MATCH OF THE ROUND
Budgewoi 3 – 0 Southern & Ettalong
Budgewoi claimed victory over the league leaders, handing Southern their first defeat of 2025 as Haydn Appo’s men put themselves in the driving seat as the new favourites to finish the season in first place.
It was a nerve-racking start for Budgewoi who conceded two corners very early on. Knowing how dangerous the opposition is from set-pieces, the home side were happy to see them not end up in the goal.
From there Budgewoi took control and moved Southern from side to side, knowing they had to take them to one side and switch the point of attack to isolate their wide players in 1v1 scenarios.
Their quick tempo saw Charlie Entwistle get on the ball, beating his man inside and producing a fantastic long-range strike to give Budgewoi the lead after 8 minutes played.
Budgewoi’s next goal in the 35th minute was much of the same. A switch of play from the left to the right in behind saw Tahj Werner beat the goalkeeper one-on-one.
Southern’s Todd Balneaves did well to clear the ball off the line, however, Chris Lennon reacted the quickest to punish Southern and put the ball into the back of the net, extending the lead to 2-0.
Budgewoi didn’t look back from there making it three inside the first half and putting the game to bed.
Pouncing on a mistake in Southern’s backline, a quick transition turned into another outstanding goal as Bailey Appo fired home from outside of the box.
Southern had a great chance to claw one before half-time. Matthew Jacobsen found himself in behind the Budgie defence, but his poor shot on goal failed the trouble the opposition keeper.
It was a dominant second period from Budgewoi who limited Southern’s attacking opportunities. Southern didn’t register their first shot until twenty minutes when once again Jacobsen couldn’t make the most of his opportunity in front of the goal.
Despite a late flurry of chances for the Lions, it wasn’t to be for the league leaders who recorded their first loss of the season.
“I thought we controlled the game from start to finish, we didn’t allow them to play out which in turn forced long balls. My two centre-backs were outstanding again,” spoke Budgewoi Assistant Corey Atkinson.
“My goalkeeper Nathan Denton was a big presence too which was a huge difference from our round 1 encounter.”
“Being 3-0 up at the break we knew Southern would come out firing, it was all about game management and keeping a clean sheet.”
Corey also added, “Very happy with the result but would have loved if we scored the easier chances we missed.”
Matt Page commends the opposition while hoping for a bounce back from his side next week. “I thought we started the match off pretty well and could’ve taken the lead early on, but after Budgewoi scored their first goal, we drifted away from what’s been working for us so far this season.”
“We gave the ball away far too often and the opposition have some players who can really take advantage of that, using their speed and the large field to punish you, and they did just that.”
“We regrouped a little at halftime and had some chances in the second half, but we were beaten by a better team on the day and Budge deserve all the credit.”
“We will regroup and will be looking to bounce back next week in another tough one against Kanwal.”
Match Official – Preston Lorusso
Killarney 5 – 1 Ourimbah
Killarney put on a show last Saturday night at Edsacc Oval for their ‘Old Boys Day’, recording their biggest victory of the year to get back into the winner’s column.
It was a fast start for the Terriers who took the lead after just five minutes thanks to Cameron Brown. A Lachy Mackett shot was parried by the keeper with Brown expertly finishing the chance from six yards.
Twenty minutes in and it was again Cam Brown on the scoresheet, finishing nicely from the edge of the box after a tremendous through ball from Mackett.
Looking to cause more damage in the second half, after two assists in the opening period, Mackett was next on the scoresheet for the Terriers, finishing his chance nicely past the keeper after running onto a through ball.
Ourimbah was able to pull one back 60 minutes into the contest. A challenge from Isaac Broomfield was deemed to be excessive as the official pointed to the penalty spot. Phillip Holmes converted from the spot to give the Falcons a lifeline.
However, ten minutes later Killarney would be awarded a penalty of their own as Brown was brought down in the box.
Brown dusted himself off, picking the ball up and looking to convert from the spot for his hat-trick.
The home crowd was silent as the last penalty he took still remains in orbit today, but to everyone’s relief, Brown dribbled the ball down the middle for a well-deserved hat-trick.
With less than 10 minutes to play, substitute Jay Swadling finished off a good move, driving the ball into the corner of the net from just inside the box to complete the 5-1 scoreline.
“Good to score some goals,” stated Chris Ackerley. “Also pleased with the effort and closing down.”
“We now look forward to a huge game next against Budgewoi, hopefully, we can get rid of the sickness going through the club.”
Match Official – Trent Dickeson
Berkeley Vale 3 – 0 Woongarrah
The second edition of the 2024 MPL First Grade Grand Final rematch saw Berkeley Vale once again claim bragging rights over the struggling Woongarrah.
The game got off to a frantic pace with Woongarrah obviously fired up and looking for a positive start after their recent run of form.
Berkeley stood strong and found their rhythm, leading to a good through ball 15 minutes in for Connor Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick was able to get his shot away in between two Woongarrah defenders, catching out the advancing keeper to coolly lob him and make it 1-0 in favour of the Wombats.
Woongarrah’s set-piece specialist Jacob Melling would fire a couple of free kicks that narrowly missed the goal as the Wildcats looked to get back on level terms.
