Two wins for United juniors
Warragul United had two wins and two losses in sunny conditions during junior metropolitan competition on Sunday.
Under 10 boys: Warragul defeated Keysborough 18-0
Little was known about the Keysborough team but, based on its proximity to Dandenong, confidence was not high for Warragul to secure their first away win of the season.
Their fears were completely unfounded as it rained goals.
All the usual suspects filled their boots, with hat-tricks and hauls being bagged left, right and centre. Having been on the receiving end of a similar demolition job only a couple of weeks ago, the boys were revelling in the opportunity.
In the spirit of fair play, the coach reversed the positions in the second half, bringing Ben out of goals and into the field while switching the backs into within striking distance.
They didn’t disappoint, with Shyam and Tyler gleefully getting their first goals for the club and their teammates celebrating accordingly.
Goal of the day went to Lochie Chandler. Ronaldo may have four Golden Boots to his name, but it would appear Lochie has a golden knee, ricocheting a kick out straight back past the keeper.
Warragul were unrelenting in their desire to pile on the goals and, with some quality defence, kept were able to keep Keysborough scoreless.
Under 11 boys: Warragul lost to Eastern Lions 2-4
With all players back from illness, the boys went into this home game with confidence against a strong Lions team.
A slow start and some heavy pressure from a skilful Lions team put the United boys on the back foot from the start. They found themselves parked in their defence trying to stop the Lions advancing on goal.
Liam Arbon, Oliver Lee and Lewis Manzo did their best, but the constant pressure finally resulted in a quick flurry of Lions goals. Just 10 minutes into the game, United trailed 0-3.
Needing composure, United finally took some time on the ball and settled. They found themselves in attacking territory with the ever-threatening Jimmy Fkiaris close to scoring.
The second half was a different game, with United threatening down the wings through Isaac Sharp and Hudson Riess. Zach Wilson and Beckham Bremner came on and both worked hard.
A run down the wing and nice finish from Isaac Sharp put Warragul on the scoreboard. A nice passage of play, with a through ball from Jesse Davis to Jimmy Fkiaris, made the score 2-3 and it was game on.
Despite their pressure and attack, the Lions put the game beyond reach with another goal late.
Best: Oliver Lee, Liam Arbon and Jesse Davis.
Under 13 girls: Warragul lost to Springvale 1-5
United played well, winning the first half 1-0 with an excellent goal by Amelia Freeth.
Alana Wilson, Ruby Reid and Summer Spencer played well, with some excellent runs and crosses up front with good forward pressure.
The second half saw the game intensity increase and multiple free kicks paid to girls who fought bravely. Edith Box and Amelie Williams both played their best games so far with excellent tackling and chase on the wings.
Jennifer Coveney hunted them down in the midfield with Asha Earwicker and Annika Nair took turns in goals.
Georgia Nankervis and Taleah Webb put up a good fight with solid defence, but the attack from Springvale was too strong.
Under 13 boys: Warragul defeated Dandenong City 3-2
The visitor’s warm-up was intimidatingly professional and made the Warragul fans nervous.
With Warragul’s first attack down the left hand side, Hamish Crosbie caught the goal keeper off his line with a perfect lob from distance into the back of the net. United led 1-0 only two minutes into the game.
Dandenong were on the back foot, but their well-drilled team used their skills to break down the stoic Warragul defence of Devin Smith, Mak O’Connor and Ethan Bruce, eventually beating Remy Butler at the near post.
City took the wind out of United’s sails with another quick goal, taking the lead 2-1.
An energy boost came in the form of Max Zeldenryk, Frankie Fleming, Sam Willems and Julian Bremner off the bench.
Archie Halkett and Harrison Sharp added defensive pressure, while the forwards of Max Lyons and Lucas Black were creating havoc.
The break finally came from Mak O’Connor bursting down the wing and scorching the goal keeper’s hands, the ball dropping to Lucas Black who thumped it into the net.
United smelt blood and didn’t let up, Hamish Crosbie doubling his tally with a superb strike to take the lead back 3-2.
Warragul held firm for a tense but great win.