MATCH REPORT – 20th March 2016
NEWFM First Division ROUND 3 vs South Cardiff
The Singleton Strikers continued season 2016 last Sunday with games at former NPL heavyweights South Cardiff.
The highlight of the day was the form of the Strikers youth teams with both the Betts Bower Haulage U17’s and the Viatek U19’s recording outstanding wins.
The day started with the Betts Bower Haulage U17’s bossing their encounter with South Cardiff. James Croucher was in irresistible form, and 2 first half goals from the influential skipper had Singleton in control. Hard working midfielder Trae Proudlock added a third early in the second half after a determined run, and the Strikers looked to be cruising. But the young Strikers took their foot off the pedal and allowed South Cardiff back into the game by conceding 2 quick goals. The good form of goalkeeper Brae Wissink kept the home team at bay as Singleton ran out deserved winners.
The Viatek U19’s took the field next, and were soon on the back foot when South Cardiff scored early.
Worse was soon to follow, as defensive anchorman Luke Geipel was shown a red card for denying a goal scoring opportunity. Down to 10 men, and a goal behind, the Strikers had it all to do.
The Viatek U19’s regrouped over the half time break, and the second half showed the character of the team. They hit back with a superb strike to Nathan Smart. And then took the lead minutes later when the mercurial Nathan Hall weaved his way through to goal. South Cardiff were down and out, and the Strikers recorded a second straight victory.
As the day warmed up, the ATC Williams U23’s took the field. A strong looking line up gave supporters high hopes, but it was the home team who took charge early and soon scored the opening goal. Barton Jones and Tom Hume working tirelessly to get Singleton back into the match, but the Gunners added a second goal in the second period. A late penalty goal to James Bates gave the U23’s a glimmer of hope, but it was too little too late for the Strikers.
The Onekey Resources First grade team took the field in the days last game, and were soon under pressure with central defenders Corey Cleaver and Dylan Schauder working overtime to keep the powerful South Cardiff forwards at bay. The strong wind at the back of the home team helped them keep the Strikers pinned in their own half for long periods, and despite the heroic efforts of Schauder and Cleaver, the Gunners took the lead in the shadows of half time with a strong shot that rocketed in off the underside of the cross bar.
The second half allowed the Onekey Resources First grade team to capitalise on the wind, and skipper Jackson Cox scrambled an equalizer early to swing the momentum in the Strikers favour.
Fullback Zane Hand once again proved a formidable attacker with his powerful running and long throw in’s causing confusion in the South Cardiff defence.
South Cardiff also created some chances, and as the game dragged on, it became apparent that the next goal would win the match, but neither team could land the telling blow, and the game ended 1-1.