After Tuesday night's trip to the A.C.T. the boys had to back up on
Saturday night to take on an always difficult Sutherland on their own pitch.
The Sharks lost their coach and a few important players at the end of last year,
so it has not been a successful year for them. They have given a chance to and blooded
a few youngsters this season and were still a slim chance to make the Finals
coming into last night's fixture, but all in all they really didn't have too
much to play for last night. A carefree and pressure-free mindset, or a
not-caring mindset, could produce several different outcomes.
The match started with both sides getting out quick from the blocks in a hotly
contested opening 20 minutes. Sutherland carved out some opportunities for
themselves, but we solidly held them out. Overall we were the better side and
dictated proceedings, creating several chances but we unfortunately couldn't
find the back of the net in the opening exchanges. We kept our foot on the
accelerator in a bid to open the scoring, and we would through Dimi
Hatzimouratis who pounced on a parried shot from Scott Balderson to put the
ball away and give us a 1-0 lead 5 minutes before the break. Not much else
happened for the next 5 minutes and we went to the half-time break leading 1-0.
Sutherland gave it a real go in the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half in bid to
find an equaliser. They had a couple of chances, fortunately for us they were
not able to find the back of the net. From this point on we once again took
control of proceedings. We dominated the rest of the match causing havoc for
the Sharks defense with good interplay and in the process creating a plethora
of chances, only to be foiled by last ditch defending and good goalkeeping.
With the score remaining at 1-0 all it would have took was for Sutherland to
score to change the complexion of the match. A goal would come, but it was for
the good guys, as in injury-time we were awarded a penalty. Harris Gaitatzis
stepped up to put the spot-kick away and give us a well deserved 2-0 lead, and
that's how the score would remain at full-time.
So it was another solid victory for the club. Very professional performance.
Given last night's other result (Bonnyrigg 0-3 A.P.I.A.) we are now 1 point
behind Bonnyrigg for that all-important 3rd place finish, which gives you a
double-chance in the Finals. So it will go right down to the wire. All energy
should be directed towards this.
Our next match is our final regular season home game of the season, next Sunday
at Belmore Sports Ground against Sydney United - kickoff 3pm.
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