A game of two contrasting halves, defined by the changing scoreline, ended all square at Unanderra Oval on Sunday, where Unanderra Hearts FC hosted UOW FC.
Although University appeared to be in control from the first minute, dictating the tempo of the match, it was Hearts who created the first real chance. In the 10th minute, playmaker Luke Picciolini whipped in a great free kick into the box, but Dinko Terzic couldn’t get his header past Uni keeper Caleb Biondo.
Despite that, University were the first to score and their composed play rewarded in the 14th minute. Abdullah Anwer twisted and turned on the edge of the box, eventually beating his man before cutting the ball back centrally to Liam Zamuner, who calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner. A well-worked goal gave Uni a 1–0 lead.
Unanderra responded with a good opportunity in the 21st minute. On a quick transition, Gaku Yamamoto fed the ball to Mark Picciolini, who fired just wide from a golden chance.
For the remainder of the half, Uni largely controlled possession while Hearts sat deep in a low block. Although chances were limited for both sides, the visitors looked more likely to score a second.
After the restart, the momentum gradually shifted. University began to lose patience in possession, while Hearts started to push forward more aggressively.
Still, Uni had the first good chance of the second half. In the 59th minute, Zamuner played a brilliant through ball to Anwer, who controlled it and nodded it past his marker before striking the crossbar.
Immediately at the other end, Mark Picciolini sent in a cross that found Shuhei Nagasawa, whose close-range volley went just wide in the 61st minute.
From that moment on, Hearts grew in to the game and looked the more threatening side, while Uni started to play more direct, often clearing the ball back to the hosts.
Although Uni defended resolutely, they couldn’t hold on unitl the end. In the 84th minute, a corner swung into the box took a deflection, and Daniel Carreno was left unmarked to head the the equaliser home from close range.
Hearts continued to press for a winner during the remaining ordinary time and five additional minutes. In the 88th minute, Nagasawa was played through one-on-one but sent his effort just wide of the post.
The match, defined by two distinct halves, ended in a sensible draw. Next up, Unanderra Hearts FC will travel to face Corrimal Rangers midweek, while UOW FC will host Shoalhaven.
Report by Simon Dahlen
File Photo
