Match of the Round
Killarney 2 – 0 Terrigal
These two rivals met for the round 4 match of the round for a rematch of the 2022 MPL Grand Final and the latest instalment of the Ash Grant Cup.
Coming off an intense 120-minute battle mid-week when the O’lads travelled to the Northern Suburbs to face NWS Spirit FC in the Australia Cup where they fell 2-0 in extra time, you could sense that this played a factor early in the game as the O’lads started slow and looked sluggish.
A fired-up Killarney took full advantage of the opposition’s below-par start to the contest and within the opening 15 minutes, the Terriers found themselves 2-0 up.
The first goal of the day came after a short corner found Andy Klijn who pulled back to his teammate Harry Fountain who slotted home on the angle from 10 yards out to give the reigning league champions a 1-0 lead.
Just moments later Andy Klijn found himself in behind the Terrigal defence as he left the goalkeeper with no chance as he rifled a shot into the bottom corner to extend the Terrier’s lead which they carried into half-time.
Despite a few half chances from both sides in the second period, neither team could add to the scoreline as Killarney bested their rivals 2-0 to move above them on the MPL ladder.
Chris Ackerley voiced his happiness with Sunday’s win and clean sheet against tough opposition. “Was quite a scrappy game with both sides working out to close one another down. Was very pleased today not to concede a goal as that had been our main focus, as we had been giving away too many silly goals.”
Ackerley also added, “Terrigal as usual we’re extremely difficult and will definitely be amongst the league title contenders.”
Pete Edwards of Terrigal commended the opposition but admitted his side struggled to find a way back into the game. “We went into this match with a clear plan and focus but although we had the majority of the possession, we just couldn’t find the spark to get back into the game.”
“Massive credit to Killarney who as always set up in two solid blocks of 4 and made it really hard to break down. We were well off our game, which is a shame considering the rivalry between the teams. But we couldn’t get out of second gear.”
Match Official – Miles Allen-Scott
East Gosford 0 – 2 Avoca
After a tough opening schedule, East Gosford headed into Sunday’s game looking for their first points of the season as they welcomed the Avoca Shark to Hylton Moore who were also looking to secure their first points of the year.
East Gosford went into round 4 welcoming back a couple of key players and a change of formation from coach Ricky Sansom saw the home side start the game well and on the front foot.
The opening 45 minutes was an extremely tough, back-and-forth contest that somehow remained goalless at halftime.
The visitors missed two excellent opportunities while up the other end, the Rams were denied by the crossbar to keep the score level.
East Gosford had the best chance of the first half when they were awarded a penalty on the stroke of halftime. Still searching for their opening first-grade goal of the MPL season, East Gosford fans were made to wait even longer as Phil Anderson stepped up for his side and brilliantly saved the penalty and keep the game locked at 0-0 at the break.
The second half was a different story as the experience of Avoca showed as the Sharks controlled more of the possession.
Some loose ball distribution from the Rams put their side under constant pressure which resulted in Avoca being awarded two clear-cut penalties.
Cooper Ebrington stepped up for his side and delivered on both occasions to give Avoca their first win of the season.
East Gosford fought hard but couldn’t replicate the pressure they exerted in the opening half as they lost their fourth straight since joining the MPL competition.
Coming off his first win in 2023, Neal Hide commended the opposition as he states they will be a tough team to compete against in the competition. “East Gosford will definitely trouble all teams that they play, whilst Avoca continue to improve.”
Ram’s head coach Ricky Sansom stated that his young side has what it takes to be competitive and that they are eager to do what it takes to compete. “We are still learning what it takes to play at this level, but some positive signs were there, we just now have to finish the games off. With a very young squad, we will keep working hard and continue to improve.”
Match Official – Anthony Kabbout
Wyoming 1 – 2 Kanwal
It was a hard-fought and entertaining match at Alan Davidson Oval on Sunday between Wyoming and Kanwal, with both teams entering the contest looking to continue their impressive starts to the season.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with Kanwal claiming the majority of possession but neither team created many clear-cut chances as the game looked to be heading into the break at 0-0.
However, the deadlock was broken in the last minute of injury time when Logan Moore dribbled into the box and was fouled by a Wyoming defender, resulting in a Bulls penalty.
James Scott stepped up and calmly converted, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner to give Kanwal a 1-0 lead with the final kick of the half.
Kanwal once again took control in the second half, with Logan Moore doubling the Bull’s lead in the 63rd minute. Goal scorer James Scott turned provider as he played a delightful ball to Moore, who poked it past the keeper to secure his side’s second goal of the day.
Despite going two goals down, Wyoming continued to fight and were rewarded in the 85th minute when returning First Grade captain Matt Hall scored with a left-footed shot to give his side a lifeline.
