Premier League 2 Round 18
Match of the Round
Fernhill 3 defeated Dandaloo 2@ Ray Robinson Oval
Fernhill came into this clash undefeated in their last five and knowing that a win could draw them level with opponents Dandaloo to finish the regular season.
Dandaloo’s season has stalled a little after being consistent for most of the year. Coming into the finals they were keen to get both a result and a performance that would help them to prepare for finals football.
Dandaloo started the match strongly with Fernhill off the pace in the first 15 minutes. Jeremy Flanagan started the match brightly making a number of penetrating runs, testing Fernhill’s defence.
Flanagan also turned provider for Bowen Simpson, who rounded the keeper but was unable to find a team mate to finish the movement off.
Flanagan continued to threaten, whipping a ball into a dangerous area with a follow-up shot smartly diverted behind for a corner from the Fernhill keeper. From the resulting corner Dandaloo again had the ball scrambled away by a desperate Fernhill defence.
Fernhill tried to work their way into the game using their width, with both fullbacks pushing forward, but at the same time leaving them vulnerable on the counterattack.
Dandaloo were going to their strengths and using well directed corners to put pressure on the Fernhill keeper Brandon Groom, who was up to the task and well supported by his defenders.
Against the run of play Fernhill produced a great finish from striker Kyle Del, brilliant lead up work from Jordan Hughes and Brendan Pattman aiding Del prior to dispatching his opportunity on 26 minutes.
Dandaloo were level 3 minutes later when Captain Jamie Holland converted his spot kick, but not without a nervous moment where Fernhill keeper Brandon Groom got his fingers to the ball.
In a frenetic period of the match Fernhill took the lead again on 32 minutes when a pinpoint cross from Pattman found Daniel Swinton, who took his opportunity to restore the advantage for Fernhill.
Fernhill pushed to strengthen the lead, with Kento Yamamoto making an incisive run into the box, only to be taken down for a penalty. Del stepped up and completed a brace, with a well directed penalty. Fernhill going to the break up 3-1.
The second half began as a stop-start affair, with the physicality in midfield particularly from hardmen Mattias Passlack and Jamie Holland evident as both sides looked to assert dominance. Both sides struggled to find fluency, until Passlack had a shot blocked by Dandaloo centre back Daniel Chapman, to prevent Fernhill from pulling away.
Fernhill had another great opportunity to put the game beyond reach when Passlack produced a well directed flick into the path of Kyle Triffitt, who wasn’t able to complete the finish.
Dandaloo scored an excellent goal in the 84th minute to send the game down to the wire. Left back Jacob Martin with the assist for substitute Brad Acev.
Fernhill hung on for the win, but will remain behind Dandaloo on goal difference but in the top four to finish the regular season.
Gerringong 0 lost Shoalhaven 5 @ Gerry Emery Reserve
Gerringong hosted Shoalhaven in the last match of the regular season already knowing their fate. Even a win would not avert the outcome of relegation for the Breakers.
Shoalhaven were looking to finish the season strongly and have been, but with the knowledge they would be outside of the top four.
With only pride to play for, Gerringong will be frustrated to finish the season with a comprehensive loss to their local rivals.
Shoalhaven dominated the encounter, running out emphatic winners 5-0.
Two goals prior to half-time set things up for Shoalhaven with Brendan Kellett and Harry Connell converting chances to give Shoalhaven the ascendancy.
Shoalhaven went on with the job in the second half quickly taking the score to 4-0 by the 52nd minute, Brendan Kellett completing a brace and Timothy Hopkins also getting on the scoresheet.
Both sides rang the changes, Gerringong looking to try and get a consolation goal or two, but to no avail.
Danger man Zac Hawker rounding out the scoring and an excellent season on a personal level in the 89th minute.
Thirroul 3 drew Uni 3 @ Thomas Gibson Park
Thirroul were looking to finish the season bouncing back from a hammering at the hands of Oak Flats.
Uni have found great consistency over the last five weeks and come into this one undefeated during that period and reflecting on what could have been if results early in the season had gone their way.
In an exciting contest both teams finished their seasons with the points shared.
Uni struck first on 23 minutes when Oscar Knight took his chance with a clinical finish.
Thiroul rallied in front of their home crowd with Noah Biddulph equalising on 36 minutes.
On the stroke of half-time Cameron Hanson restored Uni’s advantage to take them into the break ahead.
Seamus Macken-Walsh converted from the spot on 50 minutes for Thirroul, when a penalty was awarded. Macken-Walsh has been the heart and soul for Thirroul all season and deserved a goal in this the final fixture for the season.
Four minutes later Uni striker Jake Paine, slotted home to again put Uni in front.
Thirroul left it late but in the 85th minute, Christian Presslaber equalised for Thirroul, again demonstrating Thirroul’s fighting spirit, coming from behind three times in the match.
Unanderra 4 defeated Balgownie 0 @ Unanderra Oval
Unanderra hosted Balgownie without a win in their last four matches and keen to get a result at home to finish the regular season.
Balgownie were undefeated in their last four matches, but three have been draws, with only last week’s win against Gerringong their last three point haul.
Unanderra ran out winners in style with a 4-0 whitewash. A strong defensive display coupled with clinical finishing, saw the home team finish the regular season in style.
Mark Picciolini again enhanced his reputation as a premier striker in this league, with a hat-trick across the afternoon. He continues to show his quality in front of goal, not requiring many opportunities but clinical when they present. He converted in the 22nd, 59th and 78th minutes to round out a prolific season in front of goal.
Daniel Carella also dispatched his opportunity after 32 minutes in a dominant display from the home team.
For Balgownie, this was not the performance they were after leading into the finals. They finish the regular season fourth and will need to regroup if they are to challenge the others during the finals series.
For Unanderra they finished two points behind Balgownie, in fifth position on the table.
Picton 1 defeated Oak Flats 0 @ Hume Oval
Picton ended the season on a high, securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory over league leaders Oak Flats in the final game of the regular season.
With Oak Flats having already secured first place on the ladder, the league leaders entered the contest with several key players rested. Picton, however, had plenty to play for and once again showed why their home ground has become one of the toughest places for opposition sides to visit.
The hosts made the perfect start, with key player Liam Gregory finding the back of the net early in the first half to give Picton a 1–0 lead.
Oak Flats looked to respond and find an equaliser, but Picton remained organised and defended their advantage throughout the contest. Despite the league leaders creating opportunities, they were unable to break through the Picton defence.
Picton ultimately held on for a valuable 1–0 victory, finishing their season with another impressive home performance.
For Oak Flats, the result was ultimately inconsequential to their league position. Having already secured top spot, the league leaders can look back on a highly successful regular season but must reset for their first finals game.
Picton, meanwhile, can take plenty of confidence from the result knowing they can challenge the best on their day, but will also reflect on an inconsistent season that sees their campaign come to a close.
By Wyatt Toland
