Match of the Round
Oak Flats 2 defeated Dandaloo 1 @ Keith Bond Oval
In a highly anticipated affair and an obvious match of the round, the two competition heavyweights did not disappoint in a tight contest that reflected both teams’ class and prowess. With a few players out for Dandaloo, most notably defender Kyle Senior, opportunities arose for new players to show their value. In the opening 10 minutes, both teams exemplified their skills, particularly Oak Flats’ midfield combination, who were lively in their passing exchanges and taking on defenders. The first chance came off a ricochet from a tackle that fell to Julian Minutillo, who drove the ball low but was no trouble for Booth in goal. Young gun Benjamin Richards earned himself a start this week and was lively early with constant pressing and threatening on the long ball with his speed. Both teams’ number 8s, Jacob Miller for Dandaloo and Dane Matthews for Oak Flats, were impressive early with good communication and quick feet, beating players effectively.
A similar strategy employed by both teams was constant balls into the box, attempting to get an advantage from winning second balls in order to get shots off. Dandaloo’s first opportunity saw them play to their wide player, who cut it back from the byline, only for it to be missed to the right. As the Dandaloo left back made a surging run towards the midfield, he was pick-pocketed, resulting in a fierce counterattack utilising quick midfield passing to create a great chance, but Kyle Booth was up to the challenge. Oak Flats enjoyed a period of half-chances after multiple shots blew over the bar, coming off impressive interchanges of play, including silky backheels and no-look passes. Against the run of play, Dandaloo went down the right wing through Benjamin Richards, who whipped in a great cross to Jeremy Flanagan, who used his speed and deception to avoid the centre backs and tap in a half volley off the left boot to give Dandaloo the lead.
In response, Oak Flats midfield maestro Dane Matthews exhibited his great physical presence in the box, winning the ball and driving a low shot at Booth, who was able to parry it away but into the path of Julian Minutillo, who had an easy tap-in.
The second half started with plenty of physicality and half-chances both ways.
It was clear that with Dandaloo having players out, a more physical game plan was implemented to ensure the classy midfielders of Oak Flats couldn’t put their stamp on the game. After another through ball Benjamin Richards used his blistering pace off the counter attack to beat his defender to create a decent opportunity only for it to be shot just wide. Noah Vidler for Oak Flats was troubling down the wing but was unable to convert on some half chances. A last ditch effort from Dandaloo left back hindered a great chance after brilliant interchange and one two play. After a ricochet from a free kick Noah Vidler struck a ball from just outside the box low and hard, with a lot of bodies in the way Kyle Booth was unable to react quickly enough. Ultimately Oak Flats’ class in the midfield paved the way for the victory against an understrength Dandaloo side. One thing for sure: these teams will see each other again in the finals. Looking to next week Dandaloo will be looking to bounce back against University who will be brimming with confidence after an emphatic win against Picton. For Oak Flats, they will be looking to continue their form against a Fernhill side who are difficult to break down.
Balgownie 2 drew Thirroul 2 @ Judy Masters Oval
Balgownie came into this round fresh off a win against Shoalhaven and level with league leaders Oak Flats and Dandaloo on 19 competition points. Thirroul continues to be in contests, but has struggled to take maximum points. They had a disrupted preparation as they lost their coach, Steve Dimitrievski, this week (through resignation).
Balgownie went into the match with a few regulars missing from their starting line-up and had to work hard early to find continuity in their play. As the half wore on, greater control and link-up play, particularly between Ethan Hawken, Sean Karambasis and Nicola Mattiuzzo, became more apparent. The willing running of Hayden Manevski up front looked like the most obvious route to the goal. Away from home, Thirroul were battling hard and defending with resilience, goal keeper Matthew Wardle marshalling his defence continuously as the teams headed to the break 0-0.
Balgownie had the first chance of the second half when an in-swinging corner made its way to the back post, with centre back Jake Wilson directing the ball goalward, only for Thirroul to clear it off the line. At the other end, Thirroul made the most of their first clear opportunity, when Seamus Macken-Walsh made a run toward the left hand corner of the field, beat two defenders and swung a cross in behind the defence. Wide man Marcus Rusbourne anticipated the ball and toed the ball home to give Thirroul the lead.
