Match of the Round
Dandaloo 2 defeated Fernhill 0 @ Dandaloo Sports Ground
After a shock loss to Picton away from home Dandaloo were hungry to reassert themselves as league leaders in front of their home fans, while Fernhill sitting on 10 points drew confidence from a comeback victory at home against Shoalhaven.
Dandaloo secured an important victory over Fernhill in an encounter dominated by key moments that ultimately saw the Lions remain in the top two teams. The opening stages saw an even battle with both sides engaging in physical altercations particularly off throw ins. Dandaloo’s Kyle Senior was aggressive in defence however showed brilliant calmness in attack playing important balls to winger Jeremy Flanagan who looked dangerous when one on one. The breakthrough came in spectacular fashion for Dandaloo. Following a throw-in and a defensive clearance from Fernhill, the ball fell perfectly into the path of Jacob Miller who volleyed the ball from outside the box leaving the keeper no chance. Both teams looked threatening on the break utilising pace out wide to stretch the opposition. This ultimately catalysed a chance for Dandaloo after a perfectly weighted through ball split the defence drawing the keeper out forcing a brilliant save to keep the Foxes in the match. Dandaloo continued to press and eventually doubled their advantage following a chaotic sequence inside the penalty area. A number of ricochets before a shot from Bowen Simpson cannoned off the cross bar and into the net with Jeremy Flanagan providing the assist. A key opportunity missed for Fernhill late in the half where a scramble in the box saw Kyle Booth make a sharp save, only for it to rebound to Jackson Dent who pumped it over the bar. With the first half concluded 2-0 to Dandaloo, Fernhill needed a strong response.
A major blow early in the second half for Dandaloo, defender Kyle Senior was involved in a heavy challenge having to go off with a knee injury. The loss of Senior for an extended period would be felt by Dandaloo. Fernhill began the second half brightly showing good energy on the ball with plenty of players in motion. However, the momentum swung dramatically in Dandaloo’s favour as Aidan Breslin received a second yellow for a rash slide tackle. The numerical advantage proved pivotal as Dandaloo took control of possession and the midfield battle. Despite Dandaloo’s superiority in attack they were unable to capitalise on their chances. Some positive signs for the future of Dandaloo Football Club after a Man of the Match in Youth Grade young striker Benjamin Richards came off the bench and provided additional speed and physicality going forward looking threatening any time he touched the ball. Ultimately Dandaloo just outclassed Fernhill sustaining their 2-0 lead throughout the entirety of the game.
Looking to next week Dandaloo face their toughest test yet travelling to Oat Flats in a top of the table clash, whereas Fernhill will face Picton away from home in a mid table battle to keep pressing for the top 4.
Oak Flats 2 defeated Picton 0 @ Keith Bond Oval
After coming off a grinding draw away from home Oat Flats were aiming to cement themselves as outright league leaders hosting Picton who came off an emphatic victory at home against Dandaloo.
In a grinding affair Oat Flats showed their class as league leaders, getting a few players back from last week’s disappointing draw to Thirroul. A midfield masterclass from Dane Matthews and Brodey Jelliffe saw Oat Flats flex their premiership credentials holding Picton to nil with an inspired performance from Claude D’Alessio in goal. Picton early on remained organised defensively and looked to threaten on the counterattack, but Oak Flats consistently found ways to break through the lines. A well-worked move created space in the attacking third before a clinical finish gave the home side a 1-0 advantage scored by Julian Minutillo. Picton responded positively and enjoyed periods of possession before halftime, but Oak Flats’ defensive structure remained strong and limited the visitors to few clear-cut opportunities.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Picton pushing numbers forward in search of an equaliser. However, Oak Flats continued to look dangerous in transition and were rewarded when they doubled their lead through a composed finish cementing a brace for Julian Minutillo after another incisive attacking move. From there, Oak Flats controlled the tempo of the match and managed the game effectively. Picton continued to battle until the final whistle but struggled to break down a resolute defensive unit.
Looking to next week Picton tackle Fernhill on Thursday night, looking to continue their winning ways at home, whereas Oat Flats host Dandaloo the week after in a clear match of the round.
Balgownie 4 defeated Unanderra 3 @ Judy Masters Oval
With only two points separating these teams, both were keen to affirm their premiership credentials. Unanderra came into this game following a dominant victory at home keeping Uni scoreless, whilst Balgownie will be looking to utilise their home ground advantage to regain momentum in this competition after a tough loss to Gerringong conceding 4 goals.
