Premier League 2 – Round 15
Match of the Round
Dandaloo 5 defeated Unanderra 0 @ Dandaloo Sports Ground
Dandaloo hosted Unanderra with only three points separating the two teams going into this clash. Dandaloo were looking to bounce back from a shock loss to Gerringong the week before, Unanderra also conceding late to go down to Thirroul.
Both teams came into the match without a win in their last three matches and keen to close the gap between the chasing teams behind Oak Flats.
It was Unanderra that started the brighter in terms of creating opportunities in the first 20 minutes. Striker Mark Picciolini forced an early save from Damian Bedwell when he blasted his shot goalward from a corner that was driven in low. Wide man Daniel Carella was the next to create an opportunity when he ran in behind the defence, but his cross was directed over the bar by Dinko Terzic. Daniel Jorge provided excellent delivery into the box for Unanderra all afternoon but watched as Elisseo Chiodi also directed his attempt over the bar.
Dandaloo began to settle on the ball, Captain Jamie Holland cleverly laying a ball back to Jacob Miller who blazed his shot wide of the post from just outside the box. Trent Thompson was full of running out wide, making a number of surging runs throughout the afternoon, delivering a pinpoint cross again only to see the end product turned wide.
The battle was heating up in the middle of the park with Benjamin Richards and Jamie Holland in particular for Dandaloo dialling up the physicality and winning balls both on the ground and aerially. This was balanced by strong physicality from Brock Cummins and Elisseo Chiodi as both teams searched for the first goal of the match.
Just prior to half-time Dandaloo broke through when Daniel Chapman turned the ball home from a well directed corner that was fumbled by Unanderra Keeper Kristian Bullock. Not settling for this going into half-time Dandaloo pushed for another before the break with lively wide man Jeremy Flanagan finding some space in behind the defence. His first up left footed effort was saved by Bullock, but he remained composed, collected the rebound and calmly finished to take Dandaloo to the break 2-0.
Dandaloo continued to assert themselves at the start of the second half, this time Jeremy Flanagan turned provider, sliding a cross to the back post for a smart finish from Bowen Simpson. With the match slipping away Unanderra created an excellent chance to get on the scoreboard when Daniel Jorge, played a ball down the line for Mark Picciolini who released Daniel Chicharo only to see his first time shot strike the cross bar and be cleared by the defence.
Mark Picciolini created another opportunity when he held the ball up and was fouled on the edge of the box. He stepped up and took the free kick, bending it over the wall, bringing out the best in Damian Bedwell with a save that tipped the ball around the post. Bedwell again denied Picciolini, when he broke clear and shot toward the far post, the Shot-stopper continuing an excellent afternoon that would see him keep a clean sheet.
Two goals in the last 10 minutes rounded out the afternoon for Dandaloo, with Nick High catching the keeper out with a long range volley and Jacob Martin firing home to seal an emphatic 5-0 win.
It doesn’t get any easier for Unanderra next week as they host the high flying Oak Flats. Points in this match are critical as the log jam at the bottom of the top four continues. Dandaloo travels to Thirroul, looking to continue to close the gap with Oak Flats by going up in threes.
Oak Flats 4 defeated Gerringong 1 @ Keith Bond Oval
In the early match Oak Flats were looking to build on the commanding lead they have created at the top of the ladder, hosting a Gerringong team who were buoyed by a late winner against Unanderra the week before.
Man of the match Brodey Jeliffe was at his best in another dominant display for Oak Flats. His first touch, movement off the ball and driving runs a feature of the afternoon.
The afternoon started brightly for Gerringong, and they were first on the scoreboard when Benjamin Wright took his opportunity well, to give Gerringong the lead after 33 minutes.
Oak Flats responded emphatically with three goals in a 10 minute period to cancel out the gritty work of Gerringong prior to this. Target man Sami Benten, bagging a hat-trick with the usual suspects in Jeliffe, Matthews, Vidler and Minutillo all dialling up their work in creating opportunities for their striker.
An 88 minute finish from Kohen White rounded out a come from behind win at home to keep both the points and the goal difference ticking over from the league’s top side.
