MATCH OF THE ROUND
Gerringong Breakers defeated Picton Rangers 3-2 @ Gerry Emery Reserve
A healthy contingent of fans was treated to a thrilling game at a slippery Gerry Emery Reserve on Saturday that had several momentum shifts.
The home side got off to a flying start as they dominated the early part of the match.
Jye Citra opened the scoring after just nine minutes when he was slipped through on goal. He rounded the keeper to tuck it away.
Less than a minute later, Rhyley Foenander found some space on the edge of the box before rifling a shot that looked to take a wicked bounce that deceived Haydon Armstrong. Just like that, Gerringong led 2-0.
This seemed to spark the Rangers as they finally started to put some passes together.
Jack Harris made an immediate impact for his new club as he headed past Joel Lockard off a corner kick to reduce the deficit midway through the half.
The Rangers had the opportunity to square it just before the break however they blew the chance with a missed penalty kick.
Coach Brett Morley substituted in Jayden Russell and Yuto Sato as the Rangers piled on the pressure with chances going begging and posts hit.
They pressure finally told on 79 minutes. Gerringong failed to fully clear a corner kick. It fell to Dylan Errington on the edge of the box who blasted through the crowd of players. The ball looked like it took a slight deflection as it went in off the post drawing the Rangers level.
Just as the game ticked over into added time, Richard Kessling intercepted a ball on the halfway line. He slipped in Toby House on the right-hand side. House still had work to do. He cut in on the left before sliding the ball past Armstrong to break Rangers’ hearts.
Although, they remain at the foot of the table, it was a crucial win for the Breakers as they narrow the gap heading into the last third of the season, particularly as they face some of the top teams over the next couple of weeks.
The distance on these road trips can be gruelling, and the Rangers can feel proud of their efforts over the last two weeks however, they will feel that they dropped points this week. They need to put that behind them as they have another road trip next week as they head to Unanderra.
Dandaloo drew with Shoalhaven FC 1-1 @ Dandaloo Sportsground
The Lions were forced to share the points in what was a feisty game on Saturday.
Despite hitting the lead just before half time through a well taken goal from Jamie Holland, Dandaloo were pegged back with Logan Connell latching onto a loose ball in the penalty area burying the opportunity.
Both sides had chances to win the match however a combination of good goalkeeping and poor finishing saw no further goals scored.
The last month could be pivotal as Dandaloo have won just once over the last four matches. They now find themselves five points adrift from the lead and are starting to rely on other results. They hope to get maximum points at Gerringong next week.
Shoalhaven on the other hand have now gone five games without a win and whilst their hopes of promotion have been extinguished during this run, they remain in contention for a finals berth. They will have their work cut out as they host league leaders, Oak Flats Falcons.
University FC drew with Fernhill FC 1-1 @ Kooloobong Oval
The students have been a bit of a bogey team for the Foxes over the last couple of years and whilst we would have expected the Fernhill to win this one, University seem to find another gear every time they play Fernhill.
The Foxes did however get off to the perfect start when Brendan Pattman finished a nice move to put them ahead inside three minutes.
Robust defending, poor finishing, and a slippery pitch all were determining factors to a low scoring affair.
Adam Bassuni has been a shining light for the students, and he nailed a shot that beat Samuel Rogers on 63 minutes that drew things level.
Despite several changes, neither side made any further impact with the draw perhaps benefiting University more than it did, Fernhill.
The Foxes are unbeaten from their last four starts however, their last three games have been draws. They keep ticking points over however they need to get a move on soon if they are going to feature in the finals. They will be hoping to do that next week hosting Thirroul.
The students are in a battle to avoid relegation, and every point is gold right now. They face off with Balgownie Rangers next week.
Oak Flats Falcons defeated Balgownie Rangers 8-0 @ Keith Bond Oval
Balgownie were dealt a major blow this week losing two of their senior recognised goalkeepers and were forced into a makeshift line up this week. The Falcons though showed little mercy as they handed them one of their worst defeats in recent times.
Sami Benten kicked things off with a goal after ten minutes. The Rangers holding firm for a little while thereafter but a scintillating spell late in the half saw the Falcons score four goals in the space of six minutes to blow the game apart.
Benten grabbing his second on 31 minutes before Julian Minutillo got in on the action just two minutes later. Dane Matthews chimed in on 36 minutes before Benten secured his hattrick on 38 minutes inside the first half.
Brodey Jelliffe added a sixth on 56 minutes and then helped himself to another just six minutes later.
Things went from bad to worse for the Rangers as Anthony Oliver was dismissed for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity on 73 minutes.
Joel Palermo rounded out the thrashing with a goal in added time to make it 8-0.
The Falcons have now established a healthy five-point lead and boosted their goal difference significantly to put themselves in control of their own destiny. They tackle Shoalhaven next week in their quest for promotion.
Balgownie were right in contention four weeks ago and have since only picked up two points. They will need to address their personnel issues soon otherwise they could slide outside the playoff spots. They play University FC next week.
Thirroul v Unanderra – Washed out
