cario. O’Hanlon sneaking in and winning the ball before volleying towards goal.
Shellharbour hit back on 92 minutes when Lowcock tapped in from close range as the visitors had home fans feeling a little uneasy.
Despite a few anxious moments on the edges, Coniston held on to start their season with maximum points.
Speaking to Coniston coach Franc Pierro post-game, he was glad to have got the win today. “It was tough out there today, credit to Shellharbour, they fought all game. It’s a positive start for us and we will look to build from here”.
Shellharbour’s Rod Williams lamented his side’s missed chances. “They were more clinical than us today and that wins you games”, he said.
Both sides have tough assignments next week with Coniston taking on Albion Park White Eagles whilst Shellharbour will be hoping for better finishing when they host Wollongong United.
File Photo
Report by Bobby Mazevski
