Match Review – 25 May 2014
U11s - Round 4
Montrose SC V East Kew JFC
(0-7) WIN
This week saw the team trek out east to Montrose SC, down the never ending Canterbury Rd, to the foothills of Mt
Dandenong. As the team warmed up, the dark clouds rolled in and the rain poured on us all. Was this a sign of things
to come?
As game time rolled along, the rain dispersed and a beautiful autumn day developed, and what a day it turned out to
be for the mighty Under 11’s!
The boys opened the game at a frenetic pace and it was all one way traffic. Ben Gonzalvo fired 3 shots at the keeper
in 3 minutes, unlucky not to score the first goal. Jamison Falzon fired the first goal for the Panthers at the 5 min mark,
followed by a 2nd goal two minutes later. Then it was Thierry’s turn to pepper the keeper, three strikes in quick
succession unlucky not to score.
Soon after Lucas Sirianos fired in his second goal for the season at the 17 minute mark and the boys were looking
good. At the 19minute mark Thierry’s hard work paid off and a nice strike beat the keeper for his first goal of the day.
The first half score line was 4 – 0.
The second half started in the same fashion with Lucas Papacosta slotting his first for the day at the 28 minute mark,
followed by Jamison’s third at the 37 minute mark. At the other end of the ground Sean was a rock, controlling
everything that came his way, and AJ showed excellent control on the wing.
At the 38 minute mark Thierry drove home his second for the day to cap off a very satisfying and clinical display.
The final score was 7 – 0, a comprehensive win for the boys! Coach Con pleased with the team’s application.
We look forward to taking on Know next week!
Go Mighty Panthers.
U12s - Round 4
East Kew JFC V Wonga Park Wizards JFC
(0-3) Loss
Following a practice game last weekend and coming off a terrific win against Ringwood the week before, it was business as usual
this week for the U12s, in the lead up to the game against another strong team – Wonga Park Wizards. With Isaac unavailable this
week and Ryan back in the side, Jack and Jameson were invited to assist our team from the U11s. It was evident during the warm
up phase prior to the game that we had to contend with a physically strong opponent with some noteworthy skills.
With an agreement that we would be first to put pressure on the visitors led by our Captain Sebastian, in the (1’) our midfield found
Max, who with a clever through ball set up Daniel for a shot, foiled by the visiting goalkeeper. Immediately after, the Wonga Park
players came at us with furious pace, forcing us into generating unprecedented errors in our play making and our passing. Within 5
minutes, their midfield broke through our ranks, and in numbers they overran our defence, to open the score 0-1 from close range.
For the next 10 minutes the battle brewed in the midfield, and the game lost its creativity, compounded by a referee who was on his
“L” plates, missing obvious free kicks, as the Wonga boys intensified their tackling. Dylan, Adam and Michael were extremely busy
blocking several attacks, whilst Nikitas intercepted 2-3 Wonga forwards from attacking our goal. In the (13’), the visitors attacked
from the left wing, and a normally easily defended cross found their forward unmarked, who with a clever pass to another lifted the
ball into our goals from close range. Their pressure finally caught us out… it is now 0-2.
To their credit, our boys lifted their work rate, and whilst it wasn’t pretty football, with Jameson and Jack entering the stage, we
pressured their defence several times without results. Tim and Max managed to off-load a couple of strikes at goal, but our poise
was missing, resulting to easy saves by their goalkeeper. Antony, Eamon and Sebastian ran their legs off chasing down lose balls
in the midfield, whilst Giacomo foiled two more of their attacks by coming out and intercepting hopeful through balls.
We agreed at half time, that we were second to the ball and panicked unnecessarily at times due to their pressure. We also needed
to build our game from the flanks like we trained, whilst increasing our intensity. With that said a “come back” was possible…
With Eamon leading the way on the left, we closed their space and tackled with purpose. Our midfielders pressured to create two
opportunities for Max, who narrowly missed the target. Our corner count was increasing as they deflected and defended our
attacks. Our corners caused them grief which resulted to scrambles; however our boys were unlucky not to push the ball into the
net from close range. Two more shots from Tim and Max mid-way through the half were saved by their goalkeeper.
