State League Two Round 10 Review
Match of the Round
HAKOAH V HAWKESBURY CITY SC
Hakoah secured their tenth straight win as they beat Hawkesbury City 1-0 in a game that saw the Hawks miss a vital penalty gifted to them in first stanza after some nice work by Zac Watters. Football can sometimes be unforgiving, and the league leaders punished the Hawks as they kept them scoreless to run out 1-0 winners.
Both sets of supporters were out in voice as they packed the stands at Hensley Athletic Field on a chilly Saturday night, and didn?t have to wait too long for the action to unfold. Robert Carle for Hawkesbury slid a clever ball out wide for Paul Cooper inside the first 2? minutes, and the nippy striker cunningly beat his marker only for his shot to be blocked.
It was end-to-end action inside the first couple of minutes as Neil Jablonski collected a magnificent 40 yard ball less than a minute later, but he was stopped in his tracks by a stern Vaughan Profilio challenge inside the area.
Hakoah fans were in disbelief in the 3? minute as Deklan Gilmartin and Justin Kosmina got the ball caught under their feet inside the 18 yard box, both unable to pull to trigger before the Hawks cleared their lines.
It was Hawks who took their turn next after a short Nathan Cooper free kick put Ethan Simone out wide, but his scuffed delivery ensured the ball?s flight untroubled Hakoah?s goal.
Justin Kosmina showed great vision to send Michael Katz down the flank in the 5? minute, and he delivered a tantalising cross into the box, but veteran Hawks captain Vaughan Profilio was smartly positioned and easily cleared the ball to safety.
Hakoah?s shot-stopper, Terry Dal Broi was called into action for the first time after 7? minutes. A Vaughan Profilio long ball out of defence caused some confusion amongst Hakoah?s back three, but Dal Broi?s quick thinking saw him rush off his line to clear the danger.
Experienced central defender Patrick Darvill uncharacteristically made a run out wide and crossed low into the box on 10? minutes, but the ball raced across the six yard line and bobbled out for a throw in.
A minute later, Hawk?s burly striker Michael McCrory showed some class with a nice first touch to bring the ball down inside the area, swivelling to his left to shake his marker before sliding his effort just wide of the target.
Just moments later saw the Hawks earn themselves a penalty. Zac Watters beat Patrick Vardill with pace and skill, running inwards on goal before being tumbled over by Daan Ranshuijsen with the referee halting play and pointing to the spot. Hawk?s reliable midfielder Robert Carle stepped up to the spot but his low drive towards the bottom corner was brilliantly saved by Hakoah custodian Terry Dal Broi.
Hawkesbury continued to pile the pressure on Hakoah, and the brawny Michael McCrory was at it again, letting fly a shot from 25 yards out that Terry Dal Broi expertly at full reach tipped over the bar for a corner.
Nippy striker Zac Watters was at his menacing best in the 18? minute, again using his speed to dart alongside Patrick Darvill, but the defender did well to keep the pressure on Watters as his shot lacked power and conviction and in the end was easy pickings for Dal Broi.
Hawks midfielder Evan Daglis made a mazy run on 20? minutes, beating two defenders to earn his side a free kick 40 yards out from goal. Hawks captain Profilio looped the ball into the box but it carried too much weight as Dal Broi collected without being challenged.
Down the other end, Hakoah won a free kick from similar distance but Nathan Kosmina over hit the ball for Shane Johnson to catch on the full.
Evan Daglis carved a good chance out of nothing on 34? minutes. The midfielder threaded a neat ball for Zac Watters, which saw him go one-on-one with Dal Broi, but it was the Hakoah shot-stopper who made a spectacular low diving save to thwart the danger.
Right flanker Michael Katz came to life a minute later, delivering a pin point cross for the heavily marked Neil Jablonski, but his glancing header was deflected out for a corner.
Nathan Kosmina?s corner just a minute later swung in towards goal, forcing Evan Daglis to clear off the goal-line.
The last chance of the first-half fell to Hakoah. Justin Kosmina lashed a high ball from distance into the box for Neil Jablonski in the 40? minute, but Shane Johnson was deemed to have been fouled by the striker as both players challenged for the 50/50 ball.
The first stanza saw both sides carve out some first-rate chances as the smooth playing surface allowed for a thrilling free-flowing passing game adopted by both sides.
Following the break, Hakoah?s best moments in the attacking third arrived via a Michael Katz cross that Neil Jablonski pounced on, rocketing a shot that beat Johnson, but the assistant referee already had his flag up high as the Hawks were thrown a life line.
After 56? minutes, Jordan Mudell latched on to the loose ball 20 yards out, but his volley lacked precision and drifted wide of the goal.
Hawkesbury had a great chance in the 58? minute as Shane Johnson hit a monster kick from inside his own goalmouth that travelled the length of the field, but Michael McCrory misjudged the flight of the ball which allowed Dal Broi to command the box, punching the ball away from danger.
Hakoah were losing patience after having much of the ball in the second stanza and Nathan Kosmina unleashed a pile-driver from distance that went straight into the arms of Johnson.
