Good fight from Gippsland
U13 boys Gippsland United 0-3 Bentleigh Greens.
Fresh from topping their league in 2023, the Gippsland United under 13 boys began the grading rounds of 2024 in a higher league, coming up against one of the strongest junior programs in the league in Bentleigh Greens.
Coaches Manzo and O'Dowd set the foundations during the preseason and were keen to let the boys loose against their more fancied opponents.
The opening of the game was played at a frenetic pace with some dazzling skills and composed teamwork.
Both teams were willing to pass the ball around with control and look for an opening.
The Gippsland structure was holding up well at this higher level with all players tackling strongly and supporting their teammates with their positioning.
The defenders were willing to come forward and meet the ball to thwart Bentleigh's attacks and linked brilliantly with the midfield, who in turn set up several opportunities in the first half. Whilst the GUFC goal was threatened a few times in the first half it was nothing young Romeo Vitale couldn't handle as he stood tall between the posts. The first half finished 0-0.
Unfortunately in the second half Gippsland United couldn't maintain quite the same intensity.
A few more errors crept into their play and Bentleigh began to earn some better chances at goal.
They took the lead with a lucky strike off the shin of one of their attackers and soon doubled their lead with a strong cross and strike in the box after an interception.
Credit must be given to the Gippsland players at this point as with 15 minutes to play they could have dropped their heads.
Instead, they stood strong and wrested control of the game back in their favour and were very close to striking back. Bentleigh scored a late third goal which was against the run of play to end the game 3-0 winners.
Gippsland United may not have won the points on the day but the improvement from last season was evident throughout the game across all positions. Credit to the boys for such a strong start. Bring on next week.