Round 6 Match Reports: Southern Cross Strikers v Gippsland Knights

 

Under 13 Boys

 

A strong start by Gippsland on a warm morning saw the Strikers defending early.

The next 10 minutes saw a close game with both teams finding it hard to penetrate. Some good passing by the Southern Cross team saw them have a couple of opportunities at goal.

The Gippsland defence was able to stop the Strikers attacks even though a great corner from Will almost scored a goal.

The ball hit the back of the net at the end of the first half, unfortunately though, an early offside call saw the boys miss out on the goal.

An unlucky chipped goal in the last 30 seconds saw the halftime score as 1 nil down.

 

At the start of the second half, good passing by the Strikers saw the ball come straight away from the defence to forward Lucas Mullins who forced one past the keeper. Early pressure by the Southern Cross players saw a chance defended away.

The defence was holding strong with constant attacks forward.

The strikers played the ball all the way from defence forward and Lucas Mullins scored another one past the keeper.

An awesome save by Jesse saw the ball rebound and Paddy was able to direct the ball for a goal pass the keeper. Final score, a 3-1 win.

 

Under 13 girls

A fast start by the Strikers girls saw Claire Demuth put a ball out in front of Katie Mcaloon running forward who continued on and slotted the first.

The game evened up after that with the ball going down one end and then back up the other, continuing like that for most of the first half. The defenders were working hard to stop some fast running forwards.

The halftime score was one nil.

 

The second half saw a fast start by Gippsland. A great save by Sam in goals stopped a certain goal.

Coach Farrell was very happy with the headers the girls were doing.

A nice ball put forward by Indy saw Alyssa have a shot from the 18 yard box however the keeper made a great save.

A quick rebound by Gippsland saw one of their players open and able to put a solid shot past the keeper into the top of the net.

The girls had most of the play for the rest of the second half, but unfortunately they could not capitalise on a goal and the final score was one all. A great effort

 

Under 14 Boys

A quick start by the Strikers saw Jack Gaffney slot one into the back of the net at the three-minute mark.

The boys then controlled most of the game and then Jack Gaffney crossed a beautiful ball to Josh who headed it into the corner for a quality goal.

Soon after Liam Burns picked up the ball, dribbled, then put a ball in front of Josh de Voogel who scored his second goal.

The Southern Cross defenders were holding out some strong attacks.

A pass from Zac to Will saw him score the fourth goal.

Halftime score, 4 nil.

 

An early attack from Gippsland in the second half saw Ryan deflect the shot and the defenders clean up beautifully.

Both teams played a very tight second half.

A fast break from defence saw Liam direct a great ball past the keeper towards the end of the match.

Final score, a convincing 5-0 win to the Strikers.

 

U15 Boys

The Southern Cross Strikers teams played a double header in Melbourne this weekend. On Saturday, the U15 boys came up against the Gippsland Knights. An early attack by the Strikers saw a cross from Hunter Norman finished beautifully by Jake Selby for a goal. After this the boys were in control for most of first half with Dejan Mitrovic capitalising from a mistake from the keeper for a second goal. Jake Selby continued to be very dangerous up front scoring another goal and creating more opportunities. The backline and keeper were working well together to repel any attacks and to skillfully pass the ball forward through the hardworking midfielders.

 

The second half started with a close shot by Dejan.

The Strikers were winning the ball in defence and midfield but finding it hard to convert up forward with the heat taking its toll. Increased pressure from Gippsland saw a tight second half. Both teams looked dangerous at times, however a nil all second half culminated in a 3-1 win to Strikers.

 

U15 Girls

The girls were up against it for today's game with only 12 players available. A great goal early in the game from an Ariel pass started the girls off on the right foot. It was a tiring first half in the warm conditions.

 

In the 2nd half, the girls were on top with a lot of the ball in their half.

A goal to Imogen Grant got the girls heads up in an exciting half. Gippsland got more active toward the end of the game causing some anxious moments and early celebrations from the final whistle on the pitch next door. Moments later the game finished and the Coach and Manager jumped for joy. The girls launched into a spirited rendition of their team song for the first time in the season and everyone was happy!!!!

Final score, a 2-1 win to the Southern Cross Strikers.

 

U17 Girls

A solid start to the game saw the ball in the Strikers half for the first few minutes. A quick break saw Gippsland almost get a clear shot off but a quick boot to ball from Bron averted that. The rest of the half was a tough affair with both teams threatening the defences. Nil all at half time.

 

10 minutes elapsed in the second half before lightning near the pitches required the game to be abandoned to be played at a later time.

 

U17 Boys

Match abandoned due to Lightning!!!!