Conference League Northern Round 12 Review
It was Merlino who did the damage once again, scoring as early as the 3rd minute to give his side the win, putting them on 28 competition points.
In what can only be described as a boilover of enormous magnitude, Penang FC hoisted themselves off the bottom of the ladder, grabbing their first points and first win of the season, with an epic 5-4 victory over the high flying Roosters FC.
The club of Turkish extraction, Roosters FC, were possibly suffering a hangover after viewing Turkey?s remarkable performance in Euro 2008, but it didn?t motivate them enough to avoid a shock away loss.
Penang FC got the ball rolling as early as the 16th minute, only for Gogebakan to equalize for the visitors just three minutes later.
Woodbridge restored Penang?s lead a minute later, and that?s the way it stayed until half time.
On 48 minutes Forsberg made it 3-1 for Penang FC, before Gogebakan pulled one back for Roosters FC with his and his team?s second goal of the game.
Roosters FC then equalized with an own goal from Penang FC on 75 minutes, making it 3-3 with 15 minutes to go, and with all to play for.
Woodbridge grabbed his second goal of the game on 77 minutes to put Penang FC in front, only for Rashid to continue Roosters FC?s never-say-die attitude by equalizing in the 80th minute, replicating the comeback qualities of Turkey?s Euro 2008 performance.
But the happy ending today belonged to Penang, when, in a day of scoring braces, Forsberg did just that and scored his second goal of the match in the 85th minute, to end an incredible match, sending the home side into an uncommon frenzy following a 5-4 victory.
Hawkesbury City got back to winning ways with a thumping 5-0 away victory over the league?s newest cellar dwellers, Luddenham United.
But they didn?t get cracking until the second half, a revving up at half time by coach Gary Lewis no doubt having the desired effect as they scored five goals without reply.
Vanderburg made it 1-0 just two minutes into the 2nd half, before Sluiter got the second on 66 minutes. Cooper then took over with a hatrick to complete the route, scoring his goals on 69, 83, and 86 minutes, putting the Hawks third on the ladder, just one point behind Roosters FC.
In the final match of the round, Springwood travelled to Alec Lamberton Field to beat Bathurst ?75 in a real six pointer. Davies scored the all important winner on 64 minutes, consolidating Springwood?s 4th position on the ladder with 17 points.
Gladesville Ryde Magic had the bye this weekend.
Northern Conference League Top Goalscorers (as at June 22, 2008)
14 ? BUONAVOGLIA (Balmain SC)
13 ? DOWLING (Bathurst ?75)
12 ? MERLINO (Balmain SC)
8 ? GEORGE (Hawkesbury City), HATTIPOGLU (Roosters FC), TOPAL (Roosters FC)
7 ? RASHID (Roosters FC), JONES (Hawkesbury City)
6 ? GATT (Gladesville Ryde Magic), SLUITER (Hawkesbury City)
-By Frank Speranza
