U21s Men: Lilli Pilli show class in Finals victory over Lindfield FC

Being the best is not good enough when you’re 21. The target is always to become the Champions of all Champions and at Valentine Park, there would only be one team who could earn that tittle. Lilli Pilli FC scoring a goal in each half to claim a win over Lindfield FC.

The match started at a furious pace with both sides going on the hunt for an early goal. Lilli Pilli looked the most likely to open the scoring however it was Lindfield’s defence who time after time did their job and stood tall protecting their goal.

Thanks to both sides physical prowess, the referee Alessandro Biandino was kept busy in the centre of the field trying to maintain order in a fixture full of testosterone and nerves as well as more slide tackles than you would find in a Kevin Muscat Appreciation Society.

As the sides headed towards the first drinks break of the afternoon, the crowd might not have seen a goal but there were plenty of shooting opportunities for even a neutral supporter to sit on the edge of their seat. It was Lindfield FC’s Adam Cloughton who looked to be the midfield maestro dictating play and being the all important link between defence and attack.

In the 34th minute though, Lilli Pilli finally got the goal they had been pushing and fighting for all game. Morgan Perry delivering a fine cross from the sideline was finished by Jay Woods. The cheers from the sidelines could be heard from a mile away.

The second half started in fine fashion with just as many physical challenges as we saw in the opening 45. Lindfield winning the physical battle of the match but were also in front in the yellow card tally. Sadly though the match is won and lost by goals and for that fact, Lilli Pilli were in complete control.

A quick throw in over the top of Lindfield’s defence by Chris Boland gave Redah Hassan a chance to stretch his legs and have a shot on goal. The Lindfield goalkeeper looked to be easily beaten but the goal itself was anything but difficult. A fantastically worked goal for Lilli Pilli sealing the result for the squad wearing their famous green and gold strip.

As the minutes ticked over, Lilli Pilli’s defence got stronger and stronger countering everything that Lindfield FC could throw at them. A curling free kick over the goal in the dying moments of the game by Lindfield’s Simon Scougall summed up his side’s performance all game. It was close but not close enough.

With the blow of Alessandro Biandino’s whistle, Lilli Pilli were crowned under 21 Champions at the EA Sports Champions of Champions tournament held at Valentine Sports Park. An outstanding performance capped off by a goal in each half means this is a day which the boys will forever remember.

For Lindfield FC however, the pain of a loss might hoover in the minds of their players however there should be no shame in the team’s performance who will now have the motivation to go on and challenge in 2013 to go back to back grand final appearances.

Match Stats:

Lindfield FC 0

Lilli Pilli FC 2 (Morgan Perry 34’, Redah Hassan 60’)

Saturday 20th October, 2012

Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood

Referee: Alessandro Biandino

Assistant Referees: James Gnym and Lachlan Abood

Lindfield FC: 1. Chris CEPAK, 2. Shaun NADAISAN, 3. Florian LINKENHEIL, 5. Jack HEALY, 6. Brett ARMSTRONG, 9. Raphael ELDER, 15. Jack RICHARDSON, 17. Tom GOLDING, 22. Adam CLOUGHTON, 24. Agneesh LAHIRI, 26. Jack McLEAN

Substitutions: 18. Maxwell MARGALIT, 27. Matthew VENTURA, 29. Antoine CLEUET, 32. Fabian COWLING, 34. Simon SCOUGALL.

Yellow Cards: Fabian Cowling.

Red Cards: Nil.

Lilli Pilli FC: 1. Scott RICHARDSON, 3. Jesse ASKEW, 5. Chris BOLAND, 8. Keegan MOORE, 9. Dylan TURNER, 10. Ned STEDLZER, 11. Mitchell DURRINGTON, 12. Jay WOODS, 16. Dale CROSS, 27. S. KING, 33. Josh BOGG.

Substitutions: 4. Morgan PERRY, 6. Mitchell PARKER, 7. Steven HOLBEACH, 25. Redah HASSAN

Yellow Cards: Jay Woods, Keegan Moore, Dale Cross.

Red Cards: Nil.

- By Pete Nowakowski

 

All Age Men: Pittwater score last minute winner against Kenthurst

Pittwater RSL scored a last kick of the game winner to defeat Kenthurst 2-1 in the All Age Men Grand Final, the showpiece event delivering all the drama expected of the occasion.

As expected the match was high intensity from the outset with the tackles flying in.

