Belconnen United 1 (Daniel Barac 16') def. Gungahlin United 0

By Michael Djordjieski

A first-half goal from Daniel Barac proved to be the difference as Belconnen United claimed a hard fought 1-0 victory over Gungahlin United in the National Premier Leagues Capital Football opening round.

Though the performance was not pretty, the result sees the reigning champions start their 2018 campaign with a gritty win, while Gungahlin will be disappointed they could not capitalise on a strong second half showing.

It was clear from the outset that the hosts let their opposition keep the ball at the back, but pressed strongly when Gungahlin tried playing the ball into midfield.

After starting the game well, the game’s first opportunity came in the sixth minute when Barac’s shot was comfortably saved by Gungahlin goalkeeper Jason Denham. The number nine had another chance six minutes later but blazed his effort over the bar.

Despite not getting off to a great start in the contest, Gungahlin almost broke the deadlock a minute later. Midfielder Augustine Bangura made a surging run into the Belconnen penalty area before striking his shot against the outside of Finn Juark’s post.

Marcial Munoz’s men were made to rue that missed opportunity when the Blue Devils opened the scoring in the 16^th minute as Barac converted from close range.

Barac seemed to be causing the away outfits defence all sorts of problems and that was on full display when the striker reacted quickest to Jason Ugrinic’s initial shot from outside the area, which was not claimed entirely by Denham, but the goalkeeper made up for his spill by denying the front man again.

From the half hour mark onwards, the game slowly started to shift in Gungahlin’s favour and unfortunately for them, the half time whistle intervened.

The visitors continued their good form shown in the last 15 minutes of the first half as rain started to pour onto the McKellar Stadium pitch in the second period.

Gungahlin provided the first chance of the half four minutes after the break when winger Michael Rinaudo fired a tame left-footed effort that travelled safely into the hands of Jurak.

Belconnen’s use of the press in the first 45 minutes was not really on show in the second half, but the visitors stepped up their game with their ball movement and passing and made Belconnen work.

With 10 minutes remaining in the contest, Gungahlin missed a fantastic chance to level the scores. Centre back Jack Green found space in the six-yard box, but glanced his header wide of goal from a great cross.

Munoz’s side pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stage with the hosts pinned back, but their efforts were not enough as Belconnen hung on to capture all three points heading into the Easter break.