Under 10 win gives confidence boost
Under 10 boys
Ding Ding Ding Ding! Sounded the bell for round five of the Under 10s soccer season. Warragul United were looking to pick themselves up off the canvas after last week's hiding at the hands of Dandenong, while Bentleigh were keen to prove themselves in a new weight division (The WUSC u10s have been moved down to the joey league to aid in the development). Coach Dave was quick to point out in his pre-match address, not to under estimate the opposition based on their small stature, "its not about the size of the dog in the fight…" or words to that effect.
Warragul came out swinging with two quick right jabs into the net. Noah was on fire and looming large in the goal square. Bentleigh showed they were able to duck and weave with the best of them and counter punched the early lead, bringing it back to two all midway through the first half. At this point it could have been anyone's match, in what was shaping up to be a genuine clash of the Titans. The Warragul boys were able to wrestle their way into the lead, going into the break, up 4-2. Coach Dave was keen for the boys to keep attacking the same way they had in the first half and they didn't disappoint.
In the second half, Eddy Marriott and "Macca" McIntosh started to link up their combos, but it was Riley Nankervis again who was really effective. Despite the opposition's valiant attempt to rub Riley out with a low blow, his old man (making his much appreciated refereeing debut) was having none of that. To their credit, Bentleigh never threw in the towel, but Riley would go on to finish with a hat-trick, (his second for the season) as the boys romped home, winning 7-2. The Warragul boys showed they can really roll with the punches and will go into their next match with a much needed confidence boost. Result: Won 7-2
Under 11 boys
After a good win last week, the united boys travelled to Bentleigh Greens and were in awe of the professional set up of their opponent, with stadiums and several synthetic grounds. However they knew that after a draw the last time they played them a win was on the cards if they played to their strengths.
With a few still out with sickness, United's depth of talent allowed them to still put a very competitive team on the ground. Starting strongly, Warragul put pressure on Bentleigh's midfield playmakers and used the wing to perfection, with Jesse Davis and Sidney Box constantly winning the ball and playing wide to Isaac Sharp and Hudson Riess who were ever threatening.
It was Sidney Box that scored first for United, with a nice finish from close range. A second goal followed quickly with Hudson Riess scoring a great goal from just outside the box. Warragul smelt blood and piled on the pressure, but with a very impressive goalkeeping performance by the Bentleigh keeper and some missed chances, Bentleigh were kept in the game. The defensive unit of Oliver Lee, Liam Arbon and Jun O'Connor held strong and repelled any counter attacks, however a loss of concentration allowed Bentleigh back in the game and with the score at 2-1 at half time, it was anyone's game. United conceded another goal straight after half time and it was game on. Coach Stuart Davis encouraged his players to continue attacking and Hudson Riess did just that, running rampant through the Bentleigh defence and scoring his second for the day. Harry Lee came on at right back and was composed and quick to shut his opponents down. After dominating his defender all day and just not being able to finish his chances, Jimmy Fkiaris finally got on the scoreboard and sealed the game for the WUSC boy. Final Score: Won 4-2
Under 13 girls had a bye.
Under 13 boys had a bye