The U14s played first against a good South outfit. The game was very close with quick movement and South controlling the ball better on the ground. However the first big chance came from Jordy Bates shot which rattled the crossbar followed by another that was cleverly tipped over by the keeper. We had about 5 or 6 shots inside the 18 yard box including another that smashed into the upright to be denied a goal. The score could have been 2 or 3 to zero but we were just a little rushed in front of goal.
The defense was starting the get on top and Lou was doing a great job inside the box. His talk is excellent and he works hard to keep his defense together. Jordy H, Agim, Pete, Liron were all playing solidly trying to work the ball to AJ and TOM L. Tom R was also working hard and over the last 15 minutes we really started to get on top. The half time score was 0-0.
In the second half we started and were all over them. Oscar missed a couple from close in and their keeper saved some shots and we were unlucky not to score another 2. Betim was playing his best game ever and Pete G was ding his best to run the ball through the spaces. However the game was still 0-0 and in the balance. Against the run of play we gave the ball away easily up front and they countered. We let a player run with no pressure and he shot from an angle from about 25 metres and the ball escaped the grip of the keeper and went in and we found ourselves 1-0 down. It was unfortunate but that is the game. We had been clearly on top for 30 minutes straight and South had defended solidly and we had given them an easy goal. This seemed to drop the heads of the players and gave South momentum and confidence. Again we tried to attack time and time again but they thwarted our attempts. In the end we allowed another of their players simply to dribble towards the goals without pressure and he placed one over the keeper and the score was 2-0. Our defense, together with the midfield who were not running back to support, even though for most of the game had been solid, allowed 2 scores hat definitely could have been avoided. On the positive side however, we did play better this week and created some real chances. We will simply have to keep working.
The U18s had to play at Darebin. South Melbourne were unlucky to lose to Bentleigh Greens midweek and needed to bounce back to stay in he hunt. We knew they would come in fighting hard. We also were 6 players down, injured and absent which puts a lot of strain on everyone. SOme of the parents were nervous about missing key players but we had to do the best with the makeshift line-up. Some folks found themselves playing in different roles and with only three subs (with tomorrows second game against Bulleen to consider) it would be a big ask.
To the credit of the players we started off really well. We tried a safety formation at centre-back and this seemed to be working. We had a good structure trying to counter the opponents playing out from the back and immediately this worked when Nate intercepted the keeper and did a quick pass to Nic who shot past the keeper and into the goal. It was a great start. Soon after we earned a corner and Nic, once again rose up and put in a wonderful header! we were 2-0 up and looking strong. Then George, playing well in attack, tured and put in a ball from 35 metres that curved and beat the keeper - it was an amazing shot! Our forward structure was back to normal and with Leigh and George continuously changing sides it confused the defense somewhat.Tucci was playing awesome in the middle and was creating a lot of chances. Eventually, Nanton won a ball in midfield, ran down quickly and passed through to George in the 7 who lasered a pass across goal at hip height. This was met with Nic's fierce header that was an equal laser into the back of the net - it was unstoppable and we were 4-0 at the half. There was still room for improvement and we certainly did not want to go easy. Our defense led by Connor and Lewis were strong, limiting the opportunities of the opposition.
The second half started and the opponents came out more physical, in fact probably too physical with clips and tackles that were unnecessary. The referee let much go which created frustration. The game was far more even of a contest and South attacked far more quickly than previous. But it was a great set up and play that saw our lead extend. George played Nic into the corner and Nic took a touch while running. George sprinted diagonally to the front post and Nic hit George front post with a reciprocal laser and another great header goal.
The game became scrappier and much more physical and eventually we made a silly error and we gave another unnecessary goal away - something we seem to do weekly!
5-1 was the score and the boys should be proud of the way they played - but we have another game today against Bulleen who will be out to break us!
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