Match Review – 8 June 2014
U11s - Round 6
East Kew JFC V Waverley Victory FC
(2-2) Draw
A lovely winter’s day presided over what was built up to be the match of the round; East Kew Panthers (Melbourne
Heart) Vs Waverley Victory (Melbourne Victory). Team planning was challenged early when Amaan bravely prepared
for the match but had to withdraw just before kick-off due to a stomach bug!
Our boys started in positive fashion, and the game was being played in our attacking half for the best part of the first
half. Jack was rock solid in the centre back position, regularly setting up our offensive strikes. Angus was extremely
creative on the right wing, beating his opponent regularly. AJ, Jameson, Vincenzo, & Thierry all were showing their
class with clever ball movement through the middle.
Con has been working hard on the boys passing and ball mastering skills and was delighted to see the skills being put
into action in the first half.
Jameson sent the first goal to the back of the net at the 12 minute mark with a trademark cracking strike. Shaym
recorded his first goal for the Panthers; a great goal in a congested situation. According to my records Shaym’s goal
came at the 26 minute mark (thankfully the timekeeper was on our side as it would turn out to be a very important
goal).
The second half kicked off and Waverley Victory were well and truly on their game. They were physical and were
playing with plenty of run and put our boys under constant pressure. They worked their way back into the game with a
goal at the 7 minute mark of the second half. Our boys had some chances but could not put the game away.
Waverly Victory kept pressing, time and again. Had their striker had his kicking boot on, the end result would have
been somewhat different. Waverley then equalised at the 12 minute mark of the second half.
With the game in the balance, both teams had their chances to win the game. In the last 3 minutes of the game,
Vincenzo dived to his left to stop a cracking Waverley Victory strike. This was a fantastic stop to ensure the Panthers
secured a well-deserved draw.
I really enjoyed watching the boys execute (so well) what they have been training for over the past months. I am
looking forward to see what next week brings this exciting team!
Final Scores 2 – 2.
Go Mighty Panthers!
U12s - Round 6
Nunawading City FC V East Kew JFC
(3-0) Loss
Our U12s travelled to Mahoney’s Reserve this week to meet one of the leading teams in the competition, Nunawading City FC. We
anticipated a tremendous challenge, playing against a long term established club with immense depth and at least 3 x U12s teams,
who have trained and played together for years. The “Olympic” size ground looked daunting for our youngsters, but they were not
perturbed. Missing Eamon this week, the game was soon on the way as the sun broke through to melt the morning frost.
Within 2 minutes, the hosts attacked from the right, and a piercing through ball was shot successfully to open the score 1-0. Our
boys seemed stunned for a while, but settled after about 5 minutes. It was evident that the hosts were well drilled, as their pin-point
passing and 1-2 combinations were difficult to defend.
Our boys lifted and at (9’) Max cleverly outsmarts two defenders, but his dangerous cross was deflected out for a corner. Dylan
began working the ball with Isaac and Antony, whilst on the other side Michael and Ryan combined to service Tim. Another City
counter attack at (13’) produced a dangerous “missile” of a cross from the right wing, but was met by Giacomo’s safe hands.
Our defence played the off-side cleverly catching their attackers out at least 5 times. In the middle, Sebastian fought hard to win
contested balls, while Adam and Nikitas began firmed up their tackles in the centre. Overall though, their intensity was yielding
inaccurate passes between our players. Through shear hard work by Isaac, Antony, Ryan, Sebastian and Tim we managed to
eventually produce some quality passes to our forwards, and resorted to playing them on the break.
Seeking an equaliser, at (19’) Daniel found himself clear towards goal through a clever penetrating ball from Tim at the half way
line, but two very fast defenders arrested his run outside the area. At (20’) they counter attacked with another through ball from the
right, and a loose forward surged at Giacomo, who bravely ran out and closed the space quickly, blocking his certain shot with his
legs to safety. On the left, Dylan blocked two more consecutive attacks decisively and distributed up field.
