MATCH OF THE ROUND
Killarney 1 – 0 Southern Ettalong
The round 18 match of the round saw Killarney uphold multiple attacking raids from Southern to pick up another clean sheet and keep their perfect season alive.
It was a very tough game in windy conditions as Southern Ettalong knew what was at stake when they travelled to take on undefeated leaders at Edsaac this past Sunday. With that in mind, a determined 11 wearing the light blue shirts of Southern took the game to Killarney in the opening 45-minutes in an entertaining game with opportunities at both ends. Declan Drake made a great save from close range around 20 minutes into the contest to keep the score level. Playing into the wind, Killarney scrambled extremely well defensively, especially against the opposition’s long throw which had the league leaders under immense pressure. Despite a progressive Southern side, Killarney continued to create chances of their own when in possession and almost took the lead before halftime, but Blake Silvers was denied by the post. Desperate defending and good goalkeeping from both sides saw the score remain locked at 0-0 at the break.
Unfortunately, Southern’s central defender Matt Page, who has been such an integral part of their side this year, succumbed to a back injury at halftime and couldn’t come back out for the second half. The second half continued on the same path as the first with neither side giving an inch. Midway through the second half with the score still locked at 0-0, Southern lost another important player in midfielder Sam Webb who had to be stretchered off with a suspected season-ending leg injury. Even with these injuries and adjustments, Southern continued to match Killarney in every department until finally with around 15 minutes to go the deadlock was broken when the ball dropped to the feet of Will Hamilton from a corner and the defender was able to poke home from inside the 6-yard box. Southern kept on throwing attacks forward but we’re unable to find an equaliser as Killarney made it 14 wins from 14 games.
Dale Eggleton was delighted with his side’s effort but also commended the opposition on their remarkable season. “I was very proud of all our player’s performances and felt for the playing group when they had nothing to show for their effort and commitment. On the other hand, you have to admire Killarney for their position as undefeated leaders and the side that everyone aspires to beat, but it’s a feat easier said than done.”
With Southern now out of the way, Chris Ackerley’s attention now turns to their game against Kariong at Kariong Oval which has been a difficult challenge for many teams this year. “It was an extremely pleasing win against a strong Southern side today, with another clean sheet. Onto Kariong next week at their ground which will be another hard test as we try to keep our winning run going.”
MATCH OFFICIAL – Gerrod Young
Woongarrah 0 – 4 Kanwal
Away from home, it was a very dominant display from Ryan Walker’s squad who were able to pick up a win in all three grades over their local rivals.
The second edition of the 2022 local derby between Kanwal and Woongarrah was as expected as it always is which is a very tough game. The derby started the same way it always does, fast-paced and full of energy as both clubs look to grab the upper hand over their rivals. Chris Gavin had the chance to open the scoring for the Wildcats when his shot would beat the keeper, only to be denied by the post. Kanwal enjoyed a lot of early possession but there was not much separating the two teams in the opening 30-minutes. It was a long clearance from Kanwal keeper Kurtis Mohan that found Jason Cozens in space who dribbled into the box and shot across the Woongarrah goalie into the top corner to break the deadlock. Kanwal would lift the tempo and almost double the lead five minutes later when pressure on the Woongarrah defence saw Jason Cozens steal the ball and pass to Brad Porter who should have made it two but was denied by desperate goalline defence from Woongarrah. With the score still locked at just one goal, things turned bad for Kanwal with James Scott receiving a second yellow card and given his marching orders. As in the past this season, going down to 10 men didn’t seem to affect Kanwal and just moments before halftime, Kanwal would earn a penalty which Mason Lavery stepped up and converted to double the Bulls lead heading into the break.
The second half started much like the first as Kanwal come out the better of the two sides in the opening 10 minutes. However, that would turn, and it would be Woongarrah’s turn to get their fair share of possession as the Wildcats dominated and create a host of chances only to be denied by some great goalkeeping and a desperate defence. Cameron McPhan would make a goal-line clearance to deny the opposition and shortly after teammate Ryan Gusse would also make a desperate goal-line clearance to keep their clean sheet intact. This was also combined with a number of great saves from Kurtis Mahon who denied Woongarrah from getting back in the game. With Woongarrah’s momentum climbing, Ryan Walker would look to his bench with Adam Kwasnik and Callum Dunkerley entering the game. Within a few minutes of coming on, Kwasnik would turn the game on its head. Firstly, a great one-two with Jason Cozens allowed Kwasnik to set up Cozens for this second goal of the evening. Secondly, Kwasnik would turn his defender and dribble to goal before slotting past the keeper for the game’s fourth and final goal.
Luke Rogers gave full credit to the opposition coach as he stated they deserved the win last Sunday. “Even with 10 men Kanwal wanted it more and were the better team. We had some periods but didn’t apply ourselves for the whole ninety and you definitely cannot do that in a derby game. Ryan has his boys playing well and thoroughly deserved the win.”
Ryan Walker was ecstatic with the result and again the effort of his squad, especially with 10 men. “The work ethic of the group this year has been exceptional, and they have had to overcome difficult circumstances on many occasions. Going down to ten men does not seem to affect their mentality, in fact, they seem to lift to another level. Good luck to Luke and the boys for the rest of the season, they really took it to us today and things could have been a lot different if they were able to convert when the momentum shifted in the second half. Only the desperation in defence by my boys helped keep another clean sheet and denied Woongarrah from getting back into the game.”
