Premier League 2 – Round 8 Review
Match of the Round
Gerringong vs Balgownie @ Gerry Emery Reserve
Gerringong hosted Balgownie on the back of a wash out the previous week for both teams. Gerringong had lost their last two matches, while Balgownie were on a three match winning streak.
Played in perfect conditions with the beautiful backdrop of the escarpment, Gerringong produced an outstanding display belying their position on the ladder. A first half ambush set up the win, with a combination of hustle in the middle of the park, winning key challenges and tactically exploiting Balgownie with clever passing in behind the defence. Gerringong carved out a couple of early chances, the first falling to Jacob Jeffrey, when he found himself in space, but failed to capitalise, missing the header. A headed flick on by striker Toby House, saw Jye Citra career into space behind Balgownie’s defence, only to blast his shot over the bar.
Jeffrey opened the scoring after 9 minutes, riffling a volley from the edge of the box into the top corner of the goal, following the receipt of a ball reversed back from the by-line. Balgownie responded immediately, but after excellent lead-up work from Glenn Muchena, Jayden Salucci spurned a golden opportunity to level things up.
Jeffrey helped Gerringong extend the lead on 22 minutes, when he bent a corner into a difficult area near the front post. Balgownie keeper Cayden Wellsmore failed to deal with this and could only punch the ball onto his own post and subsequently the back of his net. Brodie O’Neill tried to spark Balgownie, making a penetrating run into the box, but again Balgownie failed to hit the target. In one of the plays of the match a series of passing starting with Gerringong’s Finn Croft-Trollope at the back through Citra, House and Jeffrey, laid on a chance for Rhyley Foenander, with his one on one strike foiled by Balgownie shot stopper Wellsmore on this occasion.
In the run to half-time Citra played another ball into space behind the Balgownie defence, Toby House raced onto the ball and squared it back across goal to where Citra had taken up a position in the box, the finish wasn’t convincing but enough to bundle the ball over the line and take a commanding lead to the break.
Gerringong created opportunities almost immediately after the break. Jacob Jeffrey brought out the best again from Cayden Wellsmore, with a sharp save down to his right. Wellsmore had no chance when Toby House won possession from a Balgownie defender in a dangerous area, slotting past the keeper to extend the lead to 4-0. The willing running of House all afternoon, challenged Balgownie at the back and with Darcy Barnes and Cameron Donovan rock solid and Citra and Jeffreys providing the creativity, this laid the bedrock for an upset win.
Glenn Muchena made a series of surging runs and provided an outlet for Balgownie to try and work their way back into the contest. Following a driving run, his cross was headed wide by striker Hayden Manevski. Balgownie finally got themselves on the scoresheet after a ball was headed back across goal toward the penalty spot, centre back Jake Wilson acrobatically executing a well placed over head kick to provide some hope. A further chance fell to Manevski in a good position, but he couldn’t find either the placement or power with defenders in close quarters.
A further late consolation goal was scored again by Wilson, rounding out the scoring at 4-2. Darcy Barnes hobbled off late in the match for Gerringong and they will be hopeful that it isn’t serious, given the performance he was able to manufacture in the centre of the park for the Breakers.
Next up Gerringong will travel to Shoalhaven following a statement win, but knowing that consistency is what is required to continue upward movement in the league. Balgownie, will need to regroup as they host a Unanderra team hardened by a recent challenging run of games, but with some key finishers in front of goal that will require special attention.
Picton vs Dandaloo @ Hume Oval
Hume Oval was the setting for a showdown between league leaders Dandaloo and Picton. Dandaloo were undefeated across their last five matches, but experienced some frustration after giving up a lead last week to draw with Thirroul. Picton haven’t won across their last five matches, with two draws their only source of points.
Coming into the fixture fresh from a Round 7 washout, Picton faced the daunting task of hosting a top of the table Dandaloo side desperate to protect their lead at the summit. What unfolded was a classic, gritty encounter defined by defensive resilience and a man of the match performance by Picton keeper Matthew between the sticks.
