Match of the Round
Dandaloo FC def University 5-3 @ Dandaloo Sportsground
Dandaloo started the game with great pace and intensity, eager to atone for their last start loss.
They created their first chance in the opening minutes when Jacob Miller did well to beat his opponent on the left before whipping in a dangerous ball that saw Jeremy Flanagan get a foot to however, Liam Stevenson did well to smother the effort from close range.
Just a few minutes later, Bradley Acev lobbed a ball over the top for Flanagan, who was denied by a last-ditch tackle.
Dandaloo opened the scoring on 19 minutes. Acev putting Flanagan through on goal. His first effort thundered the underside of the crossbar before he followed it up to tap it with Stevenson sprawled.
After being dominated, University fought back and with virtually their first genuine attacking raid, they levelled just five minutes later. Adam Bassuni found some space on the edge of the box and fired a shot that was charged down by Ky Simpson; however, the shot popped up and over Damien Bedwell.
With the game wide open, both sides traded chances with Flanagan blasting over from a tight angle before Sean Molloy almost put University ahead after he forced a good save from Bedwell after poking a shot from a scramble.
Dandaloo were back in front just a couple of minutes from the break. It was Flanagan’s turn to turn provider as he burst down the left before crossing to Acev, who had an easy tap-in.
Seconds after the restart, Acev headed home from close range after a perfect cross from Jacob Martin.
Just as one thought the home side would run away with the game, University showed great character to fight back.
Just minutes later, Molloy got on the end of a long ball and with the keeper to beat, he hooked his shot wide.
And 90 seconds later, Molloy made amends after he found himself through on goal. His effort struck the post, and he was able to regain the rebound and tuck it neatly away. All of a sudden, the University was just a goal down.
The fightback was short-lived as University failed to clear from a crossed ball. The ball fell to Nicholas High, who snuck his effort inside the near post.
Five minutes later, Cameron Hansen burst through the middle before sliding Tetsuya Kashiwazaki through on goal. He rounded the keeper before slipping into the net.
With Dandaloo holding a 4-3 lead, Acev crashed his shot against the crossbar on the hour.
On 65 minutes, some sloppy defending from University gifted Kyle Kirkland a chance, which he neatly took, giving the home side some breathing space again.
Chances to High and Acev late in the game went begging as Dandaloo looked to extend their lead.
There was one last chance that fell to Molloy who forced a strong save in the dying embers.
Dandaloo going on to open their account for 2026. They now face Balgownie at home next week. University, on the other hand, just couldn’t match Dandaloo’s energy, and things won’t get any easier next week as they tackle the Falcons.
Balgownie Rangers drew with Picton Rangers 0-0 @ Judy Masters Oval
The battle of the Rangers ended scoreless with neither side managing a breakthrough.
Cayden Wellsmore, between the sticks for Balgownie, pulled off several big saves to deny Picton, who perhaps will consider themselves unlucky not to walk away with all three points.
Balgownie have shown some great resilience already this season, and points like this will only boost their confidence.
Nicola Mattiuzzo was proving a nuisance for the Picton defence, who did well to contain him.
Both teams have tough battles with Balgownie playing a rejuvenated Dandaloo away, whilst Picton hosts the high-flying Shoalhaven.
Unanderra def Gerringong 3-2 @ Unanderra Oval
Unanderra kick-started their season as they overcame Gerringong in fortuitous circumstances.
After a physical start to the match, both sides settled into the game. Just after the half hour, a neat ball over the top saw Mark Picciolini hold off several defenders to slot the ball home and give the hosts the lead.
Right on half time, Elisseo Chiodi make it two nil as Unanderra took control of the game.
Gerringong came out in the second half with a bit more purpose, and they were rewarded on the hour when Rhyley Foenander latched onto a through ball before neatly disposing of it to reduce the deficit.
With just seven minutes left, Gerringong’s Kinari Takahashi somehow managed to float his corner kick directly into the goal. Gerringong’s persistence looked to earn them a point from two goals down.
There was to be one more twist in this match. With just a minute left, Unanderra had a corner kick of their own. The ball was thrust into the mixer. A goalmouth scramble ensued, with the ball ricocheting off goalkeeper Joel Lockard before bouncing over the line.
It was a cruel blow to the Breakers, who perhaps deserved something out of the game.
The loss leaves the Breakers winless in two starts as they face up to Thirroul next week. Unanderra, on the other hand, will be pleased to get the points as they face leaders Fernhill.
Fernhill def Oak Flats Falcons 2-1 @ Ray Robsinson Park
The new lights were in full effect at Ray Robinson Park, with the home side celebrating this milestone with a win over rivals Oak Flats Falcons, who haven’t beaten the Foxes for over three years.
Both teams looked up for it as the game got off to a fast start.
Mattias Passlack put the Foxes ahead as early as the 10th minute with a strong finish from the edge of the penalty area.
Julian Minutillo showed his class when he broke through, rounding the goalkeeper after 26 minutes to level the scores.
Passlack nabbed another for the Foxes on 41 minutes when he got on the end of a long ball over the top. He managed to get his head to the ball looping into goal.
Despite several close calls, neither side managed to score in the second half as the Foxes extended their winning streak against the Falcons.
The win puts the Foxes in poll position after just two rounds. They will be looking to continue their perfect start against Unanderra Hearts. The Falcons won’t be dwelling on that as they play University FC next week.
Shoalhaven FC def Thirroul 2-1 @ Ison Park
Thirroul came up empty after a long road trip to Nowra on Monday.
After a bright start, Logan Connell put the home side ahead after 17 minutes.
The game turned into a bit of an arm wrestle with near misses at both ends. On the hour, Jake Paine managed to find the net to level the scores.
Just as the game looked destined for a draw, Connell showed a cool head as he finished a nice move to score what turned out to be the winning goal.
Shoalhaven has now gone two from two to start the season. They now face their longest road trip of the season as they make the trek to Picton next week.
Thirroul will be ruing their missed opportunities as they look to make amends as they host Gerringong Breakers.