MATCH OFFICIAL – Trent Dickeson
The Entrance 2 – 2 Wyoming
The Entrance fight from behind twice to claim their first result in over five weeks as the Reddies share the points with Wyoming and pick up valuable club championship points.
The match started with both The Entrance and Wyoming creating a few early chances, but it would be the Tigers who broke the deadlock when a fantastic through ball from Ian McAndrew was pounced on by Darren Cooper who slotted nicely into the bottom corner for the game’s opening goal. It wasn’t long before the Entrance levelled the contest when their speedster Ashton Hurley broke down the wing and his effort on goal was turned in by a Wyoming defender who put the ball into his own net. A lack of concentration just moments after grabbing the equaliser saw the Entrance give away a penalty. Wyoming captain and penalty specialist Matt Hall slotted home with conviction to give his side a 2-1 lead at halftime.
In the second half the Entrance came out fighting and chased an equaliser but Wyoming controlled the majority of the second half with their midfield of Darren Cooper, Kaelan Burke and Matt Hall dominating and creating a host of opportunities but Wyoming could not convert on these chances to finish the game off. The Entrance brought on their veteran Zac Anastas up top who was a thorn in the opposition like always, creating multiple problems for the Wyoming backline. Anastas made a great run, heading the ball into the opposition’s centre half whose deflection sent the ball to the opposite side of the goal as Wyoming conceded their second own goal of the fixture as the contest finished 2-2.
“A draw seemed a fair result and now we prepare for our next game,” stated Ray Seers from the Entrance.
“The game was a good battle, both teams playing for a massive reward of club championship points. It’s very odd that one team scores four goals and comes away with a draw but unfortunately, that was us on the weekend,” said Wyoming head coach Ian McAndrew.
MATCH OFFICIAL – Luke Dunkerley
Berkeley Vale 3 – 0 Avoca
A clinical Berkley Vale rejoiced to be at their home ground Mingara Oval for the first time this season as they scored three unanswered goals to pick up a three crucial points.
Berkeley Vale dominated from early proceedings in a game that should have been out of reach for Avoca in the opening 20 minutes. An amazing goal of the season contender strike from Scott McGinley midway through the first half saw Mark Pratt’s side enjoy a 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half of the contest was much of the same with Berkeley Vale controlling the game until the final whistle. Although Avoca pushed hard and created a couple of half chances, Neal Hide’s side could not convert as the Wombats saw the game out with two more goals. John Griffin grabbed the second goal of the game and doubled his side’s lead after following suit from his teammate and scoring a screamer. Not long later Corey Atkinson tucked away with precision to finish off a great team goal and complete the 3-0 score and grab his first goal of the season. This past weekend also saw Bailey Garland return for the final 15 minutes after missing the last seven weeks due to injury. The crucial 3-0 win now gives the Wombats some breathing distance in the fourth spot as their hopes to play in the finals remain in their hands.
“Berkeley Vale was too strong and clinical. Congrats to Mark and his team, I’m sure that they will be a threat to any team in the finals,” voiced Avoca’s Neal Hide.
Although failing to convert chances once again, Mark Pratt stated he can see the positives as his team was able to grind out a result. “It was probably a game that should have been out of reach for Avoca in the opening twenty minutes but as has been our issue over most of the season we failed to take the opportunities presented to us, the positive to that is that we are now willing to be patient and grind out a win. Shout out to Dane Hole from our all age, helping out commendably once again in goals and most importantly our first training session and game for the year at our home, Mingara.”
MATCH OFFICIAL – Anthony Kabbout
Terrigal 3 – 1 Kariong
A valiant Kariong side failed to pick up any club championship points this weekend as the O’lads pick up maximum points in front of a home crowd at Duffy’s Oval.
Looking for a fast start, Terrigal took the lead after 20 minutes when Daniel Bird broke through the Kariong defence to slot home into the bottom corner. Terrigal dominated proceedings in the first half with Mitch Allen going close to increasing their lead, but it was Daniel Bird again just moments before halftime who scored from a corner to double the O’lads halftime lead.
It took just ten minutes after play resumed for Terrigal to grab their third goal of the day after a Tion Gerasimou free kick caused problems in the Kariong area and eventually the ball was deflected in by an opposition defender to give Terrigal a comfortable 3-0 lead. Looking to get themselves into the contest and on the scoresheet, a long free kick by Kariong was not dealt with by the home defenders as Sam Wainwright was able to finish with a brilliant header on his first-grade debut. After quite a scrappy second period, neither team could muster any further goals as the scoreline finished 3-1 and Terrigal stays in the hunt for a top-four spot after claiming an important three points.
Although he felt like it was a much more even contest than the scoreline suggested, Ryan Finch left Duffy’s Oval feeling discouraged “Disappointing day for Kariong. I thought we were well in the contest, with the difference being Terrigal’s finishing ability and Kariong’s missed opportunities. For much of the game, we matched it with Terrigal and cause issues. The highlight for the away team was Sam Wainwright scoring on his debut with a brilliant header.”
MATCH OFFICIAL – Mark Roberts
Golden Boot Standings –
| 8 | Tyler Wade (Avoca) |
| 7 | Chris Lennon (Kariong), Mahkye Brownlie (Terrigal), Adam Woodbine (Killarney), Jason Cozens (Kanwal) |
| 6 | Stuart Adams (Terrigal), Jayden Rogers (Woongarrah), Jack Ellwood (Southern), Andy Klijn (Killarney), Daniel Bird (Terrigal) |
Points Table –
Club Championship –
DIVISION 1
Round 18 Results –
Points Table –
Club Championship –
