MATCH OF THE ROUND
Killarney 3 – 1 Kanwal
Killarney extends their lead at the top of the table to ten points after defeating second-place Kanwal 3 goals to 1 in the Round 15 match of the round.
It was an even start to the game with neither team being able to dominate play, but it would be the league leaders who would open the scoring after 25 minutes to take a 1-0 lead. Andy Klijn was able to find himself on the end of a good run and cross from teammate Blake Silvers and Klijn made no mistake finding the back of the net. Kanwal had a golden opportunity to grab the equaliser when Joey Liddle found himself in on goal only to fire his shot straight at the Killarney keeper 36 minutes in. Killarney would capitalise on some poor defence from a throw-in as Ethan Hall quickly moved the ball into the box only to be brought down and win a penalty for his side. Adam Smith successfully converted from the spot to double the Terrier’s lead moments before halftime.
The second half was similar to the first with neither team dominating. Kanwal had the better of possession, but chances were few and far between for the Bulls. The best chance for Kanwal came from a cross which Brad Porter narrowly headed over the bar. Pushing for a result, Kanwal would press more forward however Killarney would again capitalise on a Kanwal error as their substitutes Bailey Van Kins and Darcy Wright would link up to allow Wright to further extend Killarney’s led to three. Kanwal would get a consolation goal in the 88th minute when a vicious freekick from Brad Porter took a deflection from a Killarney player that ricochets into their own net. Although Kanwal continued to push late, the Bulls were unsuccessful as the game finished 3-1 to Killarney.
Ryan Walker was proud of the effort from his squad and hopes they realise they can be a main player in the competition this year. “Take out the silly defensive errors and the result could have been different. Good luck to Acker and the Killarney boys, they are very disciplined and capitalise on any errors. They make very few errors themselves and are well structured. It is why they are on top of the table and are the benchmark this year.”
Although conditions were far from ideal, Chris Ackerley is happy his team has kept their perfect start to the season alive. “It was a tough game in windy conditions and a bumpy field, we were pleased to come away with a victory after no training for two weeks. It was good to continue our unbeaten run in difficult conditions, now to get ready for a big game against Berkeley Vale.”
MATCH OFFICIAL – Trent Dickeson
Terrigal 0 – 1 Berkeley Vale
Scott McGinley’s goal in the opening 10 minutes was the deciding factor in Terrigal’s home fixture at Pat Morley this past weekend.
Berkeley Vale enjoyed a great start to the contest as the Wombats controlled the majority of what was happening in the first half. A bouncing ball wasn’t dealt with by the Terrigal backline and the opportunist Scott McGinley was the quickest to react as he slotted the ball home to give Berkeley the advantage. Mahkye Brownlie thought he had an equaliser for his side 10 minutes later after his effort found the back of the net, but Brownlie was deemed to use his arm in the process and the goal did not stand. Berkeley had numerous opportunities in the first half with relentless pressure on Terrigal with a succession of corners, but the Wombats couldn’t find the back of the net for a second goal.
However, momentum swung in the favour of Terrigal in the second half of the game with the O’lads throwing everything at the opposition in search of an equaliser. Terrigal pushed hard but it was an off day for the strikers in orange and Berkeley defended well throughout to claim a vital 3 points in their season.
Martyn Griffiths admitted post-match that his team were slow to start. “We were slow off the mark today and throughout the game really. A bit untidy with our passing and not sharp enough in the final third. To be fair with Berkeley, they defended really well as a unit and good in possession and we couldn’t break them down. We’ve only played one game at Duffy’s this season and having to come to Pat Morley 3 is far from ideal. We have three home games in five weeks, I’m hoping that the rain holds off a little so we can gain some home advantage.”
Despite getting the win, Berkeley’s injury list continues to grow as Mark Pratt states a key player will miss the remainder of the season. “After not playing for two weeks it was good to get back out on the park and another neutral ground. The negative on the day was Mick Dalton who needed to be replaced midway through the first half, Dalton has sustained a fracture to his leg and will be a big loss for us for the remainder of the season.”
MATCH OFFICIAL – Jason Blackwood
Wyoming 0 – 1 Woongarrah
Woongarrah avenges their result from earlier in the year as they hold on to their lead to claim all three points against Wyoming this past Sunday.
In a fixture that was originally scheduled for Alan Davidson Oval, the wet weather had ruled out Alan Davidson and the fixture was moved to Woongarrah’s home ground at Hamlyn Terrace. After two weeks on the sideline, both teams started quite rusty as they looked to build into the game and find some momentum. It would be Woongarrah who found their grove first, dominating field position and creating a host of chances only to be denied by the outstanding Wyoming goalkeeper Tom Coventry and also the framework. Woongarrah were awarded a penalty in the first half and Jayden Rogers would be the one to step up for the Wildcats. Unfortunately, Rogers was unsuccessful on his first attempt as Tom Coventry made the save but the official made the call to replay the penalty. Once again Rogers was unable to convert from the spot as Tom Coventry would deny him once again with another great save.