At (22’) Daniel stole the ball from their right full back, but couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity. Soon after, Max found the space
and launched a long shot at goal but it was saved by the goalkeeper. At one point we had the ball bouncing inside their area, but
couldn’t generate a clear shot through the flooded defence to equalise. Just before half time, another counter attack from the right
generated a perfect cross to an unmarked City forward, who slotted the ball in the bottom left corner to extend their lead to 2-0.
Even at 2-0 down, the boys were still in the game and with a strong team spirit we re-engaged in the contest. Sebastian led the way
with decisive tackles and clearances on the wing; however the game continued to swing both ways. At (27’) Max muscles his way
through their defence and from inside the area his low curved shot strikes the left post. At (28’) a long shot from outside the area is
well saved by Giacomo. A minute later, another menacing right cross, is volleyed just wide of Giacomo’s goal. In our own counter
attack, Max foils their off side trap and runs past their defenders towards goal, but an unfortunate touch outside his reach enabled
their outgoing goalkeeper to clear the ball from his path. Soon after as they amass another attack through the middle past our
diving tackles, Nikitas blocks the last attacker to relieve us from the pressure.
At (38’) they attacked again. As our defenders used their bodies as shields we scrambled to clear the ball, an opportunistic shot
through the traffic is well saved by Giacomo. A minute later Max releases Daniel through, but his shot is deflected for a corner.
Following the corner, Ryan and Tim combine to service Daniel, who cleverly dribbles past 2 players near the left corner flag,
crosses from the edge of the area, and Antony shoots just wide under pressure from inside the area. At (42’), a Sebastian assist
finds Max, but his shot only finds the goalkeeper. As we continued attacking for the next 5 minutes without result, they counter
attacked for the last time to score another nice goal from a cross 3 minutes from the end, to finalise a 3-0 score line.
Whilst the score does not reflect the balance of the game, Nunawading’s passing and intensity was superior on the day. Not
familiar with the “large sized” foreign ground, our passes were not reaching our wingers, thus we were challenged to muscle our
way through the middle. Nevertheless, we did manage to create our own range of opportunities and on another day, the game
could have changed dramatically. We will certainly be ready for them next time we meet at home…
Next week we return to Hislop Park to host Croydon City Arrows. With Eamon returning, we will be at full strength to meet their
challenge, but more importantly to exhibit some attractive and enjoyable football that we know we can play…! 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
Nunawading City FC
55%
6
2
1
5
8
East Kew JFC
45%
3
5
3
4
4
(2’), (25’), (47’)
-
3
0
Team: Giacomo, Dylan, Michael, Adam, Nikitas, Sebastian, Isaac, Ryan, Antony, Tim, Max, Daniel.
Out: Eamon
U13s - Round 6
Brandon Park SC V East Kew JFC
(0-4)
WIN
Following last week’s practice match our “undefeated U13s” were in the mood to continue their winning streak. With a shortage of
players this weekend due to injuries and the public holiday, we scrambled to assemble 9 players to start the game with Jameson
from the U11s volunteering to be our sole centre forward! To make matters more interesting, our captain Ben D. was nursing an
injury, but volunteered to at least start the game. So while the rain kept away, on a soggy pitch we started 11 V 10, at the Freeway
Reserve at Brandon Park… However, we did have 6 x U12s players keen to assist the boys, in transit from Nunawading…
Brandon Park was not going to be a push-over, having lost only one game this year. Our boys took their positions on the park and
bravely held the opposition off from scoring. We managed to generate a couple of attempts to play them on the break, but without
success, as Jameson was outnumbered 4:1 up front. Around the (10’), the cavalry began to arrive incrementally from the U12s
game…! Dylan, Nikitas, Adam, Tim, Daniel, Max and Michael were eventually all present and eager to assist…
Some “on the fly” changes were made in the first half, in an attempt to rest some of our players, rest our captain to recovery and
change the tempo of the game - all subject to the available players arriving on our bench at any time. At the (10’) Taigh cleverly laid
a ball back to Tim, who attempted a cheeky long chip shot from outside the area, but the goalkeeper covered it well. At the (18’)
following a Brandon Park corner, the right winger crossed a menacing cross to the front post, but Ben S came out to punch it clear
from finding any opposition heads. The half continued with the play beginning to swing in our favour however both teams enjoyed
their own share of possession, without generating any further clear opportunities. The score remained 0-0 at half time.