Matt Hall’s goal spurred Wyoming on to mount a late comeback as they created a flurry of late chances, even having a shot cleared off the line and hitting the crossbar off a corner with only minutes left on the clock.
But the Tigers were unable to find an equaliser as the Bulls picked up a 2-1 win, an impressive third straight win on the road for Kanwal as they move to the top of the table.
After the match, Kanwal coach Ryan Walker expressed his satisfaction with the victory. “It was a hard-fought win, and I’m proud of the boys for grinding out the result.”
Walker also stated, “We played well in patches, but we need to close these games out earlier. Wyoming is a good side, and we gave them too many chances late in the game which almost cost us the three points.”
“It was a very even game and Kanwal played well and got the two goals that won them the game. My guys fought well and were very unlucky not to pinch a draw,” voiced Wyoming’s Ian McAndrew when reflecting on the game.
Match Official – Des Patch
Southern & Ettalong 0 – 2 Berkeley Vale
Two of the competition favourites met this past Sunday as SEUFC welcomed the Wombats to the Den.
Despite the threat of heavy rain predicted, James Browne Oval only received a few heavy showers but it took some time for both teams to adjust to playing on the testing surface.
Both teams entered the contest with missing players through injury, illness and childbirth which led to an equal share of possession in the opening 45 minutes.
Both teams created half chances at each end only to see their defences scramble at times to ensure they headed into the sheds locked at 0-0 after an arm wrestle of a first half where neither side could gain the upper hand.
The second half started with both teams intent on finding the game’s first goal, Berkeley Vale looked the more enterprising and would open the scoring in the 53rd minute when the Lions were caught not playing the whistle after appeals for a free kick were denied.
The Wombats moved the ball quickly in transition down the right flank to Tristan Bellmore who was able to cut in and find Shane Littlehales unmarked on the edge of the area who made no mistake with his shot deflecting off the inside of the post to give his side a 1-0 lead.
The game continued with both teams applying pressure in search of the next crucial goal of the contest. It was Berkeley Vale looking the fresher of the two sides as the Lions were coming off their mid-week Association Cup Grand Final.
In the 83rd minute, it was speedster Ashton Hurley once again getting in behind the Lion’s defence and squared his cross to Tristan Bellmore who fired his shot home securing all three points for the Wombats in a deserved victory.
“Always a big day when you take the points at Southern so very happy to leave the peninsula with all three,” stated Berkeley Vale’s Mark Pratt.
Dale Eggleton commended the opposition’s coaches for the win as his focus now moves to next week’s important match again the O’lads. “Congratulations to Andre & Mark they have certainly been busy building new squads in the off-season. Today we were second best. We will regroup and hopefully have a few more players available for selection next week and will prepare for a tough fixture away at Terrigal.”
Match Official – Trent Dickeson
Woy Woy 2 – 3 The Entrance
It was a day to remember for the Reddies this past weekend who despite ending the game with just 9-men, were able to come from behind and secure their first win of the season on enemy territory against MPL newcomers Woy Woy.
The Entrance lost their veteran attacker Zac Anastas in just the 15th minute after he was shown a straight red card which would see his team battle with a player down for the majority of the match.
Woy Woy started strong and were in control for the opening 20 minutes until they fell into their old trap of kicking the ball long into the mixer and hoping for the best instead of working the ball up the field like they have done in recent weeks to start the season.
Despite a subpar end to the half, Woy Woy entered the break 2-1 up thanks to goals from Matt Jacobsen and Nathan Baker.
After a good chat at half time, Woy Woy once again started the half the better of the two teams. However, history would repeat itself as the Roosters began to get frustrated with decisions that certainly put them off their game.
Brady Holmes from Woy Woy and Entrance captain Jack Bennett were both shown red after receiving two yellow cards each.
Despite having two players sent off, the Entrance continued to fight hard which was rewarded late when the visiting side against the odds scored two goals to walk away from Austin Butler Oval with a 9-point Sunday after winning all three grades.
“We regroup this week and get our heads back where they were two weeks ago,” voiced Woy Woy’s Neal Morris. Neal also stated, “Very disappointed to go off track to how we have been playing against better opposition.”
Match Official – Laura Hockings
Golden Boot Standings –
| 3 | Jacob Lepre (Southern), Jakeb Brownlow (Berkeley Vale), Ben Flakus (Terrigal), Matt Caisley (Southern), Cooper Ebrington (Avoca), Logan Moore (Kanwal) |
| 2 | Adam Smith (Killarney), Keith Gumbs (Southern), Daniel Bird (Terrigal), Brad Porter (Kanwal), Stuart Adams (Terrigal), James Scott (Kanwal), Tim Knight (Killarney), Jack Bennett (The Entrance), Jared McNee (Wyoming) |
Points Table –
Club Championship –
Division 1
Round 4 Results –
Points Table –
Club Championship –