Around the (32’), a “soft” penalty was awarded to Wonga, that was kicked wide of the right post. At the (40’) Wonga was awarded a
in-direct free kick inside our 6-yard line. Our boys formed a courageous wall and the initial shot was blocked, but they managed to
sneak it in on the rebound, increasing the score to 0-3. Still unperturbed, our gallant boys continued to attack, but it was not our
day. During our attacks, a Wonga forward breaking from the right twice almost scored 2 more goals. However, he found Giacomo in
form, who fearlessly ran towards him to narrow his angle both times, forcing him to miss and cleverly deflecting the second shot
past the post for a corner. The final score line remained 0-3, with our boys unlucky not to have managed a draw out of this game.
Proud of our boys’ passion, there is no doubt that the Wonga Park team is one of the top 4 teams in our league, and that they will
challenge us. It is good to know that we have 2 more opportunities to rise up above them during the season. The coach, who takes
full responsibility for this week’s results, will ensure we will be better prepared for these occasions.
This was the first time our boys experienced such a defeat, and their faces told a passionate story of frustration and anguish… and
something else… “Redemption”…! Yes, we will embrace this day and use it to develop ourselves further. Our spirit will remain
intact! Without mistakes, one cannot learn… so mistakes are “valuable”, as long as we take action. This day will help us build our
character, build our approach, thus it will prepare us for even bigger challenges. This is our “mission” for next week...
Look out Doncaster Rovers… the East Kew U12s Panthers will welcome you next week at Hislop, with an unsurpassed purpose…!
Ball possession
Corners
Free Kicks
Shots off Target (wide or over)
Shots on Target (but saved)
Total shots on goal
Goal Scorers
Goals
East Kew JFC
45%
4
4
4
5
9
0
Wonga Park Wizards JFC
55%
2
7
4
4
11
(5’), (13’), (40’)
3
Team: Giacomo, Dylan, Michael, Adam, Nikitas, Sebastian, Eamon, Jack, Ryan, Antony, Tim, Max, Daniel, Jameson
Out: Isaac
U13s - Round 4
Ashburton Utd SC Yellow V East Kew JFC
(0-6) WIN
Our undefeated U13s travelled to Ashburton for an early 9:00am encounter with the locals. Somewhat awake, the boys quickly got
into the rhythm of the day, with intense warm up exercises and drills. With our regular full backs out this week, it was business as
usual with our voluntary U12s - Max, Dylan and Nikitas filling in for the day. The full sized ground boasted a perfect covering of turf,
and whilst the fragrance of coffee emanated from our loyal supporter group, the sun broke through the clouds to initiate the kick off
for another exciting game!
With a specific goal to dominate the game by 1/2 time… by 9:21am EST, East Kew Panthers were… 5-0 ahead! ROAR…!
Our U13s thundered their way into the game, almost ignoring the opposition who seemed lost for ideas, even when they found
themselves in possession. Within the (2’) of the game, Jeremy forces his way past the defenders on the left wing, passes inside to
Arjun, who finds Che on the left, who with a perfect cross finds Matt - who in turn smashes the ball into the top right of the goals. At
(4’) Captain Ben D’s elusive corner, spills to Jeremy who pauses, and cleverly places the ball into the bottom right corner, to make
it 0-2. A minute later, Jeremy’s cheeky chip shot from outside the area, finds its way over the cross bar by a whisker.
Soon after, Arjun won the ball near the corner flag, and in poetic motion, he effortlessly dribbled 2 defenders, entered the area from
the right, passed to Max who shot and Matt drove the rebound just past the post. At the (8’) Che charged his way deep in the right
corner, executing a penetrating low “cut back” cross to Tim, for an easy tap in past the keeper to increase our lead to 0-3.
