One win for United juniors
Warragul United juniors had one win on Sunday.
Under 10 boys: bye
Under 11 boys: Warragul United lost to North Caulfield 0-3
United travelled to North Caulfield and were keen to get a win after a couple of losses.
As is usually the case, the boys started off slowly and found themselves 0-2 down early. A long range shot caught goal keeper Jake Vu out before some sloppy defending in the box saw a scrambled second goal.
The United boys found their feet and realised which players needed to be shut down to allow them to play a more attacking style.
Without Isaac Sharp due to illness, Jun O’Connor was called upon to play left midfield and worked hard up and down the wing. Together with Hudson Riess on the right wing, they were threatening.
Jimmy Fkiaras had a great game, linking up well with his attacking options including Sidney Box. The duo soon started to create chances.
After half-time, United felt they were back in the game and had several shots on goal.
The ever-reliable Oliver Lee and fellow defenders Lewis Manzo and Liam Arbon turned defence into attack whilst defensive mid Jesse Davis shut down the bigger midfielders.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for the Warragul boys as another late goal took the sting out of the match.
Best: Jimmy Fkiaras, Lewis Manzo and Oliver Lee.
Under 13 girls: Warragul United lost 1-4
Under 13 boys: Warragul United defeated Langwarrin 3-1
If the home town weather was an omen, Warragul United were sure to be victorious as they came up against Langwarrin.
Sunshine flooded the pitch with positive vibes and the boys were pumped as they took their positions.
United looked composed on the ball from the outset, with the fullbacks and midfielders linking up with positive passing.
Whilst Langwarrin wanted to play through the middle of the park, United knew that playing to the wings and creating space would lead to chances.
Julian Bremner and Archie Halkett-Dobson in midfield kept looking to the wingers of Hamish Crosbie and Harrison Sharp who time and again ran hard and put the ball into the middle for Lukas Black.
United’s superior passing paid off 10 minutes in when Hamish, continuing his rich run of goal scoring, outmuscled a defender before burning off another. He left the goal keeper with no chance to score United’s first.
Any fightback Langwarrin had in mind was thwarted by Mak O’Connor, Ethan Bruce and Devin Smith in defence. The boys were like bodyguards, protecting Remy Butler and his goal from any unwanted attention. United’s dominance continued and Lukas made it 2-0 on the 20th minute, finishing off some brilliant teamwork with a perfect strikers’ touch.
The second half saw a different Langwarrin team. Whatever they had in their oranges at half-time made them come out with more intent and physicality.
United players were suddenly being beaten to the ball, pushed off it, and Remy was called into action time and again in goals. He flew left and right with determination to maintain the lead.
Eventually, Langwarrin managed to find a player unmanned from a corner kick and upped the pressure even more on United by scoring.
As nerves rose in the crowd, the United boys seemed to welcome the pressure. Like a wound up spring, United suddenly exploded back into action.
Frankie Fleming and Max Zeldenryk were buzzing around everywhere, pressuring the opposition. It was this pressure that sucked the life out of the contest.
Max chased half the length of the pitch in what seemed a hopeless cause, but his pressure made Langwarrin cough the ball up to Lukas. The United centre forward sensed the moment and struck a curling ball from distance into the top corner for a 3-1 win. A fantastic team performance.