Berkeley Sports secured a remarkable win against Unanderra Hearts Senior FC 2-1 at Unanderra Oval with a late strike during stoppage time that propelled them to the top position in the league.
Berkeley Sports seized command right from the kick-off with their aggressive high press strategy. In the early stages, Luke Boersma struck a free-kick from the thirty-yard out that hit the frame of the far post.
In the seventh-minute, a precision cross from Boersma sent Mondo Kagami soaring before he dazzled the ball away from Unanderra’s keeper Claude D’Alessio and the shot attempt was saved before Kagami bounced in a rebounded shot which was turned away.
Mondo Kagami had his second opportunity when he tried to hit a rebound but D’Alessio made a spectacular double save to deny him.
The relentless pressure by Berkeley was not enough to stop Unanderra because they scored. Against the run of play, a cross took an unfortunate deflection off Dylan Mena Naydovski and rolled into his own net in the 39th minute.
Just a minute later, Unanderra were reduced to ten players as Damien Jorge saw red following a second cautionable offence. The break could not come soon enough for Hearts as it allowed them to reset their strategy and how they might play out the match.
Berkeley came out with renewed enthusiasm knowing they had an extra player on the field.
Kagami began the offensive play in the 50th minute before passing the ball to Christopher Hollingshead who then attempted a shot that D’Alessio saved.
Just a minute later, Christian Plakias and D’Alessio were involved in a miscommunication which nearly gifted Kagami who was unable to capitalise.
Just as it looked like Unanderra would repel the visitors, Berkeley broke through on 77 minutes. Boersma rose the tallest to hook a Berkeley corner kick into the net and scoring the equaliser prompting Berkeley supporters to celebrate loudly.
Berkeley maintained their offensive strategy and looked to be finishing with a wet sail. D’Alessio first defended Hollingshead’s dangerous attack in the 84th minute, then moments later, Miller shot a volley but the goalkeeper denied the attempt once more.
Unanderra made it hard for themselves as substitute Thomas Hermez received his marching orders for two cautions in the space of a few minutes as the home side were forced to see out the final few minutes with just nine players.
Berkeley’s patience and stamina paid off when they scored the winning goal in stoppage time. Boersma sending Kagami running down the left flank and then the midfielder combined with Ridley to send a pass to Hollingshead whose strike decided the match.
New competition leaders, Berkeley Sports face a new test as they travel to Gerry Emery Reserve to face Gerringong Breakers FC. Meanwhile, Unanderra need to regroup as they face rejuvenated Fernhill FC.
Match Report: Unanderra Hearts Senior FC 1–2 Berkeley Sports Football Club
Venue: Unanderra Oval 1 | Kick-off: Saturday 3:00 PM
Report by Nikith George Mathew.
Photos by JK Media
