State League One Round 1 Review
State League One returned to the forefront as a number of exciting matches took place in the opening round of what was a great week for the competition.
Match of the Round
Granville Rage v Balmain Tigers
Granville Rage outlined their season credentials on Saturday afternoon with an impressive 3-1 victory over the Balmain Tigers.
The opening exchanges saw both teams finding their feet as they tried to settle into a rhythm. Rage tried to build their play through the middle of the park, looking to attack down the wings, while Balmain tried to find an outlet with Rosario Occhipinti and Tonkin upfront.
The first real big chance of the game fell to Balmain in the 15th minute with midfielder Wenyon providing a good through ball over the top that saw left winger Donato race in on goal. Rage keeper McMahon rushed out to close the space and Donato’s attempted shot sailed over the keepers head, but wide of the goal.
Not long after Rage opened the scoring for the season with a brilliant goal. A good run by attacker Bortolazzo down the middle of the field attracted numerous Balmain players and Bortolazzo cut the ball back to Mesiti who layed it into the bath of Khusaba. The midfielder took a touch outside the box before unleashing a stunning shot into the top left side of the goal.
The game turned into a real battle of the midfield after the goal and both teams refused to give an inch. Balmain midfielder Jacob Di Mento tried to get his side going by keeping busy in the middle of the park, but Rage looked slightly sharper in midfield with continuous link up play and goal scorer Khushaba pulling the strings for the home side.
The 28th minute saw Rage striker Dizdaric try his luck with a volley from outside the box when the ball bounced invitingly from a throw-in, but the shot flashed over the bar. The captain was now coming more into the game by continually holding the ball up and using his skill and technique to link up with his attacking midfielders.
With the game still evenly balanced Balmain captain Tom Hyde played a nice one-two with right midfielder Domenic Di Mento, the skippers marauding run ending with a dangerous cross into the box which was just cleared by the Rage defence.
Rage nearly doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when a dangerous corner led to a goal mouth scramble in the box. The ball fell to lively winger Chandab who unleashed a powerful shot that was blocked on the line by Balmain defender Madsen, just as it looked like hitting the back of the net.
The tackles really started flying in as the half drew to a close with Balmain midfielder Di Mento and Rage player Bortolazzo both receiving cautions for heavy challenges. The referee did well in keeping a lid on proceedings as plenty of feeling crept into the game. The score remained 1-0 at the break.
Balmain Coach Di Guilio tried to spark his side by making two substitutions as the teams came out for the second half, Andrew Casali replacing Donato in midfield and Yianni Kritikos replacing Tonkin upfront. The Balmain coach didn’t have to wait long to see his substitutes make an impact and in the 53rd minute good hold up play by Occhipinti led to the striker switching the play to Leonardo Digiulio. The left back played a delightful ball over the Rage defence leaving Kritikos one-on-one with the Rage keeper, however the newly introduced striker couldn’t connect cleanly and saw his shot go straight into the keeper’s arms.
The momentum swung back to the home side in the 57th minute as Balmain’s defence failed to deal with a long ball that landed in their area, which resulted in Balmain defender Falanga bringing down a Rage player on the edge of the box. It left the referee with no option but to point to the penalty spot. Granville midfielder Chandab stepped up confidently and never looked like missing, his shot low and hard to the left hand corner leaving Balmain keeper no chance and giving the rage a 2-0 lead.
The 65th minute saw Balmain introduce Joel Cook into the action for Andrew Casali, who left injured after only coming on at half time. Rage coach Islas introduced Eshani and Vukovic to provide fresh legs into his midfield as the half wore on.
Coach Islas would have been happy when his side added a third goal in the 70th minute, big striker Dizdaric making it 3-0 with a strong header into the back of the net after a nice cross from Vukovic. It saw captain Dizdaric deservedly getting on the score sheet as he proved a constant menace for the Balmain defence.
Just as the game looked to be slipping away from Balmain, some good work in the middle by Wenyon resulted in the ball at Jacob Di Mento’s feet, and the crafty midfielder played a beautifully lobbed through ball over the top for striker Occhipinti to calmly slot past the Rage keeper. A great finish by last year’s Golden Boot winner to make the score 3-1 with 10 minutes to go.
Balmain tried to push for another goal and with five minutes remaining a wayward back pass by Granville’s defence was latched onto by Balmain midfielder Domenic Di Mento, but his shot flashed wide across the face of the goal.
A few more half chances were created by both sides but the game ended at 3-1 in favor of Granville, who were deserved winners on the day. Isla’s side were very organised, structured and played with a fluent passing game that will no doubt only improve as the season progresses.
Balmain never really got going in this game and Coach Di Giulio will be disappointed with a first round loss. Strong performances in a beaten side included Wenyon and Di Mento who worked tirelessly in the middle of the park, striker Occhipinti also showed his goal scoring prowess with a very well taken goal.
