State League Two Round 20 Review
Match of the Round
Hurstville City Minotaurs v Gazy Lansvale
Hurstville have gone one step closer to securing a finals spot in 2009 after defeating Gazy Lansvale 3-1 at Cherrybrook Park on Sunday afternoon.
Both sides were sharing the possession in the early stages however Hurstville came closest in the 5? minute when a well struck free- kick beat everything but the post, a good effort from the away side.
Hurstville the more dangerous in attack and in the 10? minute, scrappy defence from Gazy off a corner allowed C. Grilo to take advantage an open the scoring for the away side.
Hurstville?s H. Morhi was in a one on one position with Gazy keeper Kurtovic in the 16? minute and could have put his side 2-0 up, however his shot drifted to the right.
Gazy were trying to create chances with N. Alemic and A. Rashid on the attack however Hurstville were holding strong in the opening twenty minutes.
H. Morhi and M. DiMeglio were outstanding in their roles with the attacking plays creating much havoc for the Gazy side.
Gazy were without many of their starting players due to injury concerns, however Rashid, Yokohanna and Alemic were among some of outstanding players for the home side. Despite Hurstville?s lead Lansvale were still hanging around in the contest.
M. DiMeglio should have made it 2-0 in the 37? minute when he found space inside the 18 yard box, but his shot sailed over the bar.
Gazy?s momentum and courage paid off in the 39? minute when M. Jirnijanzi headed past Hurstville keeper J. DaPalma to bring his side back in the contest.
Hurstville struck right back in the 41? minute after S. Soulios was put through in a one on one chance, nicely slotting his shot past Kurtovic to put his side back in the lead, leaving the score 2-1 at the break.
Hurstville rampaged early in the second half and were looking to goal in quick succession. M. DiMeglio struck a thunderbolt volley from 30 meters out a good effort just sailing over the bar.
Hurstville were coming into this game sitting inside the top five and the signs were looking positive with the side playing with some quality possession. H. Morhi was outstanding and he had the chance to put the score at 3-1 in the 51? minute a well struck shot just drifted too much to the left.
He redeemed himself in the 52? minute when a sensational ball from M. DiMeglio was well controlled by Morhi leaving him with a simple finish to put the score at 3-1. Gazy were creating too many errors in the backline.
Hurstville was outstanding and were in control when it came to their passing game, Gazy were still providing a contest however the Hurstville defence stood firm.
D. Fernanades was causing havoc finding space every time he was given the ball, allowing him time to link up with the upfront men.
S. Soulios was also causing havoc with the front men allowing Hurstville to attack with numbers, Gazy were still in the contest and were playing good football despite being down 3-1, but they were losing control of the quick counter-attacks from Hurstville.
Gazy were always in the contest but Hurstville took the 3-1 win leaving them in the top five and in good position to play finals football in 2009.
Match Stats
Hurstville City 3 (Grilo 10? Soulios 42?, DiMeglio 52?)
Gazy Lansvale 1 (Jirnijanzi 39?)
Venue: Cherrybrook Park, Sunday 16th August
Gazy Lansvale: Gk. A. Kurtovic, 2. M. Barnett, 12. E. Yokohanna, 14. S. Stevoski, 7. M. Jirnijanzi, 9. A. Rashid, 10. N. Alemic, 5. J. Berhico (4. O. Galiondo 60?), 17. E. Mahmic, 8. A. Mikhail (13. A. Malok 69?), 3. M. Arya
Subs not used: 4. O. Galiondo, 18. N. Odishio
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Hurstville City Minotaurs: 1. J. DaPalma, 16. T. Sidiratos, 3. N. Grilo, 8. N. Kambounias, 2. S. Kladis, 19. S. Soulios, 9. D. Fernanades, 6. S. Marconi, 15. C. Grilo (5. N. Mertzanakis 69?), 11. H. Morhi, 10. M. DiMeglio
Subs not used: GK. S. Malkic, 20. P. Mitkovski, 22. D. Konstantinola
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Review of Round 20
Hawkesbury have taken a crucial point against Gladesville after the two sides finished 1-1 at Benson Lane Field on Saturday afternoon. Kabbara opened the scoring for the away side in the 32? minute to give them the crucial lead. However Hawkesbury had other ideas with M. McCrory equalising in the 44? minute to give the home side a valuable point.
White City suffered a 5-1 loss to first place Prospect united at Bonnyrigg Sports Club on Sunday afternoon. A double from Isbister help begin the rampage with N. Senat, A. David, and P. Landrelli also scoring in what was a great display of football from the away side. Prospect are now a step closer to claiming that crucial top spot.
Colo Colo have scored an impressive 3-2 win over Springwood at Knight Park on Sunday afternoon, goals from E. Navarrete and a double from A. Aravena helped the home side conquer maximum points which boosts the home sides finals hopes. Springwood provided a good contest with goals from P. Henderson and J. Buggy.
Luddenham united and Hakoah shared the spoils at Luddenham Oval on Sunday afternoon, goals from the home side came through D. Iria and A. Chronopoulos. Hakoah goal scorers included A. Joseph and A. Ointe.
Camden Tigers have proven they are ready for the big guns come finals, with a 4-2 win against the Roosters FC. Goals from T. Spain, J. Cook and a double from G. Mackechnie helped the inform Tigers come close to securing a finals berth for 2009. Rooster?s goal scorers included H. Orhan and H. Celik.
While finally, Sydney Cedars defeated Penang FC via a Forfeit.
-By Johnny Casni
