Reserve team vs Stirling A reserves team, depleted of five-six regulars, took the field against the Premier League's Stirling Panters with a mixed bag of players from both ends of the age spectrum. Despite the hasty introductions of new players, the team started well and settled in to a reasonable rhythm and played some decent football in the first 15 minutes. A severely hungover James Walsh made a rare contribution with a goal just before the 20 minute mark; Tom Griffiths had chased a through pass and the goalkeeper's clearance hit him squarely on the arm, but despite the protests from the Stirling players, the referee waved play on. The ball made its way to Walsh who cut inside and hit a curling effort with his left foot past the keeper for a 1-0 advantage. Stirling responded quickly and pressured the South Perth goal, with Codi Busson making a couple of decent saves (to his right of course). Finally Stirling equalised through a very dubious penalty and then shortly after took the lead with an unfortunate own goal from Zarjnt.
The referee blew for the drinks break after 30 minutes with Stirling leading 2-1. The score remained that way for until 15 minutes from full time. South Perth had a couple of half-chances while Stirling missed some back post headers. But lapses in concentration and positioning cost South's dearly as Stirling struck three times late on to record a 5-1 victory. It was a shame for the ressies, who had battled very well for 75 minutes, to lose their discipline and concentration late on. It shows the importance of maintaining focus for the full 90 minutes.
Highlight: Daniel Nocci getting smacked in the face with the ball for the second week running. This time saying 'not again' as he drops to the ground in pain.
First team vs Stirling The Div.1 first team were facing their strongest challenge this season against the Premier League Champions from last season. Two late withdrawals from the first team squad (Dan Robbo and Darren) made that challenge even tougher, but the team was boosted by Willy Nguyen's late inclusion after he'd recovered from a hamstring strain. The team started well, with Scott Reinsma and Craig Gwyther (making his debut) looking strong up front. Stirling took the lead on 10 minutes with a well worked goal, but South Perth responded with character and took the game to the champs and were unlucky not to equalise. South Perth were starting to impose themselves on the game and moved the ball around well - Scott looked dangerous and only narrowly missed out on latching on to a couple of through-passes from midfield. On 25 minutes Craig Gwyther flashed a header over the bar as South Perth grew in confidence.
On 35 minutes Stirling went 2-0 up when the referee (from half-way) ignored a handball from the Stirling striker (exactly the same as given against the team in the ressies game) who cut between Shannon and Dave to slot home. It was a disapointing blow for the team who were pressing for an equaliser. But the team showed strong character and lifted the tempo, a couple of half chances came their way but were snuffed out by the Stirling defence. The teams went in to the half-time break with Stirling maintaining their 2-0 margin. For the next 25-30 minutes South Perth dominated possession and the match but could not break Stirling down. Assistant Coach Tommy Griffiths made some fine adjustments to the team, dropping Willy back to left back and pushing on the wide midfielders in search of a goal. The team's pressure was rewarded with 10 minutes to go when some fantastic build up play by Neil Morrison and Colin Harper set up Scott Reinsma for the simplest of finishes. 1-2 down. Stirling started to tire and looked vulnerable - a period of intense pressure was rewarded when Scott Reinsma was brought down in the box for a penalty. Willy stepped up to slot home calmly for 2-2 with only stoppage time to play. The team had fought back well and deserved at least their draw.
But there was another unfortunate twist in the tail. The referee incorrectly awarded Stirling a corner which Stevey Webster came to punch - he got two fists to it, but his punch found Stirling's striker to chested down and volleyed in for a late win, 3-2. The team didn't drop their heads and pushed on madly for another late equaliser. Leo Peter who had been filling in the gaps superbly all game was left up front and almost curled an equaliser past the keeper but his shot drifted wide of the post. The referee blew for full time and brought an end to a well fought contest that was played in good spirits by both teams.
Overall the first team performance was very good although the final result was a little disappointing. The boys passed the ball around well, kept the shape well at the back and the front two looked very dangerous. If Scott and Craig play the majority of the games this season, they'll rack up a healthy goal tally between the two of them (Sammy reckons around 25-30). The preparation of looking good for the new season.
Highlight: Front pairing of Scott Reinsma and Craig Gwyther. Scott scored his first goal for the club and Craig had an excellent debut.
