Reserve team
I managed the quick flight to Belmont to watch the Division 1 boys in action against Belmont Villa of the Premier League. The reserves kicked off at 1pm and looked lethargic from the off, but the defence copped well with the early pressure and South Perth counter attacked with surprising pace down the left, great work from Boxy and Marco resulted in a superb cross from the Box-shaped man for Shawn Cheong to convert efficiently.
The team played well in small spurts but conceded late on in the first 30 minute period to go in to the first break at 1-1. South's quickened the pace in the middle third and started playing some very good football in parts. But just as the team were getting in control, a couple of Belmont goals stunned the side and the period ended with the ressies 3-1 down. The boys showed character to take the game to Belmont from the start of the last third, Stevey Webster converted a penalty after his son Ashley had been fouled in the box. 3-2 down.
Some great build-up play between Tommy and Greg down the left created a great chance for Shawn Cheong to equalise, but with a lack of talk from his teammates to tell him he had space, Shawn rushed his shot and hooked narrowly wide of the far post. Shortly after Belmont grabbed a fourth to put the game beyond reach at 4-2.
All up it was a reasonable run-out for the ressies in hot conditions - plenty of positives but also lots of work to be done before the season starts.
Highlight: Nocci getting belted in the face with the ball by Greg Homer from 10 yards. What exactly was Greg trying to do?
Belmont Villa reserves 4 - South Perth reserves 2
First team
With coach Neil Delaney heading off to welcome his folks over from the UK, Tom Griffiths took control of the first team for what promised to be a tough encounter with an always physical and fit Belmont Villa team. South Perth started aggressively and Neil Morrison opened the scoring with a neat finish. South Perth matched Belmont's commitment and work rate and played some fantastic football. On 20 minutes, Scott Reinsma was through but his shot was well saved by the Belmont stopper.
Both sides had a handful of half-chances that were snuffed out by excellent goalkeeping and defending from both sides - it was a particularly hard fought match and South Perth did well to head in to the first break 1-0 up after 30 minutes.
The team welcomed Mat Vallet and his cousin Christophe for the second period and experimented with a 3-5-2 formation. It worked fairly well at times, but a period of Belmont pressure led to a well worked equaliser for the hosts: 1-1.
The players were beginning to tire with the heat and pace of the game taking its toll, so coach Tommy was making regular changes to keep his players fresh. After a brief rest, Scotty cut in well from the left and hit a swerving strike that the Belmont keeper did brilliantly to tip over the bar. Shortly after, the team almost re-took the lead but couldn't force the ball home after a scramble in the Belmont six yard box. The teams went in to the final third with the score still at 1-1.
The third period began on par with the rest of the match - at a fast pace and high quality football. Dan Robson was especially solid at left back and Kyle Henderson gave an equally assured showing at the other full back position. Matty and Dave renewed their association in the middle and snuffed out any Belmont attacks with comfort.
Despite Captain Colin inexplicably 'pushing for an equaliser' (misunderstanding the score to be 2-1 down) the team kept a good shape and adjusted well to player rotations throughout the last third. The team held out well after some late Belmont pressure to seal a deserved 1-1 draw against a Belmont team that should do well in the Premier League this season.
Overall an excellent display from all first team players with Scott and Dan Robbo the standout performers. The players will be sore for the next couple of days after 90 minutes of very hard work.
Highlight: Strong defensive performance from the back 4.
Belmont Villa 1 - South Perth 1
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