MATCH REPORT – 15th June 2015
U17’s only bright spot on an otherwise dark day
The Singleton Strikers travelled to Valentine on Saturday to take on the competition heavy weights.
The day started with the Betts Bower Haulage U17’s kicking off looking to cement all 3 points with a win over their opponents…..a win that would propel the U17’s into semi final contention.
The first half saw both teams shadow boxing with neither side being able to land a convincing blow.
Singleton started the 2nd period with renewed vigour and soon started to make inroads. This pressure resulted in a number of chances being created before in form midfielder Trae Proudlock unlocked the Valentine defence to score a vital goal and secure all 3 points for Singleton.
The Viatek U19’s started slowly and allowed Valentine to dictate play for long periods of the first half, with only the heroics of goal keeper Lachlan Hetherington keeping Singleton in the game.
Valentine eventually broke the deadlock, before Tyler Cox equalised against the run of play for the Strikers. Valentine added a second in the shadows of half time to regain the advantage, and then ran away with it in the second half.
Singleton’s defence was porous and Hetherington’s first half form deserted him as Valentine had a field day by adding 5 second half goals.
The ATC Williams U23’s were under strength going into the game, and therefore needed to be on their game, but as has so often been the case this year they conceded a soft early goal.
The Strikers settled into their task after this early set back, and matched their opponents for the rest of the first half.
Valentine scored another soft goal to start the second half, but Singleton replied through a well taken Robbie Lopes goal.
But the fight back was short lived. Valentine stepped up the intensity and added 2 more goals to snuff out any chance the Strikers had.
The Concept Controls First Grade team knew they were in for a hard game against competition front runners Valentine, and so it turned out.
Valentine started strongly and were 2 goals to the good within the first 15 minutes. The Strikers played themselves back into the game and a goal to strong running winger Rob Field got them back into the match.
A period of Singleton ascendancy saw them equalise through the prolific Lloyd Wakewood, before Valentine scored just before the break.
The second half saw Valentine flex their muscles and they taught the Strikers a lesson in controlling the play through ball control. The home team added 2 clinical goals to run out comfortable 5-2 winners.