A minute later, Che finds himself in a scoring position, but narrowly shoots wide. At (19’) Max cleverly breaks through the local
defence, rounds the keeper with perfection and from the rebound, Tim places his close range shot deep into the bottom right corner
of the goals, taking the score to 0-4.
The goal of the day occurred at (21’) following a well planned and executed corner by Ben Davis. The corner kick aimed at the front
post, was cleverly flicked by Arjun using his forehead, to find Max unmarked just outside the six yard line. Without delay, Max
crashed a half volley into the roof of the net to increase our lead further to 0-5. At (26’) following a brilliant 1-2 exchange between
Tim and Max, Che’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper, which eventually took us to half time.
Hungry for more goals, the Panthers began with a roar and within a minute of the restart, Max’s through ball to Taigh resulted in a
tremendous shot by the later, only to be foiled by the cross bar. Soon after, another brilliant 1-2 between Vilhelm and Tim on the left
wing found Taigh, who passed on to Max, only for the keeper to save another great shot.
On the wings, Jeremy, Che and Vilhelm completely dominated their rivals, whilst Arjun and Tim simply outclassed their midfield
equivalents, generating a barrage of attacks. Using 1-2s across the park including our forward line, was an effective strategy that
resulted to endless opportunities. Ben D and his defenders Dylan, Nikitas and Zac enjoyed a quiet day at the office and stood up
well to the few Ashburton attacks, allowing the ball to dribble only a couple of times to our goalkeeper Ben S.
At the (40’) Tim and Arjun exchange passes once again, resulting to a through ball to Taigh. Taigh’s shot is saved by the
goalkeeper, however Max pounced on the rebound to make the score 0-6. Only a minute later, Max breaks through the defence
again, his shot is parried by the goalkeeper, and at full steam Taigh shoots the rebound just over the bar. Taigh, Che and Max offloaded 3 more powerful shots at the Ashburton goals, however the goalkeeper used all his “9-lives” on the day (and he is to be
recognised for his efforts), executing magnificent saves to keep the score line from reaching embarrassing levels. At (47’) Max’s
shot finally beat the “in-form” goalkeeper, however the ball deflected by the right hand post.
Another terrific win for our “undefeated” U13s, who secured their “rightful” position as league leaders following this week’s results.
To date, no team has really challenged them in their quest for a premiership, however they remain “grounded” knowing that there
are still a couple of opponents who will challenge them. Currently the only team in the club who has not lost a single point…!
Next week, a practice game has been arranged with an A-Division team at home, to test our boys during their BYE… It will be
interesting to see how they fare against a more experienced team… We are extremely proud of you guys…!
Ball possession
Corners
Free Kicks
Shots off Target (wide or over)
Shots on Target (but saved)
Total shots on goal
Goal Scorers
Goals
Ashburton Utd SC Yellow
20%
0
1
0
0
0
-
0
East Kew JFC
80%
5
1
8
8
22
Matthias (2’), Jeremy (4’),
Tim (8’), (19’), Max (21’), (40’),
6
Team: Ben S, Dylan, Nikitas, Zac, Ben D, Che, Jeremy, Tim, Arjun, Matthias, Taigh, Vilhelm, Max.
Out: Jamie, Connor
U14s - Round 4
Manningham United FC V East Kew JFC
(0-2) WIN
Following an unexpected draw against Manningham United at home during the previous round, our U14s were committed to rewrite the ledger between the two teams. To this end, following a “re-grading” process within the league during the BYE round, fate
ensured that Manningham and East Kew would meet again to resolve their differences. Needless to say that training leading up to
the fixture was focused, intense and with purpose.
So at 12:30pm last Sunday, with the clouds above Timberidge Reserve threatening, coupled with a strong breeze designed to
challenge the ball play of both teams, the gripping encounter began.
