United take on Thunder
Gippsland United juniors took on Dandenong Thunder in the JBNPL on Sunday.
Under 14s: Gippsland United lost to Dandenong Thunder 2-3
A sunny autumn morning saw the boys under early pressure from an attacking Thunder team. Cristian Guarascio met the pressure in goals with a brilliant one-handed save, ably backed up by a strong defence throughout the game. Dandenong scored early, but the boys responded with Henry Knight and Hamish Crosbie forcing own goals to be 2-1 at half-time.
Despite repeated attacking runs on the wings and a strong defensive line, Gippsland was unable to sustain the lead and conceded two goals in the second half. However, credit to the boys for keeping their composure in what became a tough and physical match.
Under 16s: Gippsland United defeated Dandenong Thunder 3-0
This game seemed like two different games for United. The first half, even though the boys dominated the ball, lacked their normal energy.
Both teams played a defensive game and United kept Thunder’s defence busy. They kept the ball in their offensive side and, even though they had many shots at goal, the score remained nil-all at half-time.
In the second half, the boys came back onto the field with renewed energy and the game was back on. Again, United kept the ball off Thunder and Lucas Halden, Noah Jackson, Tanna Leicester and Leeton Hilli worked hard. They got and kept the ball down their end and the team fought hard to assist Joshua Clark kick his first goal for the club and the first goal for the game.
This boosted the resolve of the boys and two more goals were scored quickly - a penalty goal by Luca Di Corleto and the third goal scored by Dylan Rosato.
The 3-0 win was United’s first win for the year.
Under 18s: Gippsland United lost to Dandenong Thunder 0-3
The boys came out to the park, one week after their first win of the qualifying campaign.
Thunder looked stronger from the get-go and showed a few opportunities to start the game, scoring within the first 25 minutes. The final 20 minutes of the first half saw numerous opportunities created by the United attack, but no opportunities were capitalised on.
United went into half-time 1-0 down. With work to do in the second half to turn the game around, United came out of the sheds fired up and ready to go.
Although United had strong momentum going forward, it was their inability to finish attacking opportunities. Thunder had more scoring chances to put the game to bed, scoring a late second goal to give them all three points. A third goal in the final minute of the game rubbed salt in the wounds of the United boys.
Gippsland will be hoping to turn it around on Wednesday night against Berwick City in their final game of the qualifying rounds.
Player vacancies
Gippsland United still have limited places available in its under 15, under 16 and under 18 squads.
If you are interested in finding out more, call technical director Mark Cassar on 0437 496 757.