For the Rage it was a real team effort to get the victory, Michael Ruzic was a tower of strength in the backline while Khushaba showed his composure and a great passing range to settle the team down early on. Upfront striker Dizdaric continually provided a threat by holding up play and bringing others into play.
Rage coach Mauricio Islas was happy with the performance, “I think we were probably a little hungrier than they were in the first half and in the middle we were pretty strong. To get off to win at home for the first game is what we were looking for and hopefully we can be consistent from now on”.
Match Stats
Granville Rage 3 (Kushaba Kushaba 20’ Ahmed Chandab 58’ Almir Diazdaric 75’)
Balmain Tigers FC 1 (Rosario Occhipinti 80’)
Saturday, 29th of March, 2014
Garside Park, Granville
Referee: Mr Thomas Diakos
Assistant Referees: Mr Chris Abela and Janush Adabjov
Granville Rage : 1.Carl McMahon, 2.jonathan Ekehov, 18.Kurdvan Abduljabbar, 8.Daniel Bortoloazzo, 10.Kushaba Kushaba, 5.Mitchell Luc 12.Daniel Vukovic, 17.Manut Yel, 14. Alexander Bit, 11. Nenos Bobo, 9. Ahmed Chandab, 19. Almir Dizdanc(capt), 6. Samir Eshani, 15. Joshua Mesiti, 20. Michael Ruzic
Substitutes Not Used: 22. Zane Brown, 17.Manut Yel
Yellow Cards: Daniel Bortoloazzo
Red Cards: Nil
Balmain Tigers FC : 5.Andrew Casali, 8.Joel Cook, 27.Domenico Di Mento, 10. Giacomo Di Mento, 22.Leonardo Digiulio, 11.William Donato, 30.Samuel Falanga, 2.Thomas Hyde, 14.lachlan Kerr, 20.Yianni Kritikos, 4.Jeppe Madsen, 7.Rosario Occhipinti, 9.Scott Tonkin, 21.Gavin Wenyon
Substitutes Not Used: 19. James Kiosidis, 23. Domenic Arcella
Yellow Cards: Jacob Di Mento
Red Cards: Nil
Western NSW Mariners FC v Ryde Gladesville Magic – WASHED OUT
Hawkesbury City SC v Camden Tigers
Hawkesbury got their season off to a winning start with a comfortable 5-0 win at Benson Lane on Saturday night with Sebastian Comacho opened the scoring early on for the home side.
The game took a dramatic twist shortly after in the 15th minute with Camden having Chris York given a straight red card for a bad tackle. The Hawks also saw some injury troubles with David Gardner needing to come off the field with a hamstring issue, whilst prolific striker Todd Macrae also had to leave the field with a back complaint.
Sebastian Comacho then grabbed his second of the match to put the Hawks 2-0 up, a score they carried into the half time break.
The Hawks added three more goals in the second half against the ten men, with Dean Smith, Ryan Wilson, and Kyle Simone all getting on the scoresheet.
It’s a great start for Hawkesbury who will look to carry the form into the next game. Despite the score line, Camden will look to put things right in round two.
Northbridge FC v Stanmore Hawks
Northbridge and Stanmore played out 1-1 draw in Sunday afternoons contest at Wentworth Park. In a tight tussle the teams couldn’t be separated in the first half and went to the break at nil all.
Northbridge took the lead midway through the second half with Ricky Woodward opening the scoring for the home side.
The Hawks were up against it and matters got worse when Harvey was sent off for his second yellow card of the game with 15 minutes to go.
With the game drawing to a close there was late drama as the Hawks grabbed a late equaliser deep into stoppage time, Lachlan Wright hitting a sweet left foot shot to claim a point with virtually the last kick of the game.
Northbridge will be disappointed not to have held on for the three points, Stanmore meanwhile will be pleased to open the season with a hard earned point.
Hakoah Sydney City East FC v Dulwich Hill
Dulwich Hill were 4-3 victors in a goal feast at Hensley Athletic Field on Sunday night. In a see-sawing match Hakoah opened the scoring but Dulwich Hill equalised through Sam Cornish. Hakoah retook the lead but were pegged back once again with former IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 striker Jun Kato levelling the scores as the team went to halftime.
The second half saw Aaron Cordova grab a double to put Dulwich hill up 4-2, but Hakoah grabbed a late consolation in the dying Stages to make the final score 4-3.
Goals scorers for Hakoah Included former Adelaide United striker Lloyd Owusu and Mike Katz.
Inter Lions SC v Nepean FC
Inter Lions squeezed past Nepean FC with a 1-0 victory in a tough game and under tough conditions with the only goal of the game coming midway through the first half. A good through ball by Clayton Musumeci put Miguel Martinez charging on goal and Martinez showed all his quality by lobbing the keeper from outside the box
Nepean tried to find the equaliser in the second half but the Inter defence held firm to grab the 3 points and the clean sheet to open the season.
-By Diego Munoz
