Balgownie Rangers drew with Dandaloo 0-0 @ Judy Masters Oval
These two sides played out a frustrating scoreless draw that was not without drama.
The Rangers played the majority of the game with just 10 players after they lost Anthony Stefanelli after just 17 minutes. He was adjudged to have denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity.
Whilst Dandaloo had a lion’s share of possession, the Rangers created some good opportunities on the break.
The draw helps neither side as they drop back a few points to the league leaders.
It’s a tough couple of weeks for Balgownie as they face the league leaders, Oak Flats Falcons next weekend in what could be a season defining game for them.
Dandaloo will be disappointed not to capitalise on this opportunity. They will be looking to make amends as they host Shoalhaven FC.
Oak Flats Falcons defeated University FC 3-1 @ Kooloobong Oval
The Falcons completed the double over University with a hard earned 3-1 win over the weekend.
Despite dominating the early stages, it wasn’t till mid way through the first half that they took the lead as Julian Minutillo hammered home.
The lead lasted less than ten minutes as William Goode replied with a goal to the students.
In what was a crazy period of the game, Sami Benten restored the Falcons’ lead just three minutes later and just before half time.
Just four minutes after the break, Benten grabbed his second as the Falcons created some breathing space, going 3-1 up.
It was a lead they held through to the final whistle. It proved important as they extended their unbeaten streak to eight and created a three-point lead at the top of the table.
Looking forward, the Falcons host Balgownie Rangers as they look to take a further step forward.
The students had found some form in recent weeks before they had to face the top two sides. They will be looking to do the double on Fernhill next week and get some breathing space in their battle to avoid relegation.
Fernhill Foxes drew with Unanderra Hearts 2-2 @ Ray Robinson Oval
We saw a see-sawing battle of two sides desperate for the points.
Mattias Passlack opened the scoring for the Foxes after just eight minutes to give them a dream start.
On the half hour, an unfortunate deflection saw Aiden Breslin put the ball into the back of his own goal, levelling things back up.
Right on the stroke of half time, Fernhill were awarded a penalty kick. Daniel Djukic calmly converted to put the home side back in front.
Fernhill had much of the possession and chances however, Unanderra showed heart as Brandon Oliviera found the net midway through the second half to square things back up.
Neither side was able to find the winner.
Unanderra shot stopper, Kenji Sawada had a standout game as he denied the Foxes on several occasions with both sides forced to share the points.
Thirroul JFC defeated Gerringong 3-2 @ Gerry Emery Reserve
After losing their opening four matches of the season, Thirroul have since been unbeaten. They managed to come from behind to get the job done against a Gerringong side that have lost their last four.
The Breakers got off to a bright start with Toby House putting them ahead after 15 minutes.
That was cancelled out just ten minutes later when Daniel Bond equalised for the visitors.
With the game in the balance, Thirroul kicked clear with two goals in five minutes on the hour. Ryan Sutcliffe and Mitchell Jones doing the damage.
Ben Wright pulled a goal back on 82 minutes for the Breakers however it was not enough as Thirroul took home the chocolates.
Thirroul have the opportunity to go nine games unbeaten as they face Unanderra whilst for Gerringong, they host Picton as they look to get off the foot of the table.
Picton Rangers defeated Shoalhaven FC 3-1 @ Ison Park
Picton got through the longest road trip in Illawarra football as they walked away with their second win on the trot after their visit to Shoalhaven.
The bushpigs got off to a great start when Jarred Morley opened the scoring on ten minutes.
They doubled their lead just after the break with Liam Gregory who managed to score his fourth in as many matches.
Jarred Morley looked to ice the game in added time to make it three; however, Shoalhaven pulled a goal back a minute later after an unfortunate own goal.
It was academic in the end as Picton secured the points, keeping themselves firmly in the hunt for a finals spot.
Ironically, they almost need to make the same trip again this week as they visit Gerringong. Shoalhaven will be disappointed that they didn’t capitalise on the home-ground advantage. They now travel to Dandaloo to try and arrest a winless four-game streak.
File Photo: Gragrapix
