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“THE
DEN” – Match Reports |
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Game 6 Brookvale Lionel Watts 2 |
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First Grade – Brookvale Breakthrough Score: 2-0 Goal Scorers:
Nick Sheather, Ashley Mathieson Jubilant
post match scenes marked a long awaited victory against the Tiger’s
nemesis, Brookvale on a sunny Saturday afternoon at “The Den”.
For many of the players it was the first time they have tasted success
against Brooky and they sure did enjoy it.
I’ve never heard a louder rendition of the victory song and I’m
sure it’s something the players and supporters will remember for a long
time (Tears running down the cheek as I write this column) but enough of the
mushy stuff… The
team was under pressure early as Brookvale came out of the blocks strongly
and put plenty of pressure on the Tiger’s defence. The back three of Birdy, Tim Sheather and Robbie did exceptionally well
early on with several crunching tackles, cutting off many Brookvale raids. It
seemed like we had a thousand corners against us in the first half but the
defensive formation held strong only allowing long range shots which Benny,
in goals, handled with ease. We weren’t without some great first half
chances ourselves when Nick Rainey turned his man superbly just outside the
box then cracked a low drive just wide. Shortly after a pin point cross from
John O’Leary saw Ash out jump the defence but put a well timed long
range header just wide once again. The
second half was a different game as the Tigers started to dominate and were
rewarded when Nick Sheather scored his first of the season. After beating his
defender on the right hand side of the penalty box, he cut inside and
delicately placed a left foot shot curling into the top left corner. We
started to create numerous chances but were somehow denied a penalty, after
some delightful lead up play down the left side saw Sutho
beat the last defender in the box, but was chopped down in the process. The
opposition couldn’t believe their luck and to everyone’s
disbelief the Ref waved play-on. Fortunately, Ash relieved the pressure and
gave us a 2-0 lead after towering above the Brookvale defence at the far post
and burying his header in the back of the net. Dave Sutherland had one more
chance to seal matters, but his touch while rounding the keeper, left him
with a tight angle which he couldn’t convert from. An outstanding effort by everyone on the pitch with
some exceptional individual performances as well. In particular, Benny had a
blinder in goals making several crucial saves with Tim Sheather a standout in
defence. FYI Tim, apparently Fabio is still in the shower waiting for a lift
home!!! Not sure if he used the tap or it’s just pure tears J Man of the Match: Tim
Sheather / Ben Molyneux Reserve Grade – Defence Does it Again Score: 1-0 Goal Scorers: Guy
Halpin Match Report: Having
several regular defenders out indicated that we may struggle defensively
against Brookvale, but to the boys credit they handled the opposition’s
attack exceptionally well. Andrew Stahl, in goals, had his best game of the
season pulling off several great saves. In particular, he saved a long range
shot that looked certain to go in after it deflected up and over the defence
but he somehow managed to scramble back and tip it over the bar. It
seemed like Brookvale had plenty of time and space in the middle of the park,
which is where most of their attack centred from. A majority of their chances
fell to their midfield but only resulted in long range shots. Joe and Rich worked
tirelessly in the middle of the park but seemed to be outmanned, with play
coming through the deep centre half region. It
seemed that Brookvale were controlling play until a great chance down the
left hand flank saw Dwayne cross the ball to Andrew Reid, not realising he
had plenty of time to control and shoot, hit an awkwardly bouncing ball over
the bar with the keeper nowhere to be seen. Shortly after Guy offered for the
ball down the right hand side, looked up to see Dwayne in the middle, crossed
the ball and fortunately directed it into the far top corner of the net. Guy
was adamant it was a shot but the Fines Committee never lies! There
were few chances in the second half and the Tigers found themselves defending
their one goal lead for the majority. Fortunately the defence was resolute
and didn’t allow Brookvale many scoring opportunities. A great win once
again and some consolation for last year’s grand final loss. Keep up
the good work lads! Man of the Match: Andrew Stahl |
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