Round 15 - U15A Girls - Match Report

Doncaster Rovers vs Sandringham Sunday 3rd August 2008

The game began at a frantic pace as both teams tried to show strength and take the upper hand from the outset. Unfortunately this resulted in a kick to kick by both team’s defenses in their endeavors to clear their lines and by-passing the midfield all together.

The ball retention and distribution by the Doncaster girls got better with time with some great balls played through to Siobhan Gray and Demi Mihaloudis, however the support was lacking and attacks were broken down by the very strong Sandringham defense. Both teams had great changes to break the deadlock in the later minutes of the first half however it wasn’t to be.

The very speedy Siobhan Gray managed to stretch the defense by getting to the by line and crossing the ball hard and low finding its way to the back stick and hitting Brianna as she powered towards goal (who had just previously came on for Demi Mihaloudis). If only the connection was with the knee or foot the deadlock would’ve been surely broken. Within minutes one small lapse of concentration in our back line introduced a clear-cut opportunity for Sandringham from a long ball over the top of our defense. In the one-on-one, Christina K came quickly off her line and diving to the opposing striking feet resulting in an exceptional save.

The half times address by head coach Bill Mihaloudis did wonders far the girls as the second half was all Doncaster’s. The intensity and eagerness to win the ball in all areas of the park was evident from the first whistle. Sandringham were put under immense pressure and were constantly on the back foot. Young Kariah (Squirt) who had come on for the hard working Siobhan gave Doncaster pace and width on the right hand side of the park.

As early as the 7th minute of the second half the very strong and dogmatic Renee Zebic drove a diagonal scorching shot hard and low from the for right hand side of the 16 yard box into the left hand corner of the Sandringham goal, 1-0! and it was on.

As mentioned the intensity was incredible by all, the opposition wasn’t allowed any time on the ball, which inevitably led to errors and gave possession back to the Doncaster girls. Any long balls into our defense where dealt with by the fast improving Emma Jones, Yianna Cocotsi, Melanie Feore and the days captain Tessa Sernio who was simply ‘brilliant’, equally Supryia Lal who came back from a lengthy injury was impressive as she nullified the opposition’s fastest and most dangerous attacker Ashley Whittaker.

In a game there are always defining moments or acts of bravery that simply clarify who wants something more and who indeed will be the winner. Our other, very young member of our team Natasha Lusi (who had come on for Melanie F - slightly sick) was simply inspirational in her tackle against the sandy striker (almost twice her size) to prevent a goal, which she indeed did, as the ball was eventually cleared to retain 1-0 lead.

Unfortunately, Natasha had to be substituted as a result of pain to her ankle but the acknowledgement by all her teammates, coaches and parents was overwhelming. This brought about further belief to all! So much that in the 20mins a ball spilled out to midfielder Elise Kyrgios (outside the 16 yard box) who flicked the ball up and with a singular motion volleyed a looping shot high out of the goalkeepers reach and into the net. It was amazing how nobody injured themselves in the celebrations. Confidence and belief in one self can sometimes result in extraordinary outcomes. Equally within 5 minutes of this incident Renee Zebic won possession, beat two opposition players and as she stretched, a most wonderful strike on goal resulted with the ball smacking in the roof of the net in the top left hand corner of the goal. Indeed it was Doncaster’s day 3-0!!

Substitutions followed in the final 15mins and once more further examples of eagerness to succeed and better one self were seen in Johanna Coterill on the left wing who constantly took on players, out little notorious goal sneak Lia Privitelli who showed her close control and ability to come away with the ball from tight areas, Siobhan Gray who with fresh legs carried out a sublime turn and shot only to narrowly miss scoring. Similarly Demi and Kariah re-entered the game with great tenacity.

This years top scorers Melissa Maizels also did exceptionally well but was well marked constantly by two defenders throughout the game. Louise Burridge came on for Emma Jones in defense and added to keeping a clean sheet for the day!

The game was nearing completion when Christina Katsambanis showed her class and her extraordinary improvement as a keeper this year when you consider that she has been playing as a defender all her junior year. In closing it would be a sin not to mention what I call a ‘complete performance’ by a player in any given game. Tesa Sernio in sweeping position was simply brilliant. The decision making with clearances, passing, talking to back line were spot on. In the second half Doncaster Rovers had most of the possession, structure and poise and in most instances it began from Tessa.

We would also like to remind all Doncaster Rovers supporters that this coming Saturday 9th August our fundraising for “The Brazil” experience is continuing with dinner dance at ‘St Haralambos Church Hall, Cnr Church and Porter Street Templestowe 6.00pm – 11.30pm. All welcome, please ring John Kyrgios 0412 540 077 for tickets.

Played with score out of 10:

Christina Katsambanis 8, Melanie Feore 6, Emma Jones 7, Supryia Lal 6, Tessa Sernio 9, Elise Kyrgios 8, Renee Zebic 8, Siobhan Gray 6, Melissa Maizels 5, Lia Privitelli 6, Demi Mihaloudis 6, (Brianna Mirabella 6, Yianna Cocotsi 5, Natasha Lusi 6, Kariah White 6, Johanna Coterill 6, Louis Burridge 5).

By John Kyrgios (Assistant coach)