Oak Flats travel to Unanderra with an eye on further extending their lead at the top of the table. Gerringong host Uni, with pride on the line and with a loss seeing either side rooted to the bottom of the ladder.
Picton 1 lost Thirroul 2 @ Hume Oval
Picton hosted Thirroul in an interesting encounter, with both sides coming into the clash on 15 competition points but struggling to string consistent results week to week. Picton are a different proposition at home and Thirroul consistently in matches, but not always converting them into maximum points.
Thirroul will be delighted taking all three points away to Picton in a match that they had to come from behind. Victories at Hume Oval have been hard to come by for a number of sides and after going a goal down courtesy of Declan Quigley after 30 minutes, Thirroul were in a similar position of needing to fight their way back from behind.
Go to man Seamus Macken-Walsh continued to be a source of goals for Thirroul when he struck on 40 minutes to level the scores prior to the break.
As the match progressed and fatigue set in, both sides pushed for a winner. For Picton Liam Gregory out wide looked threatening and the most likely outlet to goal, while for Thirroul on the counter Oscar Holden Kim and Robert Gyngell presented Picton with some problems.
The winning goal was unfortunate for both Jack Harris and Picton, when on 75 minutes, he turned the ball into his own net, giving Thirroul the lead.
Picton pushed for an equaliser, but Thirroul’s defence remained intact.
Picton travel to Fernhill who are now in the top four, with an away win essential to continue momentum up the ladder. Thirroul host Dandaloo with some confidence on the back of two tight wins in a row.
Balgownie 3 drew Fernhill 3 @ Judy Masters
Balgownie hosted Fernhill with only two competition points separating the teams going into the clash. Balgownie had gone the last four matches without a win and were desperate to break this cycle. Fernill have had a run of five matches undefeated, but with four of them finishing in draws, they have closed the gap on the top teams, but not as much as they would have liked to.
In a highly entertaining match with significant swings in momentum, Fernhill will be disappointed not to have taken maximum points after being 3-1 up with 20 minutes remaining.
It was a strong start from Fernhill with midfield hardman Mattias Paslack opening the scoring on 26 minutes. Jackson Dent doubled the lead on 51 minutes, slotting home to establish a commanding lead.
Minutes later Balgownie were back in the match when wide man Jayden Salucci converted to get the comeback under way.
Fernhill again responded on 68 minutes when Jordan Hughes took his opportunity, with a goal that looked to have put the match beyond doubt.
Man of the match Brodie O’Neill was in everything for Balgownie, with his quality on the ball, movement off it and physicality critical in earning Balgownie a share of the points.
The last 20 minutes saw Balgownie respond late with two goals in a minute, one from striker Hayden Maneski, whose willing running and tireless work was rewarded with a finish. Blake Coates found the equaliser for Balgownie to break Fernhill’s hearts and although other results went their way and saw them move into the top four of the competition.
Balgownie travel to Shoalhaven next week, needing three points to keep Fernhill from overtaking them into third place. Fernhill will host Picton, with a win potential seeing them rise into the top three teams in the competition
University 2 defeated Shoalhaven 0 @ Kooloobong Oval
University continue to sit at the bottom of the table, winless in their last four matches, but consistently in the contest. Shoalhaven also winless in their last five, but with three draws in the mix, needing a result to stay in touch with the top four.
University took all three points in a tightly contested encounter between two teams both desperate to take maximum points. Kentaro Arai was the star for Uni, with his creativity and composure notable throughout the contest.
Uni opened their account on 40 minutes when Oscar Knight fired home to give the home team the lead at the break. For the visitors Zac Hawker was threatening in the first half, but Uni’s defence and Liam Stevenson between the sticks, ensured a first half shut out.
Uni continued to grow in confidence in the second half, with both teams trading blows and creating half chances. The match was settled late in the piece when Adam Bassuni struck in the 85th minute to seal the win.
Uni’s persistence and defensive resilience limited Shoalhaven’s opportunities and maintained an important clean sheet over the 90 minutes.
University travel to Gerringong with one point separating them in the bottom two positions and with a further opportunity to build on this impressive display. Shoalhaven host Balgownie, with both teams needing to convert their opportunities into maximum points to stay in touch in a crowded upper and middle table.
By Wyatt Toland