Following a 15 minute... (…yes… 15 min…!) … half-time break, the referee remembered that there were two halves to the game…
During the break we structured up and got ourselves organised. Supported by Zac at sweeper, Adam covered for Ben D at centre
back superbly, while Dylan and Nikitas secured the vacant right back position. Max, Daniel, Taigh and Jameson split the two striker
roles, whilst Vilhelm, Che and Jeremy spent valuable time on the wings. Tim and Arjun accounted for the centre of midfield, foiling
attacks and initiating penetrating moves and through balls to our forwards.
Within a minute we fired a shot towards goal, and the ball deflects off Taigh to hit the post! At (27’) Che executes a penetrating run
down the right wing, crosses to Max, who controls and passes a square ball to Jeremy. The later controls the ball with his left foot,
brings to his right and dispatches a low shot from the edge of the area in the bottom left corner of the goal – 0-1. The locals fought
back. At (28’) a Brandon Park free kick struck from the left, was fired at our back post and Ben S. punched it clear and away from
his goal mouth. A minute later an escaping left winger threatened our goals, but Zac cleverly dispossessed him, as he did with
several others in the half. Connor remained solid all day chasing down loose balls, blocking opposition routes to goal and using his
body to steer them away. Adam did his part to secure central defence and coupling with Zac engineered in impenetrable wall.
At (31’) Arjun struck a mischievous corner, just missing Max’s attempted header and bounced in the area, to find Jeremy on the
back post, who volleyed the ball high up into the net, extending our lead to 0-2! The locals resorted to long range shots, but Ben S.
could easily account for them. Tim and Arjun completely dominated the middle and played a class above the opposition. At (41’)
Tim’s long range low shot somehow finds the opposing goalkeeper on the goal line.
At (43’) Vilhelm receives and passes to Daniel, who in turn squares the ball to Taigh in the area, and with a splendid strike extends
our lead further to 0-3. The Panthers roared…! Two minutes later, Vilhelm releases Daniel again, who cleverly finds Tim, but his
targeted shot at the front post was only just saved by the goalkeeper. Following a deliberate switch of wingers, Che pounces on a
pass at the left edge of their area, cleverly finds Max unmarked in the middle, who thumps our fourth and last goal for the day!
Seeking a consolation goal, a threatening through ball by Brandon Park is foiled by Ben S, who rushed the attacking forward
beating him to the ball, and spoiling their attempt. The final score remained 0-4.
It was a terrific victory considering the odds were against us (starting with 10 and missing Matthias, Sean and Jamie). However, we
congratulate the U12s and U11 cavalry for their club spirit and desire to assist their team mates… AND ensuring the U13s remain
undefeated at the top of the ladder – being the “pride of our club” as they refuse to concede one point in their quest… Next week,
we host Glen Waverley at home, who will provide us a greater challenge… All for one and one for all boys!
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
Brandon Park SC
35%
1
2
0
3
3
-
0
East Kew JFC
65%
2
2
2
3
7
Jeremy (26’), (31’),
Taigh (43’), Max (46’)
4
Team: Ben S, Zac, Ben D, Adam, Dylan, Nikitas, Che, Jeremy, Tim, Arjun, Jameson, Taigh, Vilhelm, Max, Daniel
Out: Jamie, Matthias, Sean
U14s - Round 6
Wonga Park JFC V East Kew JFC
(1-2)
WIN
We travelled to Wonga Park Reserve this week, minus 4 regular players due to injury and the long weekend, thus inviting Sean
from the U13s to ensure we started with 11 players. However, we were proudly supported by Taigh and Arjun (13s) and Nikitas
(12s) on the bench. Wonga Park was going to be a challenge, especially at their “heavy-muddy” home ground, and we could not
afford to lose a point to them. So the game begun with our cavalry in transit from Brandon Park and a creative line-up…
The game began conservatively, as both teams tested each other in pursuit of the first strike. The tackles were tough; the play was
constricted, yielding high turn-over until both teams settled. At (10’) Jorge traps a loose ball outside the Wonga area, steadies and
shoots through traffic, only to find the goalkeeper in the way. The ball trickled through his hands, but he managed to stop it on the
line. A few minutes later Wonga Park opened the score 1-0 through a counter attack, yielding a deadly strike from the left, which
nestled in Steve’s bottom right hand corner, irrespective of his spectacular diving attempt to save it.