It was evident from the outset that Manningham had done their homework and newly appointed light weight and speedy “taggers”
set upon to spoil the game of our forwards – Stefan and Jorge. Within the first 10 minutes Matt Le and Matt S began dominating the
middle of the ground, supported by Ben G, Luke and Dermot on the wings, however a great big “black-blue striped” wall of
defenders steadfastly foiled most of our moves forward, assisted by a goalkeeper who was in form. On a couple of occasions,
through balls were narrowly out of the reach of our forwards, due to the intense attention they were receiving.
Anytime our forwards “cocked” to shoot, the taggers would be there to bump them off balance, sending their shots into the arms of
the goalkeeper. Around the (20’) Stefan made his way into the area once more, and was pushed illegitimately from behind to earn
our team a penalty opportunity. Following a lengthy pause, Stefan’s well struck shot into the top corner was deflected for a corner
by the in-form Manningham goalkeeper. A chance missed indeed… and the encounter continued.
Whilst our midfielders continued to battle it out in middle, Manningham threatened on a number of occasions, however Jack Sa and
Jack St had other ideas on the day. They not only defended their positions decisively, but also generated counter-attacks on
numerous occasions through our wingers. In the meantime Jimmy and Nik ensured that nobody would pass through the centre of
defence, blocking, heading and chasing down any lose opponent, providing an easy day for Steve. Whilst we dominated ball
possession, a lack-lustre first half ended 0-0, with the weather and ground conditions being of no assistance to both teams.
As the breeze strengthened and the clouds above diminished the light, the 2 nd half began with conviction…At (33’), Jorge tests the
local goalkeeper with a left foot shot from wide, with no result. At (35’) Matt S’s through ball finds Stefan, who beats 2 players to
cross the ball, but with no Panther able to pounce. Matt S pushed another through ball to Jorge a minute later, but again Jorge’s
shot was saved by the goalkeeper. He was certainly doing it again, and thoughts of the previous game may have entered our
minds. At (38’) Stefan’s through ball to Matt S was just out of reach in front of goals, as another opportunity evaded us.
Midway through the half, a strategic substitution was made, introducing Ben D into centre-back for his debut in the U14s,
unleashing Jimmy into the middle and Dermot up front. In a “Herculean” manner, Captain Jimmy’s endeavours and passion lifted
the whole team on his shoulders, destroying Manningham’s midfield with his presence. At (46’) Jimmy forces his way into the area,
pounces on Dermot’s pin-pointed cross from the right, and leaps into the air to head our opening goal into the top right
corner…Rooaarrr…! 0-1… finally!
The whole team erupted with enthusiasm and hunger to finish off the stunned opponents. Attack after attack was thwarted by their
(now) tired defence and Jimmy and Matt Le increased their intensity with fierce tackles in the middle. Matt S continued to dance his
way around opponents, whilst Ben G attacked from afar on the right and Dermot from the left. At the (53’), Matt S cleverly
outsmarts the defender on the left wing, makes his way into the area and from close range somehow, “eloquently” chips the bouncy
ball into the top corner from close range – increasing our lead to 0-2.
Relief and exuberance was felt by the whole team and supporters too. Seeking a 3rd goal, the referee unknowingly ended the
thrilling encounter about 5 minutes early, playing no extra time.
It was a justified victory for our “redeemed” U14s, as they battled and defeated a committed opponent and difficult weather-ground
conditions, which did not complement beautiful football. Nevertheless, this victory ascends them in equal 2 nd spot on the ladder,
with the leaders well within reach. This week we host the local rivals from Kew at Hislop Reserve – Boroondara Eagles. No doubt,
they will bring forth another challenge, that our U14s are more than capable of overcoming…! Go Panthers…!
Ball possession
Corners
Free Kicks
Shots off Target (wide or over)
Shots on Target (but saved)
Total shots on goal
Goal Scorers
Goals
Manningham United FC
35%
0
4
0
0
0
0
East Kew JFC
65%
3
3
2
4
7
Jimmy (46’), Matt S (57’)
2
Team: Steve, Luke, Nik, Jimmy, Jack Sa, Jack St, Matt L., Matt S, Dermot, James, Stefan, Jorge, Ben G, Ben D, Dante
Out: Aleksandrs