In keeping with that, it was an untidy goal that gave Kenthurst a 7' minute lead courtesy of Ben Davis. A long throw lead to a scramble with Pittwater goalkeeper Dean McCreath making two good saves, before the ball was eventually bundled over the line by Davis, who was in the right place at the right time. 

In the 14' minute Kenthurst should have doubled their lead when Paul Knipler showed remarkable pace to race clear of the Pittwater defence, but one-on-one he was denied by the feet of McCreath.

Kenthurst were having plenty of luck with balls over the top and McCreath had to be alert in coming off his line to clear another threatening pass, the goalkeeper taking a huge hit in the process. After a period of treatment, he was able to continue.

McCreath was momentarily unsettled, failing to deal with some testing high balls from Kenthurst set pieces, though the swirling breeze that descended upon Valentine Sports Park was certainly a hindrance.

Davis should have doubled his and Kenthurst's tally in the shadows of half time when a piercing ball set him free of the Pittwater defence, but when faced with the imposing figure of McCreath, he sliced his shot wide of the target.

Pittwater RSL resumed the second half with renewed intensity and they were rewarded with an equalising goal in the 48' minute. 

A quick throw in caught the Kenthurst defence out and when Alex Lee crossed low into the area, Matt Geekie turned the ball into his own net.

The second half was scrappy as neither side committed too much to attack for fear of conceding on the counter attack.

Neither McCreath nor Kenthurst keeper Greg Marks were unduly troubled in the opening half an hour of the second half, leaving the match open for some late drama.

Pittwater were certainly proving far more threatening than they did in the first half and in the 78' minute they came close to breaking the deadlock when Charlie Fyfe shot narrowly wide with a sweet right footed shot. 

The late drama certainly unfolded though, as Pittwater snared a 93' minute winner through midfielder Cameron White, who had been outstanding all day. Some trickery down the left followed by a cross, unlocked the Kenthurst defence and White was on the spot to bundle the ball home and take the trophy home for his side.

Match Stats

Kenthurst 1 (Davis 7')

Pittwater RSL 2 (Geekie (OG) 48', White 90'+3')

Kenthurst 1.Greg Marks, 2.Cristiano Lima, 4.Ben Davis, 5.Matt Geekie, 6.Rick Ward, 7.Tom Geekie, 8.James McLaughlin, 9.Paul Knipler, 10.Pat Polito, 11.Michael Pearson, 13.Hassan El Khansa, 18.Chris Ward, 28.Matt Ward, 29.Michael Thornton, 31.Nate Gray, 32.David Lowery, 33.James Lowery

Pittwater RSL: 1.Dean McCreath, 2.Jarrad Roach, 6.Jon Walker, 7.Matthew Wilson, 10.Glannadam Bosward, 11.Simon Cummings, 15.Will Walker, 16.Charlie Fyfe, 18.Danny Drazic, 20.Joshua Yeates, 24.Matthew Phillips, 26.Cameron White, 27.Edward Weber, 28.Stefano Teghini, 31.Paul Martin, 33.Thomas Cotter, 36.Alex Lee

- By Matthew Connellan

 

Over 35 Men: Northbridge overpower Engadine Eagles 4-3 in seven goal thriller.

Northbridge overpowered Engadine Eagles 4-3 in a seven goal thriller that was decided in golden goal in the Over 35 Mens EA SPORTS Champions of Champions final.

Northbridge looked the goods and were cruising along at 3-0 up with 25’ minutes left on the clock, but a massive fight back by Engadine Eagles sent the game into extra-time with former Socceroo Jason Van Blerk scoring the winner in golden goal.

Northbridge carved out the first real chance of the game as Rory Collins delivered a tantalising cross into the box finding Shaun Kendrigan, but his grounded shot was no trouble for Glenn Hickey after 10’ minutes of play.

Jason Van Blerk won his side a penalty on 26’ minutes after being brought down in the box, and converted with a powerful low left footed drive to put Northbridge up 1-0.

Engadine Eagles were struggling to combat Northbridge’s passing game in the early stages but almost equalised as Matt Yim gave the ball away in his own area, with Michael Payne intercepting the wayward pass only for Brett Hatherall to smother up his shot from close range.

Ex-Socceroo Jason Van Blerk turned provider in the 40’ minute with an in-swinging corner that was powerfully headed into the back of the net by Craig Moffitt which put Northbridge in a commanding position.

Northbridge’s Chris Charlton almost pulled off a spectacular just before half-time with a magnificent half-volley that bounced off the crossbar.

