MATCH REPORT – 12th March 2015
FFA CUP ROUND 2 vs WEST WALLSEND
Singleton Strikers bow out
The Singleton Strikers bowed out of the FFA Cup competition after a hard fought 2-3 loss to fellow First Grade team West Wallsend.
Confidence within the Strikers squad was high after the Rd 1 mauling of local rivals Muswellbrook, and this showed in the opening exchanges as Singleton dominated and took the lead through a Lloyd Wakewood goal in the 3rd minute.
But West Wallsend was always going to be a sterner test, and they rallied to equalise through a penalty kick just minutes later.
This lead to a period of sustained attacking pressure from Westy, with Singleton custodian Stuart Plant being called upon to make 2 top quality saves to keep Singleton in the match.
But eventually the pressure told, and West Wallsend took a deserved lead when poor defending from a corner allowed a second goal.
The Strikers slowly swung the momentum back in their favour, and they scored an equaliser in the shadows of half time when central defender Jordan Phelan rose majestically above the pack at a set piece to head Singleton’s second goal.
The second half developed into an arm wrestle with both teams sparring at each other without being able to land a telling blow.
Singleton’s Stephen Bramley came closest with a long range shot that crashed into the cross bar before bouncing away to safety.
With just minutes left on the clock, West Wallsend struck the decisive blow with a well taken goal.
Singleton pushed hard to find an equaliser but it was too little too late for the Strikers.