The opening 45 minutes saw a tactical chess match. Dandaloo looked to assert their usual physicality to the game early, but struggled to find their rhythm against a well-structured Picton side, notoriously difficult to beat at home. Refreshed by an unexpected week off, the Rangers’ backline held firm with Lauchlan O’Bree ensuring anything thrown at the Picton goal was repelled. Kyle Senior looked the most likely to break down the defensive wall and schemed all afternoon, but wasn’t able to either unlock or convert for the Lions. The sides went into the halftime break locked at 0-0, with Picton clearly growing in confidence.
In the 68th minute Liam Gregory broke the deadlock, taking his opportunity and ensuring a dramatic finish to the match. A further twist unfolded when Spencer Barnes was given his marching orders after 75 minutes. This left Picton with a difficult task against a desperate Dandaloo side who enjoyed an extra man advantage for the remainder of the match.
Dandaloo launched a late onslaught that required Picton to protect their lead, dropping deep and defending with vigour. Showing the same grit that saw them go undefeated at Hume Oval last season, the ten man Rangers defended heroically to deny the league leaders an equaliser.
On the back of this season defining result for Picton, they will now travel to Oak Flats looking to test themselves away from home against another quality opponent. Dandaloo host Fernhill, needing to recover from consecutively dropping points to lower league opponents, needing a win to consolidate their position at the top of the league.
Thirroul vs Oak Flats @ Thomas Gibson
Thirroul hosted Oak Flats in what presented as an intriguing encounter. Thirroul were undefeated in their last three matches, with a win and two draws. Oak Flats form is red hot, with wins in their last four matches leading into this one.
A tactical masterclass and a stunning individual performance between the posts saw Thirroul Thunder halt Oak Flats momentum, grinding out a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Thomas Gibson Park. The afternoon belonged to the defenses, with Thirroul goalkeeper Matthew Wardle turning in a heroic Man of the Match display to ensure the points were shared.
The opening exchanges made it clear that neither side was willing to yield an inch. Thirroul’s recent unbeaten run has been built on discipline, and they showed exactly why. Closing down spaces quickly and restricting Oak Flats dangerous attackers in a disciplined display. When Oak Flats did manage to engineer sights on goal, they found Matthew Wardle in imperious form early on. The teams headed down the tunnel with the scores locked up.
Oak Flats, knowing that there was an opportunity to be top of the league with a win, pushed for a win in the second half. Despite the efforts of attacking threats such as Brodey Jeliffe, Noah Vidler and target man Sami Benten, Thirroul repelled Oak Flats time and time again. Thirroul shot-stopper Wardle continued to keep the Falcons at bay, frustrating the visitors time and time again. Despite an Oak Flats push to keep their winning streak alive, the Thunder remained resolute under pressure until the final whistle.
In back to back weeks Thirroul have taken a point against the top two, but now need to look for three points against a Uni side hungry for some points of their own. Oak Flats have moved to top of the league on goal difference following Dandaloo’s slip at Picton and will host the Rangers next week in a tricky fixture at Keith Bond Oval.
Unanderra vs University of Wollongong @ Unanderra Oval
Unanderra hosted Uni as they looked to turn the tide from back to back losses to top of the table opponents. Uni were languishing in bottom place, but have been in the game suffering narrow losses in their most recent encounters.
The Hearts successfully righted the ship at Unanderra Oval, snapping a difficult stretch of form with a clinical 2-0 victory over the University of Wollongong FC. Finishing and the performance of midfield maestro Luke Picciolini proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Despite Uni’s position on the ladder it was a gritty performance and one that frustrated Unanaderra for long periods in the match. All of their recent losses continue to be close, but a clinical edge to finishing in the final third continues to escape them.
Just as it appeared the sides would head into the sheds deadlocked, Unanderra found the crucial breakthrough. One minute into added time prior to the break, Elisseo Chiodi found space to fire home, handing the Hearts a massive psychological lift and breaking University’s stubborn first-half resistance.
Unanderra wasted no time capitalising on their momentum after the interval. Just five minutes into the second half, Mark Picciolini struck, continuing his regular contributions to the scoresheet for the Hearts.
The Hearts closed it out keeping a clean sheet and with other results falling their way are only one point behind joint league leaders Oak Flats and Dandaloo.