Following the break, Northbridge had a great chance to stretch their lead even further as Gavin Dennis delivered a cross met by Scott Moffitt, but he couldn’t control his shot.

Northbridge didn’t have to wait long though as Chris Charlton showed great control to bring the ball down and cross, finding the head of Gavin Dennis who cleverly directed his header into the top corner to make it 3-0 after 54’ minutes.

Engadine failed to give up and pulled a goal back in the 66’ minute as Damon Emanuel sent a high ball into the box that was miss-headed by Craig Moffitt into his own net.

Some nice footwork by Michael Payne saw him brought down on the edge of the area in the 78’ minute with the Eagles punishing Northbridge’s ill-discipline as Edward Kralj smashed the loose ball past Brett Hatherall to make things interesting with roughly 10’ minutes on the clock.

Engadine Eagles were truly alive having come back from 3-0 down just a few minutes later after Klete Loveday equalised with a stunning strike from 25 yards out on 81’ minutes to make it 3-3.

Engadine’s late three goal flurry ensured the game would go to extra-time, but it was none other than Jason Van Blerk who decided the result with a well-taken free kick from 20 yards out that finished in the top corner in the first half of golden goal.

Match Stats

Northbridge FC 4 (J Van Blerk 26/96’ C Moffitt 40’ G Dennis 66’)

Engadine Eagles 3 (C Moffitt OG 66’ E Kralj 78’ K Loveday 81’)

Sunday October 21st, 2012

Valentine Park, Glenwood

Northbridge FC: GK.B.Hatherall; 4.C.Charlton, 5.C.Moffitt, 6.M.Yim, 9.R.Collins, 10.R.Mathews, 11.S.Kendrigan, 12.P.Brockington, 13.J.Koch, 14.J.Van Blerk, 17.A.Townsend, 20.D.Fleming, 21.D.Segreto, 22.S.Moffitt, 27.G.Dennis, 28.G.Lee, 29.D.Tuddenham, 35.M.Minor

Engadine Eagles: GK.G.Hickey; 2.R.Bennison, 4.S.Clinch, 5.K.Loveday, 6.A.Bryett, 7.M.McKinnon, 8.M.Fielding, 9.M.Payne, 10.P.Burke, 13.E.Kralj, 14.D.Wilson, 16.B.Johnston, 17.B.Anderson, 19.W.Turner, 20.D.Emanuel, 27.G.Lerond, 31.G.Brosens

-By Dean Southern

 

Over 45’s: Inter Lions seal O45s triumph

Canterbury Association’s Inter Lions avenged last season’s semi-final loss to Southern Districts with a gutsy showing in the 2012 Over 45s grand-final.

Trailing by two goals midway through the first-half, the Canterbury Association side sent the match into extra-time before sealing the deal with a tense penalty shootout triumph - delivered sweetly by inspirational captain Francesco Speranza.

This Lions squad on more than a handful of attempts failed to reach the grand-final of this competition, making this win ever so special following another dominant season in the Canterbury Association.

The windy conditions, and bumpy surface, made the going tough early on for both sides as both sets of players looked to find their feet.

The reigning champions, Southern Districts, settled first with Goce Krstevski trying his

luck from outside the penalty-area, before Michael Collins added further pressure to Lions’ goalkeeper Tony Scicchitano with a whipped in cross that the shot-stopper managed to punch clear.

On 8’ minutes, Southern Districts hit the lead. Former Sydney United legendary defender - in the National Soccer League - Velimir Kupresak powerfully headed home from a Peter Rokancevski corner, leaving Scicchitano helpless.

Inter Lions’ response was swift, and it arrived via the subtle touches of captain Speranza. The number 10 played an exquisitely lobbed ball over the defence and into the path of Stephen Lipari, though the left-sided winger was thwarted by some stringent defending as he closed in on goal.

2’ minutes later, the same duo combined for the Lions, however this time Speranza’s sensational assist was called back by the linesman as Lipari, only just, strayed offside.

Inter goalkeeper Scicchitano was called upon to save bravely at the feet of Vince Lentini at the other end. Lentini showed strength and pace to create an opening for himself, though the brave shot-stopper was equally aware to get down quickly.

The Lions had a huge chance to draw level in the 14’ minute via a set-piece. Lipari’s corner from the right was headed by Mauro Roselli – another fine performer for the Lions – into the path of Anthony Murphy who only just failed to divert the ball home from close range.