Ten minutes later, Thirroul doubled their lead and had taken control of the match. Balgownie keeper Cayden Wellsmore attempted to play out from the back, but the pass was intercepted by Jake Paine who calmly slotted the ball home. Second half substitutes Oscar Holden Kim and Blake Tonkinson provided fresh legs that with 20 minutes remaining were looking like carrying Thirroul to all three points.
This sprung Balgownie to life with a series of attacks and resulting corners, finally leading to their opener. Ethan Hawken directed a partially cleared corner to the back post where Jake Wilson was on hand to turn the ball into the roof of the net. The centre back is making a regular habit of getting on the scoresheet from corners. Momentum had begun to swing, and Thirroul were looking to hang on. Following a sweeping move striker Hayden Manevski was fouled close to the edge of the box. Sean Karambasis stepped up and his deflected free kick sent the keeper the wrong way to level the scores.
Neither team was settling for a point, with both trading blows in an exciting finish. Thirroul had keeper Matthew Wardle to thank when he made an excellent low save to his right from a Hayden Manevski shot. At the other end target man Corey Haines-Grose made good contact on a drive from the edge of the box, but Wellsmore in the Balgownie goal was able to parry it away. The final whistle was blown following another Balgownie attempt on goal from a corner that was eventually cleared by Thirroul. Both sides having to settle for a point.
Looking forward to next week, Balgownie travel to Picton, who are always a challenging proposition at home. Thirroul host Shoalhaven, in another opportunity to try and secure three points, to make some progress up the ladder.
University 4 defeated Picton 2 @ Kooloobong Oval
In a game that saw defence thrown out the window, University were able to get their second win in a row with Picton continuing to struggle away from home. A frantic and frenetic start to the game saw University’s prolific goal scorer Sean Molloy score within five minutes, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Despite this early ambush from University, Picton responded quickly through Liam Gregory who slotted his shot beyond the keeper’s grasp. This dominance for Picton was short lived with University showing purpose in front of the goal with two goals in 3 minutes through Adam Bassuni and Sean Molloy with an early brace.
From the 26th minute to half-time both teams showed great intent and promise, with the contest calming into a less frantic style. A heartbreaking blow for Picton right on half-time with Sean Molloy completing his hat-trick, making the score 3-1 at halftime, making it very difficult for Picton to regain momentum. A consolation goal for Liam Gregory a shining light for Picton in a disappointing performance. With the score finishing 4-2 to University, looking to next week, Picton returns home to face off against Balgownie in what will be a tough affair. Whereas, University will remain at home to see if they can hold their own against one of the league heavyweights Dandaloo.
Shoalhaven 3 drew Unanderra 3 @ Ison Park
In a tightly contested game with varying flows of momentum, a draw was probably a good reflection of where both these teams are at. The game started rapidly with Man of the Match Rocky Lavalle scoring in the first minute to put Shoalhaven in front. After a fast start, the game turned into a grind with plenty of balls into the box and physicality from both sides through headers off throw-ins. This was broken after a well-worked move, which was finished off by Mark Picciolini just at halftime. The second half saw Shoalhaven dominate the first 20 minutes, particularly through their midfielders controlling possession and utilising their width in attack. This ultimately led to Jack Scotcher and Fraser Macqueen scoring goals in quick succession, boosting their lead by 2 with about 20 minutes to play. However, Unanderra fought back with Mark Picciolini scoring a brace to reduce the deficit. Shoalhaven’s defence held strong for most of the game but fell in the dying minutes with Rene Vescio slotting away a goal in the 90th minute to seal a draw, but for Shoalhaven in a tightly contested competition, those two points may become a lot more important coming to the end of the season. Looking to next week, Unanderra will be aiming to replicate that second half but for a full 90 minutes against a team out of form in Gerringong. Whilst Shoalhaven travel to Thirroul, who have shown they can test the best teams in what will be a tough matchup.
Gerringong vs Fernhill @ Gerry Emery Reserve (Washed Out)
Report by Wyatt Toland
