Semi Finals Review – Week 1 – Men’s State League 1
Five became four after this weekend’s pulsating round of Men’s State League 1 action before the major and minor finals next weekend.
Elimination Final: Balmain Tigers 1 v Dulwich Hill FC 0
A second half Scott Tonkin goal secured the Tigers passage into next week as they brushed aside Dulwich Hill at Lily’s Football Centre.
Balmain looked to continue their late form from the final round against Granville Rage and they opened up Dully early.
Their early pressure earned them successive corners where Balmain captain Tom Hyde rose highest and almost nodded it goal bound.
Young winger Domenico Di Mento terrorised the Dulwich Hill defense and his 13th minute chip almost floated over the keeper but Mario Farias produced a good save.
Following the energetic start – Dulwich Hill found their footing in the game and tried to get their talisman Sam Messam involved.
The tall striker used his height advantage to get his head to the ball and just send it over the crossbar and his combination with Sam Cordova prised the Tigers open without reward.
The Balmain side used the flanks to their advantage, as Di Mento elevated to starting minutes this weekend had two efforts late in the half that were repelled.
Dulwich Hill was dangerous on the counter and almost sprung the trap after the break but it was cleared.
Joe Di Giulio much like last week rung the changes quickly. The addition of Scott Tonkin gave the Tigers a presence up front to play off.
It was a much more unlikely source that tested Farias. Tiger’s striker Gowdy fired a switch ball to Ciaran Muir who thrashed itgoalbound and was denied.
The goal did come in the 70th minute. Tigers sub Scott Tonkin used touch to bring the ball down before he thumped it into the net to a roar on the bench.
Dully continued trying to find an equaliser but the Balmain defense remained resolute and move onto next week .
A jubiliant Balmain Tigers coach praised his super sub.
“I think he [Scott Tonkin] performs much better off the bench and gives us good impact,” said Joe Di Giulio.
“We’ve had problems in drawing and losing games through converting our chances. Today we took the chances.”
Norm Tome remained proud despite the defeat.
“I’m proud of the boys from where they started. They are tired but now we build on it for next year.” added the Dulwich Hill coach.
MATCH STATS
Balmain Tigers 1 (Tonkin ’70)
Dulwich Hill FC 0
Balmain Tigers: Hyde, Muir(Broehl ’80), Gowdy, Casali, Chandab (Tonkin ’56), G. Di Mento, Loke, D. Di Mento(Donato ’71), Wenyon, Karpes and Costa
Subs not used: Cook and Nakadai
Dulwich Hill FC: Messam, Maruca, Pinto, Calcagno, Hrysanthos, Johnston, Farias, Tirovski, Cordova, Cornish and Martinez (Agyei, Yin and Cross subs)
Qualifying Final: Rydalmere Lions 1 v Hills Brumbies 4
Two goals in each half helped Hills Brumbies over a disappointed Rydalmere Lions this afternoon at Arlington Reserve.
These two teams played out a 3-2 cliff-hanger two weeks ago. Rydalmere Lions started the game on the front foot as Chris Camilleri almost prodded the ball in after 60 seconds.
Hills Brumbies were the first team to trouble the scoreboard though – Liam Lawler was free in midfield and bulleted his shot past Harrick Sinpraseuth for the 1-nil lead after five minutes.
Zakeriya Elrich was the focal point for the Lions attack as the winger was in behind from a Camilleri flick but couldn’t test Brumbies ‘keeper Jackson Franich.
It was two for Brumbies after 22 minutes when Chris Bedzo’s shot was deflected out. The resulting corner was played out to Gregory Giovenali to strike for a 2-nil.
There was almost a third when Lawler tried to square the ball across the area before it struck the hand of Aaron Avery. G. Giovenali stepped up to take the spot kick but Lions keeper Sinpraseuth produced a magnificent save to stay 2-nil.
Rydalmere were blunt in attack for most of the afternoon but found their way back into the contest through the penalty spot. Elrich stepped up and slotted it to claw it back to 2-1.
Amaury Gauthier found himself in space from Sinpraseuth’s goal-kick and the Lions’ substitute forced Franich to palm it away to preserve the Brumbies lead.
As Tony Basha urged his Lions forward to pull back a second, it gave the Brumbies enough space to put the game away.
Young Will Giovenali found a pocket of space in the midfield to place his shot aided by a slight deflection for the third goal.
Brumbies filled their bench with their youngsters and it was their last substitute Jordan Lane who put the cherry on top with the tap in for the final scoreline of 4-1.
Afterwards Joe Giovenali was pleased with his side.
“The boys were composed tonight, didn’t panic and stuck to our game plan tonight which worked out,”
“We’re struggling with thirteen players and needed to use our young boys tonight. It is a good experience onto next weekend.”
Rydalmere Lions coach Tony Basha was glad to see the return of some players
“We were carrying some injuries today and especially were missing defenders but hopefully getting them back soon,” added the Rydalmere boss.
“Credit to them [Hills Brumbies] they were the better side today and now onto the task of beating Balmain.”
MATCH STATS
Rydalmere Lions 1 (Elrich ’70)
Hills Brumbies 4 (Lawler ‘5, G. Giovenali ’22, W. Giovenali ’79 and Lane ’92)
Rydalmere Lions: Sinpraseuth, Cheong, Aguierre, Elrich, Sayan, Conde, Allybokus, Avery, Camilleri (Owusu ’58), Vickers (Fahmi ’72) and Hayashi(Gauthier ’45)
Yellow cards: nil
Hills Brumbies: Faulkner, Brandon, Pivato(Pace ’84), Lawler (W. Giovenali ’69), Bedzo, G. Giovenali, Hoyer, Kelshaw, Franich, McCracken and Savetta (Lane ’74)
Subs not used: Morrow and Messell
Yellow cards: Faulkner, G. Giovenali, Lawler and Pivato
By Justin Davies, Men’s State League 1 Reporter