Southern Districts’ Biaggio David had a busy afternoon with some impressive set-pieces, and long range efforts. David picked up a loose ball inside the penalty-area on 17’ minutes however blasted his wild attempt wide of goal.

A positive 10’ minute spell followed for Inter Lions. The Canterbury Association side created successive chances via Speranza, though the number 10 saw his efforts thwarted on both occasions by some desperate defending.

On 29’ minutes, Southern Districts doubled its lead. David was the hero with a phenomenal strike from distance that moved awkwardly in midair as Scicchitano was left routed to the spot.

The joy of a two goal lead was short-lived however, as Frank Peronace’s searching ball from the left-flank picked out a lunging Claude Lopino who managed to hit the ball first-time past an outstretched Peter Lynch to re-open the contest.

After the half-time break, Inter Lions resumed its quest to find an equaliser. Speranza was again the orchestrator with a pinpoint free-kick finding the head of Lopino, however the striker’s looping head finished over the crossbar.

Speranza then went close himself with a free-kick on the edge of the penalty-area. The set-piece specialist perfectly lofted the ball over the wall, however failed to get enough dip on the shot that seemed destined for the top corner.

Southern Districts were denied a chance via the feet of Zeljko Vukancic – denied again by a brave Scicchitano – before Speranza stung the chest of Peter Lynch at the other end with another free-kick.

The Lions did find their equaliser in the 71’ minute as Lopino’s drive on goal came off the arm of a defender. Lipari accepted the responsibility of lining up the spot-kick, netting with a fabulous finish to the goalkeeper’s right.

Late chances at both ends failed to provide a goal – most notably Gary Danielson’s header from point-blank range that was somehow kept out by Scicchitano - and it was a tense period of extra-time that followed with neither side wanting to give an inch.

There was huge concern for the Inter players when Scicchitano remained immobile inside the penalty-area after being fouled when attempting to claim a cross, though the shot-stopper did get back onto his feet and played a massive part in the penalty-shootout triumph, capped off in the end by captain Speranza.

Penalty shootout sequence:

Biaggio David (SD) – Goal – tucked in neatly to the goalkeeper’s right.

Claude Lopino (IL) – Goal – goalkeeper parried onto his left-hand post, though did find the back of the net.

Michael Collins (SD) – Save – goalkeeper made a tremendous save with his feet.

Dominic Di Giacomo (IL) – Miss – effort blasted over the crossbar.

Goce K

Krstevski (SD) – Goal – converted into the bottom right-hand corner.

Stephen Lipari (IL) – Goal – slotted into the right-hand corner.

Velimir Kupresak (SD) – Goal – cool finish to the goalkeeper’s left.

Peter Ianni (IL) – Goal – expert finish into the bottom left-hand corner.

Vince Lentini (SD) – Miss – ball richocheted off the goalkeeper’s right-hand post.

Francesco Speranza (IL) – Goal – tucked home nicely into the bottom left-hand corner.

Match Stats

Inter Lions 2 (Claude Lopino 30’, Stephen Lipari 71’)

Southern Districts 2 (Velimir Kupresak 8’, Biaggio David 29’)

Inter Lions won 4-3 on penalties

Inter Lions: 1.Tony Scicchitano; 2.Dominic Di Giacomo, 3.Frank Peronace, 4.Mario Testa, 5.Mauro Roselli, 6.Ennio Morson, 7.Peter Ianni, 8.Anthony Murphy, 9.Carlo Logiudice, 10.Francesco Speranza, 11.Stephen Lipari, 18.Claude Lopino, 13.Bruno Severino, 14.Joe Montuoro, 15.James Burns, 16.John Calcara

Coach:  Peter Ianni

Manager: Bruno Severino

Yellow Cards: Mauro Roselli 92’, Frank Peronace 97’

Southern Districts: 1.Peter Lynch; 2.Peter Rokancevski, 3.Michael Collins, 4.Mark Jukic, 6.Pedro Orellana, 7.Vince Lentini, 8.Goce Krstevski, 9.Biaggio David, 10.John Amoroso, 11.Zeljko Vukancic, 13.Luca Dajanovic, 14.Eddie Odisho, 15.Gary Danielson, 16.Velimir Kupresak, 17.Zoran Jurica, 18.Frank Valastro

Coach: Sam Lentini

Assistant Coach: Frank Toscano

Manager: Rosanna Lentini

Yellow Cards: Biaggio David 50’, Velimir Kupresak 55’, Luca Dejanovic 93’

-By Joseph Carlucci