U16 Super League Match Report 12/08/07

Expectations were high this week after our poor showing against North Caulfield the previous week, despite only losing 1-0.

We were up against the bottom of the table Noble Park who had taken an undeserving point in our last meeting courtesy of a goal by Danny Brown being disallowed.

The squad had been decimated during the week due to illness, with only 13 players available.

We started strongly and scored after 17 minutes following a Chris Kotsikas free kick which was deflected into the net by a Noble Park Defender. Notwithstanding, the Referee awarded the Goal to Patrick Beggs (according to the team sheet) and I am sure Patrick will not argue.

Expectations were shattered only 1 minute later, when scores were level after not 1 but 2 offside decisions were not awarded.

Noble Park then began to dictate terms with Rovers forced to make a substitution just before half time following an injury to Jared Lopez.

Jared was replaced by Alex Kostadinoski who assumed a striking role alongside Morgan Pickett, with Danny Brown slotting into the Left side of Midfield.

The teams were locked at 1-1 at half time, much to the disappointment of both Coaching staff and players.

It was time for some serious attack on the ball in the second half.

Andre Sung, Danny Brown and Sam Di Martino began to control the midfield with both aggression and composure on the ball, whilst Justin Khouri and Joseph Khalil tightened up their marking duties. Zane El-Mohammed who had provided support down the left, was replaced with Howard Wong.

Howard had an immediate impact intercepting a pass then laying a ball off for Danny Brown, only for his shot to sail over the bar.

Morgan Pickett then collected another pass from Howard, only to see his shot cannon against the bar and over.

The introduction of Alex Kostadinoski produced the desired and much needed result when his right foot shot from inside the box following a through ball from Sam Di Martino gave Rovers a 2-1 lead 20 minutes into the second half.

The intensity lifted with Patrick Beggs providing drive down the right, whilst the defense and midfield were standing firm.

We put ourselves under presssure giving the ball away in dangerous areas which required the acrobatic skills of Rovers Captain and Goalkeeper Alex Ryan to prevent Noble Park from gaining an equaliser.

The game was put beyond doubt in the 29th minute when Patrick Beggs got in behind the defense following another Chris Kotsikas freekick, and deftly volleyed passed the stranded Noble Park keeper. (Patrick we will give you that one).

A pleasing result in the end and one which was thoroughly deserved.
We are at home again this week against Langwarrin (part of the catch up round), so if there are any of you out there who are not participating this weekend, please come along and support the boys.

STEVE HACKETT

U9 Match Report 11/08/07

DONCASTER ROVERS U9’s

‘ The Blues Twos’

‘Blues record first double after solid performance’

Saturday 11 August (Home)
v. Riversdale

Unfortunately Justin was missing due to illness, but this didn’t stop the Blues putting in a solid performance and recording their first double of the season.
We started brightly, looking to pass and move the ball forward. A neat pass from Jonathon split the Riversdale defence and Alex calmly slotted in the opener. This remained the score until half-time.

In the second half, we dominated possession, wasting a few chances but converting through Josh and Alex.

A 3 – 0 win was a fair result from a performance that was solid, though at times it did seem we were stuck in second gear. If we had been more clinical and showed more urgency, the result would have been more impressive.

However, as many coaches would say, a win is a win!!

All the boys shared the work load, our defence becoming stronger with every game. Well done to Kirk, Lochie, James, Jeremy, Jonathon, Ari, Jack, Alex, Peter and Josh who all contributed to the performance.

Next week we have our re-arranged game at home against Mooroolbark, 10am kick off at Anderson Park.

Season so far :- P 12 W7 D2 L3 Gls for 45 Gls Ag 27.


C’mon the B2s
ANDY EXLEY