Berkeley had multiple opportunities to double their advantage, but it took until just before halftime to register a second goal as Felix Beed put Fitzpatrick in behind.
One-on-one with the keeper, Conor would secure his brace despite calls of offside from the opposition.
Hoping for a fast start, Jacob Melling would once again be denied by the Berkeley keeper, seeing his shot saved as the Wildcats were unable to half the deficit a few minutes into the second stanza.
Woongarrah continued to apply pressure, hitting the crossbar twice after a James Stiffle free kick and then a Jacob Melling free kick. Adam Hall would also come close to scoring as his scissor kick was placed just wide.
This was the same case for Berkeley Vale who had numerous opportunities to finish the game but struggled to convert on their chances.
Shouts of a penalty were dismissed for Woongarrah after Matthew Johnson got in the box and was dispossessed of the ball.
The Wombats finally put the nail in the coffin with Fitzpatrick securing his hat-trick. A ball from Kyle Harvey saw Conor one-on-one with the keeper as he rose to the challenge once again to find the back of the net.
“Good luck for the rest of the season to Woongarrah, I’m sure Luke and Brian will get them firing soon,” voiced Mark Pratt.
“For Berkeley, we need to be more clinical and take our opportunities as they present themselves.”
“Congrats to Andre, Mark and the Berkeley boys on their win,” spoke Luke Rogers.
“It was an even game, and great football was played by both sides. The difference was they just did a little better in the moments needed to win the game.”
Match Official – Jason Blackwood
Avoca 0 – 2 Wyoming
Three straight victories from Scott Snodgrass’ Wyoming has the Tigers maintain their fifth-place position while Avoca remains in the playoff position, currently sitting in ninth place to end round 11.
Avoca started extremely slow and for the first 15 minutes, it was all Wyoming getting the ball wide or pumping it long playing what looked like a front four.
This early pressure paid off for the visitors as they were able to take the lead after twenty minutes played.
Pressing high up the pitch, Wyoming forced a turnover out wide as Reegan Cairns quickly transitioned into attack, driving into the Avoca box.
Doing well to deliver a cross into the box, Avoca’s William Fox got to the ball first as he looked to clear the danger, but his clearance only made it as far as Mark Bellemore who tapped home inside the six-yard box to give his side the lead.
After the goal, Avoca reacted by creating a flurry of chances but were unable to capitalise, leaving the score 1-0 at halftime.
The second half started like the first with Wyoming coming out strongest and almost extending the lead before the offside call was finally given after a talk between the officials.
The game became tight and stale with both sides playing poor football on an average Fagans Park. However, a lot of the second period was played in Wyoming’s half as Avoca searched for the equaliser.
With roughly 15 minutes left to play, Wyoming was awarded a free kick near the sideline in Avoca’s half.
A well-delivered ball was met by an even better header as Patrick Mills rose the highest in a crowded box to expertly guide the ball into the top corner, ensuring Wyoming claimed their fourth win of the season.
“We arrived with a specific game plan to pressure Avoca high up the pitch and the boys executed that very well.” Reflected Snodgrass.
“Our midfield were tenacious today with their pressure and ball winning and our backline was tight the whole game. Very happy with the result. We now have to work hard this week and be up for the Bats next game.”
Avoca’s Josh Menzies also commented on his side’s loss. “We plainly didn’t turn up today, Wyoming did and earned the three points. We have had a very frustrating season with games not falling for us but today we didn’t earn it.”
“We have so much quality and know we should be much higher in the table than we find ourselves. We look towards Ourimbah with a double fixture as six points that are a must.”
Match Official – Jasper White
Kanwal 3 – 0 Terrigal
Kanwal bounces back from their second defeat of the year with a clinical performance at home against Terrigal as the O’lads look to find their form from a few weeks ago as they prepare for a massive clash with the Wildcats this weekend.
It was a tense opening period as both sides looked to settle into their rhythm and get on top of the opposition.
Despite half chances from Kanwal as well as the visitors Terrigal, the opening 45 minutes ended in a stalemate as neither side could break the deadlock.
It took a moment of individual brilliance for the game to see its first goal. Ten minutes into the second period Kanwal were awarded a free kick and Mason Lavery stepped up for his side, placing the ball into the top corner to give his side the lead.
Kanwal quickly turned one into two as Zak Johnson was brought down in the box and the Bulls were awarded a penalty. Back-to-back Golden Boot winner Logan Moore converted once again from the spot, doubling his side’s advantage.
Kanwal’s third and final goal came late into the half as Zac Moore turned his man outside the box and struck a shot goal bound. Moore’s shot was deflected by a Terrigal defender but still found its way into the back of the net.
“Pleased with the win and the clean sheet, Terrigal came out with a different system to the last time we played and they stuck to it, but I thought once we worked out their formation we organised our press well and controlled most the game,” reflected Ryan Walker.
Match Official – Hugo Fonseca
Golden Boot Standings –
| 11 | Jacob Lepre (Southern) Logan Moore (Kanwal) |
| 10 | Christopher Lennon (Budgewoi) |
| 8 | Tahj Werner (Budgewoi), Charlie Entwistle (Budgewoi) |
| 7 | Stuart Adams (Budgewoi), Conor Fitzpatrick (Berkeley Vale) |
Points Table –
Division 1
Round 13 Results –
Points Table –