The encounter continued in the midfield, when at (25’) Dante wins the ball on the left wing and finds Stefan. The latter controls the
ball and exchanges a terrific 1-2 with Jorge (who serves him a perfectly weighted through ball) into the area. Racing against the last
Wonga Park defender, Stefan enters the area and drives the ball past the incoming goalkeeper to level the score 1-1. From the
restart the locals attacked instantaneously, requiring Nik to shut down and dispossess a streaming Wonga attacker. Following a
Matt S. corner at (29’), Stefan wins a poorly defended ball at the edge of the area, lays it up for Sean, who strikes a targeted drive
at goals, that was well-saved by the goalkeeper. The score remained 1-1 at half time.
Early in the 2nd half, Jack St and Jack Sa were busy at full back, having to block out several consecutive and threatening attempts
to flank us. In the middle of the park, Matt S and Sean worked hard all day – Matt launching attacks, while Sean held the centre of
midfield and intercepted penetrating balls using his head, his feet and his body, following captain Jimmy’s lead. At (37’) an
attempted long low drive from the opposition produced an easy save for Steve. Two minutes later, Ben G from the right wing finds
Stefan who rounds the defender to square a pass to Taigh steaming in from the left wing. Taigh headed for goals, but the keeper
rushed out to intercept his run. Suffice to note that Taigh ran his lungs out during the 2 nd half, assisting attacks and helping Sean
and Matt S when they were running out of legs, thwarting at least 3 dangerous surging raids by Wonga Park.
At (40’) Nik our “expeditious” sweeper arrests an escaping Wonga right winger near the corner flag. Following the corner, the same
left winger finds space and strikes a shot from the left, bearing another good save from Steve, as the ball thundered into his chest.
Soon after, a Wonga Park right winger pounces on a minor glitch in the back, bursts through our lines by pushing the ball through
our defence, only to encounter Steve’s presence, as he rushed off his goal line just in time to remove the ball from the attackers’
firing line before he launched his strike. Ben G, Dante and Arjun enriched our efforts from the wings, shutting down the opposition’s
space, exchanging passes and generating an alternate source of attacks.
At (44’) Wonga take advantage of a slip up in the middle, and as the forward surged for goal, Nik caught him and impeded his firm
strike, sailing wide of Steve’s right post. Resorting to long shots, Steve saves another accurate but non-threatening drive from
outside the area. At (46’) Matt S on the left wing dribbles and finds Jorge inside, who drives a “majestic” through ball to Stefan
inside the D. Stefan, controlled and smashed the ball on target, requiring two attempts from the well positioned goalkeeper to
secure the ball. At (49’) Steve rushes out from his goals to safely catch a dangerous Wonga through ball.
At (55’) Stefan receives a pass following a Jimmy-Arjun exchange, dribbles past his tagging defender and passes left to Jorge.
Jorge receives with his right foot, manoeuvres to his left side to beat his own tagger, and before the sweeper could tackle him he
dispatches a perfect shot into the top left hand corner of the goals – sinking the spirited hearts of Wonga Park and triggering
pandemonium among the Panther players and supporters! I have witnessed 75+ East Kew goals this season, and this would have
to be a contender for “Goal of the Year! It is now 1-2 with a few minutes remaining…“Hold-On Boys…!” was the cry from the fans.
At (57’) Stefan receives a throw from the right, centres the ball to Jimmy, who shoots accurately from inside the area, but the large
Wonga goalkeeper makes a very good save. In their last attack, a resilient Wonga forward launches a missile of a shot, demanding
Steve to make another terrific save, securing our win.