The undefeated league leaders finally took the lead in the 61? minute though, as the ever-dangerous Michael Katz crossed a delightful ball that was not dealt with by the Hawks, and from point blank range Justin Kosmina sent the home fans into pandemonium as Hakoah edged in front 1-0.
Nathan Kosmina?s corners were causing headaches for the Hawks defence and the home side were unlucky not to have gone 2-0 up not long after their opening goal. A deep corner from Kosmina was met by the head of Neil Jablonski, but as the ball slammed against the post, the referee blew his whistle to award Hawkesbury a free kick after some penalty box scuffling.
Hakoah continued to dominate the second-half as Jordan Mundell played Katz down the line in the 65? minute, whose cross was cleared out for a corner by the Hawks.
Hakoah brought on Jamie Watt with around 25? minutes of play still remaining to provide additional firepower and it almost paid immediate dividends, with the striker hitting the ball sweetly before the Hawks custodian fumbled his effort, quickly redeeming himself just before the ball rolled over the line.
A great Andrew Stevenson tackle in the 80? minute prevented Justin Kosmina pulling the trigger inside the area to prevent Hakoah extending their lead.
Robert Carle and Evan Daglis made some neat exchanges around the half way line but the final ball let them down as Ranshuijsen intercepted a pass that was meant for Hakan Celik.
Evan Daglis ventured into Hakoah?s territory in the 85? minute before being taken out by Hakoah?s substitute Jospeh. Michael McCrory battered the resultant free kick from 35 yards out on target, but it was the flawless Dal Broi who made another brilliant save ? diving low down to his left to parry the ball to safety.
Hakoah?s last chance of the game saw Hakoah defender Randall beat his marker to the ball, heading on goal and forcing Johnson into a strong one handed save before Mr Barnes brought the proceedings to a close with the full-time whistle sounding out amongst Hakoah?s home supporters roar.
Best for Hakoah were; Shot-stopper Terry Dal Broi played the perfect game against the Hawks, putting in a tremendous individual performance that ensured his side kept a clean sheet. Michael Katz looked dangerous every time he was on the ball, often dictating Hakoah?s attacking raids on the Hawks goal and provided the cross that saw Justin Kosmina bury the ball into the back of the net for the winner; Deklan Gilmartin played an important role in the middle of the park, often making important tackles and providing the link between the back three and his attackers.
Best for Hawkesbury City were; Michael McCrory showed experience and poise in front of goal, carving out a number of great opportunities and didn?t neglect his defensive duties which saw him often win the ball back in his own half; Evan Daglis showed experience beyond his years as his looked to spark his side on many occasions, ensuring his side kept pace with the league leaders.
Match Stats
HAKOAH 1 (J Kosmina 61m)
HAWKESBURY CITY SC 0
Saturday, 26 May 2012
Hensley Athletic Field, Matraville
Referee ? J.Barnes
Assistant Referees ? S.Ellsmore & Y.Shamon
Kick-off: 5pm
HAKOAH: 1. T.Dalbroi, 2. P.Darvill, 13. M.Katz, 6. N.Kosmina (29. A.Jospeh 64?), 3. D. Ranshuijsen, 8. J.Mundell, 9. N.Jablonski, 10. D.Gilmartin (14. J.Watt 64?), 15. M.Randall, 16. D.Blumberg (4. M.Kacen 83?), 12. J.Kosmina.
Subs not used ? 30. D.Helfenbaum
Yellow Cards ? 29. A.Joseph 85?.
Red Cards ? NIL.
HAWKESBURY CITY SC : 30. S.Johnson, 18. E.Simone (4. A.Stevenson 65?), 33. V.Profilio, 14. R.Alchin, 8. R.Wilson, 37. R.Carle, 28. E.Daglis, 7. N.Cooper (3. D.Smith 72?), 34. Z.Watters (29. H.Celik 60?), 17. M.McCrory, 13. P.Cooper.
Subs not used ? NIL.
Yellow Cards ? 4. A.Stevenson 69?.
Red Cards ? NIL.
Division Two Review ? Round 10
Mountains United 1 (R Haberman 16m) Prospect United 2 (M Hubbard 6m A Jennings 30m)
Saturday, 26 May 2012 @ 7-00pm at Summerhayes Park
Prospect United have won their fifth straight game as they beat a Mountains side down on luck 2-1 away from home on Saturday night.
Matthew Hubbard put Prospect in the lead after just 6? minutes before Robert Haberman equalised for Mountains United in the 16? minute.
Consistent Prospect midfielder Adrian Jennings edged his side back in front on the half hour mark and that?s the way it stayed with neither side able to add to their goal tally with 60? minutes still left on the clock.
The win sees Prospect retain third spot, with the chance to overtake Hawkesbury with two games in hand, while the loss mounts further pressure on Mountains – who haven?t picked up any points in their last four outings.
