Olympic go clear with calm win at Monaro
By Matt Nicoletti
A brace from Robbie Cattanach and a single goal to the returning Michael John helped Canberra Olympic to a convincing 3-0 win over Monaro Panthers on Saturday at Googong,
Olympic held most of the possession in the early stages of the game as they looked to pick apart the Monaro backline but struggled to create opportunities. The home side meanwhile appeared happy to sit deep and defend, to then find their chances on the counter attack.
Joakim Moussinga was working the midfield for Monaro but unable to find their forwards for any serious chances, while they appeared dangerous at times down the flanks too. But Olympic continued to control proceedings and took the lead just seven minutes before the break thanks to Robbie Cattanach.
From a free-kick just outside the box, Cattanach’s strike hit the wall and deflected past Nathan Alferink in goal to open the scoring. Stephen Domenici whipped a curling shot against the bar moments afterwards out of the reach of Alferink as Olympic pressed, but it was Cattanach who did double the advantage just before the break.
The midfielder beat his man outside the box before getting in behind and calmly placing his shot across Alferink into the far corner to give the visitors a 2-0 lead at half-time.
The hosts were on the back foot almost immediately after the interval as Jordan Tsekenis fired an effort against the post, as the winger continually provided a threat for Olympic down the flank.
Domenici struck the frame of goal for a second time with 30 minutes left in the game as Olympic continued to create chances, but seemed unable to find a further breakthrough.
However, just eight minutes from the whistle, Michael John pounced on to a rebound after Alferink’s initial save from a shot to bundle it in to the net and grab a goal on his NPL 1st grade debut.
That sealed the 3-0 win for the visitors, and the win saw them extend their lead at the top of the table to four points ahead of the NPL’s break week next weekend.
For Monaro, it leaves them still searching for their first points of the season as the second half of the campaign begins.
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.