Men’s State League 2 Round 14 Review
Round 14 of the Men’s State League 2 kicked off this weekend with only three games going ahead due to the weather.
As a result, Southern Districts and University of NSW was postponed, along with FC Gazy Lansvale’s fixture against the Western Condors.
Our Match of the Round saw a gripping nil-all contest between competition leaders, Dunbar Rovers and visiting Prospect United.
Match of the Round
Dunbar Rovers 0-0 Prospect United, Saturday 18 July, Hensley Athletic Field
The Dunbar Rovers have picked up their third consecutive draw after blitzing the competition with a perfect 11-0 record.
It was obvious they were missing a few keys players such as Andrew Doddy in the midfield, therefore, they lacked that calmness required to come away with a victory.
To Prospect’s credit, they were knocking on the door of an upset but ran out of legs in the last ten minutes of play.
The match began back and forth for both sides with end-to-end action featuring predominantly in the opening exchanges. Damien Stivala was causing havoc on the left wing for Prospect and found himself in space on multiple occasions.
Stivala as a result, whipped a few balls into the box but on each occasion, Dunbar diffused the danger.
Dunbar weathered the storm and found themselves with a five on three counter attack in the 15th minute, however, their last pass went astray and skidded along the greasy surface to Prospect goalkeeper, Peter Kefalis.
Despite both teams having multiple chances in attacking position, it took 20 minutes for the first shot of the day when Dunbar’s Robbie Deasy broke away from Prospect’s defence. Deasy managed to put the ball onto his left foot for an audacious attempt on goal but the ball trickled wide of the mark.
He found himself again in a scoring opportunity only minutes later, courtesy of a fantastic flick pass by Malcolm Miller, but unfortunately for Dunbar, could not get the ball onto his favoured left foot.
Prospect did however, have one chance on goal before the break when Troy Sullivan attempted a volley on the back of a Stivala cross. Despite a good connection, the ball sailed high and wide of the mark and the score remained nil-all at the break.
A change in tactic by Dunbar acting coach, Jonathan Smith saw Marcus Gabriel, substituted in at goalkeeper for Stephen Deasy.
The second half began far more physical than the first half, which was led by Prospect defender, Matthew Viera.
Viera smothered attempts on goal by John Niyonsaba which put Prospect on the front foot through counter attacks.
The conditions had worsened and it was obvious that both sides did not have the freedom to shift the ball to their wings as they did in the first half, therefore, they were keeping the ball predominantly in the midfield.
As a result, chances on goal were hard to come by and both teams resorted in taking hopeful shots from well outside of the box.
Fubuki Sakurai provided spark off the bench for Prospect and his attempt on goal in the 71st minute just sailed over the crossbar.
The conditions proved menacing when play was stopped temporarily after all the advertising block flew onto the field.
This break did kick Dunbar into gear however and were able to win themselves three consecutive attacking free kicks with all attempts by Paul O’Shaughnessy just missing the mark.
In the end, Prospect parked the bus and seemed content with sharing the points with Dunbar, while Dunbar continued to press right until the final whistle.
Match Stats
Dunbar Rovers 0
Prospect United 0
Hensley Athletic Field
Referee: Mr. Stephen Ellsmore
Assistant Referees: Mr. Jin Weng Kuan and Mr. Damoon Mehrpour
Dunbar Rovers: 1. Stephen Deasy (21. Marcus Gabriel), 13. Sean Burke (70. Dylan Deep-Jones), 6. Ian Clayton, 10. Robbie Deasy, 17. Stephen Liu, 11. Malcolm Miller, 3. John Niyonsaba (9. Anthony Glasheen), 83. Paul O’Shaugnhessy, 12. Michael Sealy, 4. Ali Simpson, 2. Adam Smith
Substitutions not used: 19. Juan Arcila Lopez, 19. Rene Mrva
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Prospect United: 18. Peter Kefalas, 3. Tobias Elliott-Orr, 15. Wiltar Jajaw (14. Fubuki Sakurai), 4. Gian Mario Liburdi, 6. Michael Abanoub (11. Thomas Simpson), 13. Nathan Smith, 7. Damien Stivala (5. Jonathan Manibog), 12. Troy Sullivan, 10. Joshua Viera, 16. Matthew Viera, 2. Emmanuel Vuciri
Substitutions not used: 33. Simone Malcotti, 8. Adrian Jennings
Yellow Cards: 16. Matthew Viera (90’)
Red Cards: Nil
Rest of the Round
Hurstville FC 2-1 Camden Tigers, Saturday 18 July, Ron Dine Reserve
Hurstville FC have picked up the three points away when they ground out a 2-1 victory against the Camden Tigers on Saturday.
After getting off to a fantastic start, Hurstville went into the break with a 2-0 advantage after Denis Cutura and Fouad Umlil both found the back of the net.
The Tigers hit back in the 80th minute through Adam Smutek but could not salvage a draw, which left the final score at 2-1 to Hurstville FC.
Hurstville City Minotaurs 4-3 Wagga City Wanderers, Sunday 19 July, Valentine Sports Park
The Hurstville City Minotaurs have picked up only their second win of the season when they defeated the Wagga City Wanderers in a high-scoring affair.
Despite leading 4-1 for most of the match, the Wanderers managed to pull together two quick goals in the final five minutes of the match.
Leonardo Pinto’s red card played a big role in the Wanderer’s comeback but fortunately for them, it did not cost them the win.
The Minotaurs goals came from captain, Paolo Paras who scored a double, Anthony Lazarou and Haisam Morhi.
For The Wanderers, Tyler Allen scored two Scott Dunn scored their third.
Southern Districts SFA vs University of NSW, Saturday 18 July, Ernie Smith Reserve
WASHED OUT
FC Gazy Lansvale vs Western Condors, Sunday 19 July, Progress Park
WASHED OUT
-By Lars Roy, Men’s State League 2 Reporter
