Barwon on the move
THREE out of four Geelong teams lost their games in the opening round of the FFA Cup on Saturday, with Barwon the only local outfit to advance through to the next phase of the nationwide knockout tournament.
Barwon annihilated Broadmeadows Stars 8-1 at Howard Glover Reserve, after racing out to a commanding 4-1 lead at the break following a fiery opening in the first 45 minutes.
Johnny Luong scored a double, while Blake Robinson and Mylton Bailey scored one apiece for the Blue and Whites in the opening stanza.
In the second period, Barwon continued where it had left off, recording another four goals with Bailey and Jak Banks scoring one apiece, while Robinson hit the back of the net twice to secure a memorable hat-trick for the afternoon.
DEAKIN Ducks lost to Uni Hill Eagles 1-2 after extra time at the Deakin Sports Precinct in Waurn Ponds. Prolific sharpshooter Marcus Lindeberg opened the scoring for the home side on 23 minutes. The visitors equalised a few minutes into the second half from a corner and found the winner deep into extra time after forcing the leg-weary Ducks to concede a penalty that was duly converted by the Eagles.
Deakin coach Colin Raj was proud of his team’s performance despite the result.
“We spent a lot of time defending but some created good chances. A bit more clinical up front and we could have won it in normal time,” he said.
“In extra time we ran out of legs. We couldn’t keep the ball and it eventually cost us with a penalty being conceded.
“They were a talented and solid outfit and I couldn’t have been more proud of the way we played.”
Deakin keeper Ben Lewin once again put in a brilliant effort showing his top-class qualities, while defender Pat Mileto was the other standout at the back, winning everything in the air and on the ground.
BELL Park lost to fellow State League 4 outfit Westside Strikers at the Bell Park Sports Club, with the only goal of the game coming five minutes form the end of regulation time.
With a man down following a send off in the 75th minute, the strikers were awarded a free kick just outside the box and ex-Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne City A League star Manny Muscat stepped up to take the spot kick.
The former Maltese international managed to slot the ball into the bottom right corner to eliminate the All Whites from further competition.
GOLDEN Plains fielded no less than five under-17 players in its squad for the clash against highly rated Glenroy Lions at the Bannockburn Sports Precinct.
Despite their youthful enthusiasm, the inexperience was evident as the Eagles succumbed to the Lions to lose 0-6.
Nonetheless, according to the Golden Plains assistant coach Geoff Towne, the exposure to senior football will hold the squad in good stead for the coming season.