After enduring a tough fortnight Unanderra bagged three important points, but now move on to face a Balgownie team looking to recover from an upset loss to Gerringong. Anchored to the bottom of the table, Uni host Thirrou, desperate to find the eye for goal they had a few weeks back against Fernhill as well as looking to tighten up at the defensive end.
Fernhill vs Shoalhaven @ Ray Robinson Oval
Fernhill hosted Shoalhaven in the only Sunday match, needing a win to keep in contact with the top placed teams in the competition. Their last three matches have seen plenty of goals, but ending up on the wrong side of scorelines. Shoalhaven sit in striking distance of the top four, with the prospect of an away win and results going in their favour, propelling them to within reach of the league’s summit.
Fernhill produced a strong second-half performance to overcome Shoalhaven in an entertaining and physical encounter played under the sunny skies of Ray Robinson Oval.
The opening stages were evenly contested, with both sides enjoying periods of possession and battling fiercely for control in midfield. Aerial duels were a feature early, while Shoalhaven looked to gain territory through direct long balls. An excellent pass from Shoalhaven’s Matthew Kellett released the striker in the opening minutes, signalling the visitors’ attacking intent. Fernhill responded by utilising overlapping fullbacks to stretch the play and create width. Mattias Passlack was influential in midfield, imposing himself physically as the hosts gradually began to gain control. A dangerous cross from Fernhill’s Daniel Djukic flashed across the face of goal before Jackson Dent was brought down while on goal, earning Kim Leonard of Shoalhaven a yellow card.
Fernhill started to dominate the midfield battle, whereas Shoalhaven looked to exploit Fernhill on the counter attack. A superb defensive intervention from Shoalhaven’s Kim Leonard prevented a certain scoring opportunity, while at the other end Logan Connell missed a one-on-one chance after being released through on goal. After several dangerous free kicks failed to produce a breakthrough, Shoalhaven struck first. A long ball sparked a rapid counter attack, with Joshua Hawker producing a brilliant first touch before slipping a perfectly weighted pass into the path of the goalscorer Logan Connell.
Fernhill responded immediately, forcing two strong saves from the Shoalhaven goalkeeper through efforts from Joshua Crapis and Jackson Dent. The hosts continued to create opportunities through their overlapping fullbacks, while Shoalhaven remained a threat through their physical approach and counter attacking style. Chances continued at both ends before the halftime whistle, with goalkeepers called into action to preserve the scoreline.
Fernhill began the second half positively, with Jordan Hughes lifting an early effort over the crossbar. Shoalhaven almost doubled their advantage when a clever through ball and cross found Joshua Hawker, only for Fernhill’s Dejan Djukic to produce a goal-line clearance. The momentum gradually swung towards Fernhill. A driving run from Kento Yamamoto forced another save before a slick interchange between Daniel Djukic and Jordan Hughes brought the hosts level. The game opened up into an entertaining end-to-end contest. Fernhill continued to target Daniel Djukic while Shoalhaven’s Joshua Hawker remained a constant threat with his pace and physicality. Fernhill’s pressure eventually paid off. A dangerous delivery into the area was met by Mattias Passlock with a glancing header, setting up Jordan Hughes, who volleyed home from the penalty spot. The goalscorer was forced off injured after colliding with the keeper during his shot, having been one of Fernhill’s standout performers throughout the match. Mattias Passlock continued to dominate the midfield, combining physicality with intelligent distribution, while Fernhill’s attacking wingbacks consistently exploited space out wide. Shoalhaven continued to fight, creating chances through crosses and set pieces, including a dangerous free kick from Joshua Hawker and a late corner that required another save from the Fernhill goalkeeper. Late pressure from the visitors could not produce an equaliser. In the end, Fernhill’s second-half intensity, midfield control and effective use of width proved decisive as they came from behind to secure a deserved victory 2-1 over a resilient Shoalhaven side.
Fernhill travel to Dandaloo, in a match that will test their credentials as contenders. Shoalhaven will host a Gerringong team buoyed by an upset win over Balgownie.
Report by Wyatt Toland
Feature Photo: Gragrapix