Reserve team vs Stirling
ReplyDeleteA reserves team, depleted of five-six regulars, took the field against the Premier League's Stirling Panters with a mixed bag of players from both ends of the age spectrum. Despite the hasty introductions of new players, the team started well and settled in to a reasonable rhythm and played some decent football in the first 15 minutes. A severely hungover James Walsh made a rare contribution with a goal just before the 20 minute mark; Tom Griffiths had chased a through pass and the goalkeeper's clearance hit him squarely on the arm, but despite the protests from the Stirling players, the referee waved play on. The ball made its way to Walsh who cut inside and hit a curling effort with his left foot past the keeper for a 1-0 advantage. Stirling responded quickly and pressured the South Perth goal, with Codi Busson making a couple of decent saves (to his right of course). Finally Stirling equalised through a very dubious penalty and then shortly after took the lead with an unfortunate own goal from Zarjnt.
The referee blew for the drinks break after 30 minutes with Stirling leading 2-1. The score remained that way for until 15 minutes from full time. South Perth had a couple of half-chances while Stirling missed some back post headers. But lapses in concentration and positioning cost South's dearly as Stirling struck three times late on to record a 5-1 victory. It was a shame for the ressies, who had battled very well for 75 minutes, to lose their discipline and concentration late on. It shows the importance of maintaining focus for the full 90 minutes.
Highlight: Daniel Nocci getting smacked in the face with the ball for the second week running. This time saying 'not again' as he drops to the ground in pain.
First team vs Stirling
ReplyDeleteThe Div.1 first team were facing their strongest challenge this season against the Premier League Champions from last season. Two late withdrawals from the first team squad (Dan Robbo and Darren) made that challenge even tougher, but the team was boosted by Willy Nguyen's late inclusion after he'd recovered from a hamstring strain. The team started well, with Scott Reinsma and Craig Gwyther (making his debut) looking strong up front. Stirling took the lead on 10 minutes with a well worked goal, but South Perth responded with character and took the game to the champs and were unlucky not to equalise. South Perth were starting to impose themselves on the game and moved the ball around well - Scott looked dangerous and only narrowly missed out on latching on to a couple of through-passes from midfield. On 25 minutes Craig Gwyther flashed a header over the bar as South Perth grew in confidence.
On 35 minutes Stirling went 2-0 up when the referee (from half-way) ignored a handball from the Stirling striker (exactly the same as given against the team in the ressies game) who cut between Shannon and Dave to slot home. It was a disapointing blow for the team who were pressing for an equaliser. But the team showed strong character and lifted the tempo, a couple of half chances came their way but were snuffed out by the Stirling defence. The teams went in to the half-time break with Stirling maintaining their 2-0 margin. For the next 25-30 minutes South Perth dominated possession and the match but could not break Stirling down. Assistant Coach Tommy Griffiths made some fine adjustments to the team, dropping Willy back to left back and pushing on the wide midfielders in search of a goal. The team's pressure was rewarded with 10 minutes to go when some fantastic build up play by Neil Morrison and Colin Harper set up Scott Reinsma for the simplest of finishes. 1-2 down. Stirling started to tire and looked vulnerable - a period of intense pressure was rewarded when Scott Reinsma was brought down in the box for a penalty. Willy stepped up to slot home calmly for 2-2 with only stoppage time to play. The team had fought back well and deserved at least their draw.
But there was another unfortunate twist in the tail. The referee incorrectly awarded Stirling a corner which Stevey Webster came to punch - he got two fists to it, but his punch found Stirling's striker to chested down and volleyed in for a late win, 3-2. The team didn't drop their heads and pushed on madly for another late equaliser. Leo Peter who had been filling in the gaps superbly all game was left up front and almost curled an equaliser past the keeper but his shot drifted wide of the post. The referee blew for full time and brought an end to a well fought contest that was played in good spirits by both teams.
Overall the first team performance was very good although the final result was a little disappointing. The boys passed the ball around well, kept the shape well at the back and the front two looked very dangerous. If Scott and Craig play the majority of the games this season, they'll rack up a healthy goal tally between the two of them (Sammy reckons around 25-30). The preparation of looking good for the new season.
Highlight: Front pairing of Scott Reinsma and Craig Gwyther. Scott scored his first goal for the club and Craig had an excellent debut.
"A severely hungover James Walsh made a rare contribution with a goal just before the 20 minute mark"
ReplyDeleteThat comment seems a bit harsh, Sammy.
I thought Jimbo was contributing quite well, despite suffering from a massive weekend.
Unfortunately he could only give about 45 mins...
Na man I agree with Sammy. You were rubbish James.
ReplyDelete