The second half of action saw a much closer affair with the majority of the game played between both boxes. Woongarrah was able to find the breakthrough goal when Kyle Harvey found the neat from inside the box with a tidy finish. Both teams would continue to create half chances but neither side would find the back of the net again as Kyle Harvey’s goal would be the only difference between these two sides on this occasion.
Ian McAndrew congratulated the opposition on the win post-match. “It was a very tough game again against Woongarrah. The game was very even with both teams having opportunities. Well done to Luke and Woongarrah on a hard-fought win.”
Luke Rogers backed up McAndrew’s statement in that it was a very hard-fought game just like their last meeting. “Ian and his boys gave us a tough game as they always do. Just like the first time we met earlier in the season, it went right down to the wire with some good footy played by both sides. I’m really pleased with the way we defended and happy to continue where we left off after the two-week break.”
MATCH OFFICIAL – Miles Allen-Scott
Avoca 1 – 1 Kariong
A last-minute equaliser from Kariong allowed them to split the points with Avoca after a very tough contest between the two ended 1-all.
Strong winds and a bumpy surface made for a very tough game for these two teams when they met this past Sunday at Fagan’s Park. Below-par playing conditions and the fact that neither side has had a game in over 2 weeks made for the first half with few chances for both clubs. The score remained locked at 0-0 after the opening 45 minutes.
Avoca created more chances as they look to find some sort of rhythm in the second half of the contest. With 10 minutes to go Avoca broke the deadlock and took the lead after a well-taken goal from Oliver Chippendale. It looked like Chippendale’s goal was going to be the winner for Avoca as little time remained. However, with a minute remaining, Chris Lennon was sent through on goal and finished coolly with the outside of his foot into the bottom corner to grab the equaliser for Kariong and ultimately a crucial point.
Avoca coach Neal Hide commended the opposition who has come a long way since their first encounter. “Avoca were disappointed not to win but credit to Kariong, they are much improved compared to the beginning of the season.”
Kariong’s Ryan Finch was ecstatic his team was able to rally together to walk away with a point. “It was a pretty even game with neither team creating many clear-cut chances. I’m very pleased with my team’s performance and the fact we went behind late, and we were still able to dig in and salvage a deserved point.”
MATCH OFFICIAL – Luke Dunkerley
Southern & Ettalong 3 – 1 The Entrance
Southern & Ettalong pick up their first win in their last six games to help keep their chances of playing finals football in 2022 alive.
Not having stepped on the pitch in over two weeks you could excuse both teams if they took time to get going. However, that wasn’t the case with these two clubs who looked to apply pressure defensively and gain the ascendency in attack from early on despite the tough playing conditions. After 20 minutes it was Southern Ettalong who put the telling attack together when midfielder Charlie Polson found striker Keith Gumbs in space down the right, Gumbs would hit a pinpoint cross to the far post where Jack Elwood thumped a header past the Entrance keeper to make it 1-0 to the home side. 5 minutes later it was Gumbs who once again provided when he guided a clearance from Alex Wardle in the Southern goal with his head into the path of Matt Caisley who cut inside the Reddies defence to slot home a good left-foot finish to double the Lions’ lead which they kept until half time.
The second half saw both teams start to make replacements as the three weeks off started to take a toll on the players and this was evident in the intensity levels of the game. The second half of action was a lot better for the Entrance and after a few half chances, the Reddies were back in the game after Will Bowden pounced to knock a loose ball, from a free kick that hit the bar, into the back of the net to give his side a lifeline. Southern then rallied together and went on the attack, after the opposition keeper interfered with an attacking player, Southern received their first penalty for the 2022 season that was coolly converted by the returning Jacob Lepre to score the final goal of the game and solidify his sides 3-1 win.
New head coach Ray Seers had nothing but positive words for the opposition who deserved the three points on the day. “Southern deserved the win. They have a good balance of youth and experience and settled into the game better. It took us too long to get going and we needed more out of every player on the field from the get-go. We will make a couple of changes and prepare for Sunday.”
Dale Eggleton also spoke positively of his opposition and stated they are a tough side to beat for any challenger. “The Entrance is an emerging young side who again showed a tenacity in defence and ability in attack and I feel they will not only trouble all their opposition for the rest of the season but also gain some positive results.”
MATCH OFFICIAL – Isaac Kastelan
Golden Boot Standings –
| 7 | Chris Lennon (Kariong) |
| 6 | Stuart Adams (Terrigal), Adam Woodbine (Killarney), Mahkye Brownlie (Terrigal), Tyler Wade (Avoca), Jayden Rogers (Woongarrah), Jack Ellwood (Southern) |
Points Table –
Club Championship –
DIVISION 1
Round 15 Results –
Points Table –
Club Championship –