Hurstville City Minotaurs 1 (H Morhi 18m) West City FC 1 (M Pritchard 8m)
Sunday, 27 May 2012 @ 3-00pm at Punchbowl Oval
Hurstville City and West City cancelled each other out as they played out a tough 1-1 draw on Sunday afternoon with both goals arriving in the first stanza.
Matthew Pritchard put West City up inside the first 10? minutes but it was Haisam Morhi who equalised for the Minotaurs just 10? minutes later.
Both sides battled on but were unable to find a winner, with the game finishing 1-1.
The draw sees both sides retain their top half of the table status and provides positive foundations to improve their fortunes in round 11.
Western Condors 2 (C Olivares 56m A Lajin 72m) Nepean FC 1 (A Walker 18m)
Sunday, 27 May 2012 @ 3-00pm at Knight Park Field No. 4
Western Condors secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season, overcoming a one goal first-half deficit to overawe their opponents in the latter stages of the match on Sunday afternoon.
Andrew Walker got the ball rolling with an 18? minute opener for Nepean, which was enough to send the away side up at the break.
Western Condors got their act together in the second-half though with Olivares scoring the equaliser before Condors striker Alen Lajin adding his side?s second and eventual winner to seal an important win against a battling Nepean FC outfit.
The win sees Wester Condors bridge the gap to be within 3 points of the top five. Nepean on the other hand picked up two points this week and has failed in their quest to improve their ladder position.
Belmore United 2 (P Kalantzis 39m C Kartambis 89m) Luddenham United 2 (L Tomich 40m H Merdanovic 82m)
Sunday, 27 May 2012 @ 3-00pm at Blick Oval
A late Chris Kartambis 89? minute equaliser ensured Belmore and Luddenham each took a point home on Sunday afternoon.
Belmore?s Paul Kalantzis opened the scoring for Belmore in the 39? minute before Luke Tomich replied a minute later to make it 1-1 just before half-time.
Luddenham?s dangerous marksman Huso Merdanovic proved his worth with an important 82? minute goal but Belmore?s Chris Kartambis equalised with 1? minute left on the clock, ensuring both sides shared a slice of the pie.
Luddenham drew their second consecutive game of the week (after their 3-3 mid-week catch up v Nepean), which sees them hover around the mid-table mark while Belmore failed to lift themselves off the bottom of the table, sitting 1 point adrift of Nepean.
FC Gazy Lansvale 4 (S Jappie 20m I Hameed 35/57m E Uzel 58m) Bathurst ?75 2 (B Osbourne 33m J Christie 74m)
Sunday, 27 May 2012 @ 3-00pm at Cherrybrook Park
FC Gazy added to Bathurst 75?s woes with a dominant 4-2 win on Sunday afternoon.
Sahligh Jappie opening the scoring for the home team after 20? minutes before Brett Osbourne equalised for the travelling 75?s in the 33? minute. Ibrahim Hameed edged Gazy back in front just 2? minutes later as they home side lead 2-1 at the break.
FC Gazy continued where they left off as Imbrahim scored his second and his side?s third after 57? minutes before Ertan Uzel added Gazy?s fourth just a minute later.
James Christie scored a consolation goal for Bathurst in the 74? minute but it was too late as FC Gazy recorded a much needed 4-2 victory on home soil.
The win sees Gazy end their recent form slump while Bathurst lose their fifth straight game to tumble further down the ladder.
Rescheduled Round 1 Result:
Luddenham United 3 (C Camilleri 34m H Merdanovic 48/50m) Nepean FC 3 (A Deng 60m D Miralles 64m A Belardo 74m)
Tuesday, 22 May 2012 @ 8-15pm at Cook Park (St Marys)
Luddenham?s season of misfortune continued on Tuesday night, as they lead 3-0 after 50? minutes before Nepean clawed their way back to make it 3-3, with both sides walking away with 1 point each.
Chris Camilleri opening the scoring in the 34? minute before Huso Merdanovic scored a brace to put Luddenham 3-0 up and in a commanding position for the win.
Nepean?s young guns never say die attitude ensured they battled until the end, and found their reward, scoring three goals of their own in the space of 15? minutes to snatch a late 3-3 draw.
Reserve Grade: Luddenham United 2 Nepean FC 3
Division Two Reserve Grade – Round 10 Overview
The reserve grade top of the table clash between Hakoah and Hawkesbury provided plenty of fireworks, with the latter running out 2-1 winners to increase their lead at the top. Mountains United defeated Prospect 2-1 at win to sit on the cusp of the top 5 while Hurstville defeated West City 2-0 to jump into 7th spot.
Nepean FC was too strong for Western Condors, running out 3-1 winners while Belmore and Luddenham played out an entertaining 1-1 draw. Bathurst 75 scored in important 1-0 away win over FC Gazy to keep pace up the top of the ladder.
Hakoah ? Hawkesbury City SC ? 1-2
Mountains United ? Prospect United ? 2-1
Hurstville City Minotaurs ? West City FC ? 2-0
Western Condors FC ? Nepean FC ? 1-3
Belmore United ? Luddenham United ? 1-1
FC Gazy ? Bathurst 75 ? 0-1
-By Dean Southern
