Sat 28th May:
U6 v Merrylands
U9 Grey v North Rocks
Loss on forfeit
U9 White v Winston Hills
Won 8-1
U14 div 2 v Winston Hills
Draw 1-1
U15 div 3 v Greystanes
Won 5-2
Round 7 was an away game Greystanes. A 5-2 win puts us second on the table with 11 matches to come before the finals. We are considering getting purple boots for all our players considering the form that Jordan has displayed whilst wearing his. In another week where “team play” could be considered, Man-of the Match Jordan wears the individual accolade for his attacking and scoring efforts.
We started off strongly; the first 2 of our goals were from Jordan’s purple accoutrements. The first was a more individual effort. The second, starting from a Greystanes return keepers kick where possession was taken by Aiden passed to Jordon who put a though ball for Ryan down the right wing. Ryan’s cross was dropped nicely at Jordan’s feet who finished with a sweet strike, that the keeper could only get a fingertip to, clearing the inside of the right hand post. 2-0.
Within 15 minutes we were 3 up after Nathan, camping on the far post, powered a ball low and left of the keeper from a Ryan cross. The Greystanes players lifted somewhat and after a busy passage of play cut through the centre to put on past our keeper. 3-1.
The remainder of the half was an strongly contested. Fadi E. is known for his commitment, effort and resolve was forced from the field after a thumping tackle with a bigger a opponent left him hobbling. And he was not the only casualty. Scott, still one of the busiest players on the pitch, caught two powerfully struck balls in the face. Both near the right eye. One, unfortunately dropped from his face sweetly for Greystanes who cleaned up the goal from three metres out. His second facial came in the second half courtesy of Greystanes’ biggest player. This time the ball went clear but left Scott developing a nice shiner. I’m sure he make some mileage of this with the girls.
Coming off the bench Mitchell got involved straight away, challenging strongly and clearing some risky situations. Dennis’s defensive skills were prominent throughout the match. During play executed and clever attacking run down the right, finishing with a wonderful curving pass only to have it stymied short of the 18 yard box where the attack was turned around.
A few minutes later Jordan materialised midfield cutting skilfully through all opposition to finish with a low shot inside the left post from six metres. 4-1. The smell of desperation was strong on Greystanes at this point and had them shooting wildly from distance in an effort to turn the tide.
Just before half time we had a chance to add to the score but a free kick from Ryan, at thirty metres, went wide of the mark.
The next 35 minutes was an arm wrestle, with them raising their standard, after what must have been a rousing speech from the Greystanes Coach. We met the challenge.
In response to a concerted attacking effort from our opposition Nathan took possession to put a quality pass through to Matty, on the wing, who’s effort were barely spoiled by desperate defence but earned us a corner.
Our defenders were now working overtime to thwart our rival’s aggression. Novvi seems to have grown an extra leg this year as seen with his ability in handling all attackers. Later in the match a lone marauder, having got through our defences, had only Alex to beat but had not accounted for our keeper charging out, to cut off the angles, and sliding in low to clear the attack with his right sole. At times Alex was under pressure from corners and other serious assaults on goals. His size and reach helped in taking crosses and shots out of the air that may have confounded a smaller keeper.
Now a good keeper shows commitment in his moves but they should consider the heart conditions of the spectators when they run virtually to the sideline to clear a ball. In clarification of the situation; when committing to chasing this ball, no attackers or defenders were close as it drifted across the goals. This, however, did not remain the case. Every man and his dog soon saw possibilities. After the 20+ meter foray wide Al got a half-clearing boot to it and sprinted back to the goals that were covered by the usual suspects, Scott and Tyler. Tyler had another good game ranging widely from his centre back position. At one point he managed a serious shot at goal that was handled by their keeper.
With 15 to go Greystanes redoubled their efforts but our team play kept them at bay. Andrew B had a one-on-one with a bigger player, not only beating him but earning a free kick. Fadi N was pivotal in keeping the ball flowing through the middle. Our last goal came from a sterling passage of play with Ryan and Jordan employing the “triangle” play down the right side with Jordan finishing another of Ryan’s crosses. 5-2. An excellent game to watch. Well done boys. Cheers
The Proud Manager
U16 div 2 v Parramatta City FC
Loss 3-0
The U16's played with so much heart and just didn't give up. Some spectacular saves by AJ. The 3-0 loss did not reflect the game with it being nil all until the last 15 minutes of the game. The spectators were very proud of the boys.
O35 div 7 v Lidcombe Waratah
Loss 2-0
O35 div 3 v Kellyville Black
Loss 3-2
Senior 3 v Greystanes White
Loss 2-1
Sun 29th May
U16G div 1 v Auburn FC
Loss 1-0
Each week the U16 Girls are showing their mettle. Last match against this team was a 4-1 loss. They were all over Auburn FC this time with more shots on goal. Auburn only scored in the last 10 minutes. Good work girls, keep it up.
All Age Ladies div 5 v Winston Hills White
Won 3-0
As the match commenced, Winston Hills came out with all guns firing and given that we only had ten players on the field as some girls were running late due to prior commitments, we were put under the hammer.
However the defence held and with Jessica (goalkeeper) having her best game of the season stopping anything that was thrown at her, the tide was slowly starting to turn. Against the run of play, Sherrie hit home our first goal neatly slotting the ball past the Winston Hills goalkeeper. Winston Hills came back at us. With the combined efforts of Elise, Stephanie, Shannon and Sarah Mc, Winston Hills were held at bay and slowly but surely Holroyd began to take control of the match (my thanks go to the girls in the defence for their efforts).
The midfield got cracking and with Kacey, Dee, Kimberly, Nathalie and Shayley starting to call the tune, they started to run the Winston Hills midfield into the ground. After a quick set of passes the ball came to Nathalie who took aim and blasted the ball into the back of the net to bring up our second goal. As the pressure increased and Holroyd went searching for their third goal, Winston Hills handled the ball in the penalty area. Shayley took the ball, placed it on the spot and drove the ball past the goalkeeper which sealed the result.
Sarah P and Sherrie worked extremely hard in the attack and I have no doubt they both have a few bruises for their efforts, both the girls put in the hard yards and at times Winston Hills defence were only chasing shadows with Sarah P and Sherrie leaving them standing.
I would like to thank Ezra for giving up his time to coach the goalkeepers at the club last Wednesday night. I spoke to Jessica about her outstanding performance after our game against Winston Hills and Jessica commented that she had put into practice the techniques that Ezra had shown her and this had helped her with her goalkeeping and helped her save a near certain goal.
I would also like to give a big thank you to the supporters who come along to give the girls encouragement, I know that the girls appreciate you taking the time to come along to their games and your support helps lift the side when things are not always following the script.
John McHugh
All Age Ladies div 3 v North Rocks Loss 5-0
North Rocks definitely had the better of us in the first half ending the half 4-0 up. We had a better second half with many forays to their goals but no luck. It is a testament to our team that each week with illnesses and injuries, as much as possible everyone keeps turning up to put the effort in. Special note goes to Mel who played with a strapped ankle and Ness who was not well and on her birthday too and Sheree who talk a shocking knock to her neck in goals. We finished our game and celebrated Ness's birthday with some lovely cake courtesy of the Peatmans. Happy Birthday Ness!
All Age Ladies div 2 v Castle Hill RSL White
Won 5-2