Our congratulations go out to both teams, who staged such a tense encounter, full of exciting highlights and genuine game spirit
and sportsmanship. However, it was the East Kew Panthers who upstaged the locals, through their tenacious defence, their
innovative and industrious midfield and deadly marksmanship up front. A special recognition is also extended to Taigh, Sean and
Arjun (and Nikitas) who without them, our U14s could not have achieved this result.
This was a genuine team and club wide effort, where we pooled our resources for the benefit of our team(s). We train together; we
play together and win/lose together. As the song goes: “we are Red, we are White; we are truly dynamite...” Go you Panthers!!!
Next week, we host Ringwood City at home. We invite you to witness another exciting contest… Look forward to it!
Ball possession
Corners
Free Kicks
Shots off Target (wide or over)
Shots on Target (but saved)
Total shots on goal
Goal Scorers
Goals
Wonga Park JFC
50%
1
3
3
10
11
(12’)
1
East Kew JFC
50%
3
3
0
3
5
Stefan (24’), Jorge (55’)
2
Team: Steve, Nik, Jimmy, Jack Sa, Jack St, Matt S, Sean, Stefan, Jorge, Ben G, Dante, Arjun, Taigh, Nikitas
Out: Matt L., Aleksandrs, Luke, Dermot
U16s - Round 6
East Kew JFC V Chisolm United FC Blue
(2-6)
Loss
The U16s hosted the undefeated league leaders Chisolm United Blue this weekend at Hislop Park. With both teams at
the top of the ladder, this game was a crucial one for the respective clubs. On a perfect winter afternoon and no rain in
sight, a titanic battle began between the two teams.
Within the first 30 minutes, the pressure and game play intensified as the game took on a very physical rhythm –
mainly due to the opposition’s style of play. Our defence stood firm blocking more than several attacks, and some very
clever movements by the Chisolm forwards. A couple of their attempts at goal were on target, but our goalkeeper
saved with ease, whilst the remainder of their shots were sprayed wide and over our cross bar from great distances.
At our forward line, Ben managed to break through their defence within 10 minutes, and was unlucky not to score as
their goalkeeper came out to spoil his attempt. Another attempt from our right wing almost resulted to a goal, but again
it wasn’t our day.
In the last 15 minutes of the first half, the visitors managed to score 2 quality goals, as their pressure and play through
the middle of the ground became more dominating.
It was 0-2 at half time, but we were certainly not out of the game.
We began the second half with the intention of taking up the physical game to the opposition; however they managed
to get away from us on several occasions. By the (60’) they added another 4 goals which did not reflect the balance of
play, including a penalty, a well taken free kick and a thunderbolt driven from outside the area on the right wing.
Our boys did not give in though… Even after sustaining to key injuries to Luke and Lawson who were substituted, the
Panthers to their credit were relentless. Athos won many balls in the middle seeking penetrating through balls to Ben
and James up front. After each Chilsolm attack, we counter attacked at every opportunity, overpowering the
opposition. James up front stretched their defence, enabling Ben to have a bit more space in the attacking midfield
zone, thus creating more and more opportunities. Our wingers chased down and took on their full backs deep, again
creating more opportunities for the guys in the middle. Several of our shots just missed the target or were deflected for
corners.
Following a corner earned by Ben’s shot from outside the area, the corner cross found Athos outside the D, who
cleverly controlled the bouncing ball, to volley a terrific strike in the Chisolm top corner, reducing the score to 1-6.
Soon after, Ben dazzled their defenders with his dribbling skills and entered the area, only to be brought down illegally
and earn our team a penalty. Ben executed elegantly driving the ball into the bottom left hand corner, out of the reach
of the diving visiting goalkeeper to reduce the score to 2-6.
Over the next 15 minutes our boys had a couple of more opportunities to add to our tally, but luck was not on our side
on the day and the Chisolm defence remained defiant.
It was a very physical game which at times lost its lustre, however all goals scored were of high quality. We will
certainly embrace this loss and be better prepared for the next time we meet the visitors. Our tenacity and courage to
continue competing right till the end was evident, a Panther characteristic that will win us many games in the future.
GO Panthers…!