Fernhill Vs Wollongong United Match Report
Youth Grade:
Fernhill Foxes started this game off on a very determined pace. In the early stages of this game the foxes both defended and attacked with flair and determination. The back four were solid Max was creating havoc in the middle of the park, well supported by Simon and Jeff. It was no surprise when the foxes went 1,2, then 3 up before half time. The well constructed goals were scored by Jeff (2) and Max 1. During this time Guy who was playing well had to be replaced by Sam which left the team without a sub. After half time these 11 footballers took the game to Woll Utd and created many fine scoring chances. Sam scored from wonderful team build up and Joe scored after a great run into the box and a chip into the far side of the net. The team bounced back well after our loss to Crini. The final scored of 5-1 flattered Wollongong united, There were many fine performances with, Richo, Nathan, Jeff, Joe and man of the match Max Giraldi standing out.
Reserve Grade:
This game that finished in a 1-1 draw was a little surprising after the fine performance of the team against Cringila Lions mid week. Wollongong United lifted as they were playing the competition leaders at home, and made a real effort to steal this match, but were not quite up to it. The foxes put together some fine build up but were unable to finish off the chances. 25 minutes into the second half Andy Keep finished off good team work to make the score 1-0. 10 minutes from the end, the foxes conceded a free kick on the edge of the box. Wollongong united then scored from a well placed shot that gave Brad Hunter (who had been playing well) very little chance. Best on the park were Jason Rea, Andy Keep and man of the match Tobby Napper.
First Grade:
DOUBLE SECURES WIN FOR THE RED & (DALE) WHITES
A double by inform left sided player in Dale White helped the Foxes secure a much needed win at Macedonia Park to keep pressure on teams within the top four. In an ordinary display in the first half by both sides it was United who had the early chance with Ali Salim miss hitting and the shot going wide with only the keeper to beat. With the Foxes having plenty of possession it wasn’t until the 14th minute that Ben Chapmen put a volley over the bar after good lead up work within the midfield. If anything it was United who were looking the more dangerous as they continued to put the long ball through and keeping the Foxes defence on their toes and with the Fernhill’s attack continually breaking down it was inviting United to score first and they nearly did and if it wasn’t for Brad Gallagher to make a desperate tackle after a mistake from the back it could have seen the Foxes behind early and the lads were under pressure. It wasn’t until the 42nd minute where the Foxes created there real first chance as Andrew Paine ghosted in and was unlucky not finish off a fine cross from Monty Pfrengal. Two minutes later Chappo had another great chance to score and the United defence closed his shots down twice and all was even at the break.
Second half started with both sides creating chances and with Fernhill starting to close down and put pressure on the United midfield it was in the 60th minute that this pressure especially from Andrew Paine resulted in Dale White finishing from an acute angle to put the Foxes in front 1-0. Not long after united continued to put the long ball through and once again caught the lads out and Ali Salim scored from 10m out and level at 1-1. Minutes later Painey again set up a flying Dale White on the left side and he made no mistake with a clinical left foot shot from 15m out and put the Foxes in the lead 2-1. Ten minutes later a mistake from United allowed Chappo to come from the right side then round the keeper and cut the ball back for Jimmy Kerr to slot home the third and thought it was all over. However once again the lads were not paying attention and a free kick outside the box saw United take a quick free kick and once again Ali Salim scored his second to make an interesting finish in the final 10minutes. With both sides trading attacks it was Fernhill who prevailed and secured a much important win.
M.O.M Dale White
Website Editor