Round 7 - U15 A Boys

U15A Bulleen vs Doncaster Rovers 14th June

On a cool Melbourne winters day Bulleen’s synthetic pitch looked really good. The grass coverage was even and oh so green, with no puddles or bare patches. Funny about that! Rovers came into the game with 2 boys out, Alex with the flu and Steve with bad knees. This caused a reshuffle to the team with York and Elliot coming in.

We began with Luke in goal, Chris S was sweeping, Chris T and Daniel were playing as twin Central Defenders whilst Elliot and York were playing as wide wing backs on the left and right respectively. Nik D as a defensive Central Midfielder, flanked by Matt V on the right and Drew on the left with Michael P and Mitch as twin strikers.
The game started out with both sides having an equal share of the ball and several parries at the goals without much conviction. In fact it was soon obvious Rovers were here for the game but not prepared to really dig deep and put Bulleen to the sword. There were several passages of good team play with good passing to position although every time we went forward through the centre, we went wide to the right allowing Bulleen defenders time to block up our attacks. Nik had a couple of good strong shots on goal, the first following a great turn and pass from Nick V (who had replaced Michael P), which the keeper parried away, the second too high to worry the scorers. In defense Chris S, Chris T , Daniel, York, Elliot and Luke were having strong games easily defending all the forward thrusts not allowing Bulleen any clear shots within 15 metres of goal.
The longer the half went the more apparent neither side would score particularly after Drew beat a couple on the left with good feints, but did not take the shot and passed off to other players not settled enough to take a crack.

Half-time score: Bulleen 0 : Rovers 0

At half time Steve asked the players for more commitment at the ball, and a willingness to show up Bulleeen for what they were, second rate. Even so Bulleen were in the game and showed a real liking for a cuddle, any player at the ball would get very close attention and at least a jumper pull. All I can say is watch out for these Bulleen Latino Lovers in future years. Mums definitely lock up your daughters at this ground because in future years these Valentino’s will cuddle anything in sight!!
The second half produced some of the best individual play and team play of the year with several players on the end of some hotly disputed contests. Finally there was a break to the deadlock when Nik took a long throw, into the 18 yd box, where Matt D’s flicked-on header fell invitingly to Drew whose well timed volley went straight past the keeper into the net. Goal, Rovers 1-0!!
Bulleen then laid some crunching tackles.
Nik went down after a big collision with the No 17 defender, then Dion copped a big kick to the leg and had to go off, Matt D was out of breath totally and then Mitch took a big hit from the keeper and another defender to keep him down for several minutes. Throughout this the boys were really trying and the defense stood tall with Chris T a real standout, never beaten all day. The boys were on fire and continued to press with another shot by Nik, then a good run by Matt V, went unrewarded when his great shot was just parried by the keeper across the goal. During all of this Bulleen were still pressing with several sharp attacks and shots on goal that were neutralized by the defenders or Luke. Another promising forward thrust went west when Michael P missed a great opportunity going only inches wide of the net. In the last moments of the game Michael P received the ball on the left and made a great run down the field heading towards the Bulleen goal. At the last moment he passed across to Mitch, back on after his previous knock in the head, who coolly chipped the ball past the keeper into the back of the net. How sweet was that, Mitch felt a million dollars but will he remember it? Of course we were all rubbing our glasses (apart from John) wondering where Michael found all that speed! This was a great team goal.
Next week we entertain Casey at home who will be on a high after two consecutive wins.
We are now mounting a challenge for the top two and a further 3 points next week is critical.

Scores at full-time: Bulleen 0 : Rovers 2

ROVERS - keep up the passion for the game, we can match the best of them if we really try.