In front of a healthy and vocal home crowd, Balgownie burst out of the blocks opening the scoring courtesy of striker Hayden Manevski who struck on 10 minutes. The remainder of the half was evenly matched in a physical end to end encounter. Both midfield’s tried to assert their dominance into the clash, however no change in score prior to the break.
After the break the game came to life with both teams trading blows in an action packed 45 minutes. Balgownie extended their lead in the 49th minute when wide man Sean Karambasis converted from the spot. What followed was a frenetic change in momentum that saw Unanderra in front from two nil down by the 71st minute. A hat-trick of high quality from talisman Mark Picciolini that included a volley from outside the box, a clinical header and a cool one on one finish, continued to cement his reputation as a quality finisher.
Balgownie rallied and found the equaliser when Anthony Stefanelli rose and powerfully headed home from a late corner. Not satisfied with a point, Balgownie pushed for the win and were rewarded in the 93rd minute when centre back and man of the match Anthony Oliver produced a pin point through ball that was swept home by replacement striker Mitchell Walkerden.
Balgownie move to clear third on the ladder and host Shoalhaven on Saturday to catch up on the rain affected round. Unanderra will have mixed feelings, going home empty handed from Balgownie and will have to wait until the following week and travel to Shoalhaven for a tricky encounter.
University of Wollongong 2 drew Thirroul 2 @ Koloobong Oval
In a fascinating clash both teams were looking to make their mark in a bottom of the table clash. University was coming off a tough loss away from home but were hopeful of turning a series of tight results into a win. Thirroul on the other hand have what it takes to get results against the league leaders, but need to ensure they take maximum points in games like this.
In a match filled with tension and emotion, one side engineered a stunning great escape, while the other was left shattered by a result that slipped agonisingly from their grasp. In a tale of two halves University were able to fight back from a 2-0 deficit and dramatically drew late in the game. Thirroul stamped their authority early in the game with Seamus Macken-Walsh adding to his tally as Thirroul’s top goal scorer in the 14th minute. Thirroul continued to dominate with sustained periods of possession with their strong midfield duo using quick interchanges of passing to create pressure. This led to an early 2-0 lead as attacking midfielder Jake Matiuscenko placed one past the keeper to enhance their hold on the game. University fought back momentum late in the first half scoring a pivotal goal through Cameron Hanson in the 42nd minute.
This kickstarted the comeback for University as their confidence grew heavily throughout the second half hustling for one another and playing more fluent football. With both teams giving away chances it was clear that this game would come down to a moment for either side. Ultimately it was Sean Molloy who stood up when it mattered clinically finishing a dramatic equaliser in the 88th minute to cement the result a 2-2 in heartbreaking fashion for Thirroul who would have seen this match as a way to propel themselves into the hunt for the top 4.
Looking to next week University will be looking to build from this result as they come up against Gerringong in a mid-week affair, whilst Thirroul will be aiming to turn these draws into wins travelling to Balgownie in another tough game.
Shoalhaven vs Gerringong @ Ison Park
Shoallhaven were aiming to rectify a poor second half performance in front of their home fans this week in an attempt to place themselves in the top 4. In contrast Gerringong produced an outstanding performance to take all three points against Balgownie and now were looking to build some consistency into both their performances and results.
In the late game Shoalhaven took all three points against Gerringong in a close affair where both sides had opportunities for maximum points. Gerringong opened the scoring on 15 minutes when striker Toby House converted to give Gerringong the lead. House earned man of the match honours in a losing side, backing up his impressive form from the previous week, with his hold up play, finishing and work off the ball all features.
Just prior to half-time Shoalhaven equalised. An own goal from Gerringong defender Finn Croft-Trollope sent both teams to the break locked at 1-1.
Early in the second half Shoalhaven striker Joshua Hawker dispatched his side’s second to set up the win. Both teams battled hard, Gerringong pushing for an equaliser and Shoalhaven valiantly holding on.
The result has Shoalhaven in fifth place on the ladder, with a game in hand at Balgownie next Saturday presenting a further opportunity to stay in touch with the league leaders. Gerringong travel to Ian McClennan Park on Tuesday night to play Uni, in a road trip against a Uni team where results continue to be a close affair.
Report by Wyatt Toland
