State League Two Round 19 Review
Match of the Round
Prospect United v Sydney Cedars
Prospect United secured a 4-2 win against Sydney Cedars when the two sides clashed at William Lawson Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
The win means Prospect move to top spot in the competition with three rounds remaining.
Prospect began the first half with full momentum on their side, J. McLeay and L. Freitas were on the attack and creating problems for the Cedars early on in the match. Prospect could have been ahead in the 4? minute a chance went begging when K. Gabara struck a shot from the left side only for a good save by Cedars Goalkeeper Z. Bekdache to keep the game scoreless.
C. Martin had a chance to open scoring for the Cedars moments after in the 6? minute, a good header off a corner however his chance struck the cross- bar, a good effort. W. Elndorae who was up front for Cedars was causing problems with his speed however inform Prospect defender J. Lewis was holding strong in defence keeping the pressure on the forwards. S. Benegadi for Cedars was also involved for the away side creating some good quality possession, but it was not breaking the firm defence the home side held.
13? minute a penalty was awarded to Prospect and L. Freitas nicely slotted the ball past the Cedars Goal Keeper to give the home side an early lead. K. Gabara and A. Maxwell were controlling the midfield well for the Prospect side. Cedars were beginning to struggle in defence especially with the likes of Freitas and Gabara as they are both were causing havoc on both flanks.
18? minute Freitas added his second for the game this time from 35 meters out, a sensational struck volley put his side 2-0 up, Prospect were dominating the game and the goal by Freitas was a spectacular individual effort. Cedars were struggling to maintain possession with all the attacking pressure put on by the Prospect side.
Inform Cedars forward W. Elndorae pulled one back in the for 29? minute with a sensational dip over the goal keeper. It all started with a sensational through ball followed by a dominate run by Elndorae set-up the away sides first goal of the game. Cedars at this point of the game were displaying their attacking abilities through some good work with M. Fayad and A. Faxad was linking up well. Cedars were putting the pressure back on the home side looking for the equaliser before the break.
In the 33? minute C. Martin latched onto a cross from Elndorae only for his shot to be well saved by goal keeper O. Rogers. Prospect were under the pressure but were still creating chances up front with J. McLeay again involved this time creating space putting himself through in a one on one position his chance was difficult with Cedars goal keeper coming out in quick pace to clear the danger. Prospect had a good chance in the 42? minute Freitas could have had his hat- trick when he connected to a ball from Justin McLeay however is effort just over the cross-bar leaving the scores 2-1 at the break.
Cedars C. Martin came out in the second half fired up and nearly found the equaliser only for O. Rogers to make two brilliant saves after Martin?s shot was followed up by a chance for Elndorae. Despite the pressure from Cedars Prospect added a third in the 49? minute, a brilliant finish by A. David in a one on one position put the home side 3-1. Great individual effort the home side were beginning to dominate again. Cedars responded and began to play physical and aggressive football but despite the change in pace from the away side Prospect were strong in defence.
Freitas could have his hat- trick in the 62?? minute when Vella played a sensational through ball. However his shot sailed over the bar. Cedars were trying to put pressure up front however Prospect again too strong in defence. Jason Vella was influential since coming off the bench.
71st minute Prospect made it 4-1 A. Pejic off the bench with a sensational burst down the left side and providing a pin point cross to McLeay who smashed it past the keepers left for a 4-1 lead, good effort from the home side. S. Benegadi converted a penalty in the 74? minute to bring the score back to 4-2.
Cedars could have scored again in the 83? minute C. Martin striking a curling shot however another a great save from O. Rogers secured a comfortable 4-2 win for the Prospect side in a performance that sees them reclaim first place.
Brian Vella was pleased with the effort especially in regards to his midfield: ?I thought our midfield was outstanding, they controlled the play really well and I thought we were outstanding in defence with Isbister and Lewis again phenomenal in defence?.
?We play football in patches but the win tonight gives us the confidence to do well come finals. We have played well as a team and tonight I thought we dominated in the right areas to secure the points, we finished our chances well and with the firepower up front tonight it will do our confidence much good?.
Match Stats
Prospect United 4 (Freitas 13?, 18?, David 49?, McLeay 71?)
Sydney Cedars 2 (Elndorae 29?, Benegadi 74?)
Saturday 8th August
William Lawson Reserve
Prospect United: 19. O. Rogers, 2. J. Lewis, 3. C. Senat, 4. L. Isbister, 5. M. Viera (13. S. Puljic 81?), 6. A. Maxwell, 7. D. Miralles, 8. K. Gabara (12. A. Pejic 67?), 11. A. David (9. J. Vella 60?), 10. L. Freitas, 16. J. McLeay
Subs not used: 1. S. Smith, 14. B. Sagol
Yellow cards: 12. A. Pejic 74?, 7. D. Miralles 75?
Red cards: Nil
Sydney Cedars: 1. Z. Bekdache, 4. A. Faxad, 5. N. Fayad, 6. W. Berbas, 9. C. Martin, 13. W. Elndorae, 14. S. Benegadi, 12. E. Gabr (15. A. Alwaely 57?), 16. O. Hamzeh, 17. M. Faxad, 7. Ali Khan (11. M. Bekdache 81?)
Subs not used: 8. M. Elhassany
Yellow cards: 16. O. Hamzeh 13?, 5. N. Fayad 61?, 6. W. Berbas 78?
Red cards: Nil
Round 19 Review
Bathurst continued their impressive form at Alec Lamberton Field defeating Colo Colo 1-0 on Saturday afternoon. The only goal coming from J. Christie in the 60? minute, giving Bathurst three crucial points that boost finals hopes for the Bathurst side.
Penang FC is still without a win after being demolished 6-2 by Hawkesbury City on Saturday afternoon. Gary Lewis?s men were outstanding with M. McCrory, P. Cooper, G. Hartge and A. Ward involved in the goals. The win sees Hawkesbury?s finals hopes increase with only three rounds remaining. Penang FC has struggled throughout however a double from T. Cohen who has been impressive all year put some light into the loss.
Gladesville secured a 1-0 win against Luddenham on Saturday afternoon; Kabbara scoring in the 27? minute to ensure Gladesville continue in their battle for the top spot. With Prospect now on top the win for Gladesville puts them just behind the leaders with three thrilling rounds remaining.
Camden have given their finals chances a boost T. Spain scored in the 63? minute away to Springwood on Saturday night to ensure his side stay in the top five. Springwood has been brilliant in the past six weeks and would still be delighted with the effort despite going down at Summerhayes Park.
Roosters FC have secured a 3-1 win against White City on Sunday afternoon at Mona Park; A. Taslak opened scoring in the 37? minute. E. Topal scored a double for the game with goals in the 72?, and 89? minute. White city pulled one back in the 80? minute through A. Cosic but it wasn?t enough as Roosters surged to victory with ease. Roosters FC have played good football in 2009 and with the top three so tightly contested Roosters will be confident in their surge to claim top spot.
Hakoah picked up a solid 2-0 win at home to Lansvale on Sunday afternoon, J. Rudman scored in the 64? minute and J. Mundell secured the result in the 77? minute.
-By Johnny Casni
