NPL2 Round 10 Wrap
Canberra White Eagles 1 (Milan Santrac 37’) drew. ANU FC 1 (Tim Lopez 45+1’)
Words by Tom Young
Honours were shared at Woden Enclosed Oval on Saturday in a tight contest between Canberra White Eagles FC and ANU FC.
The game opened with a period of even midfield play before ANU ‘keeper Jake Bradley was forced to save an early Eagles attempt after six minutes.
Both teams earned corners before ANU launched a counter attack 13 minutes in that gave Nelson Cary a clear run at goal, but his effort drifted wide after he lobbed advancing Eagles ‘keeper Nick Owen. A period of ANU pressure in the Eagles half followed that led to a close range ANU shooting chance on 18 minutes that went narrowly wide.
Bradley was then called into action twice in two minutes, saving well from Eagles’ Zinelabiddine Eljammoudi and Milan Santrac.
The Eagles continued to apply pressure with a Daniel Hately heading attempt, Daniel Santrac shot from the edge of the area, and a corner that was well cleared by ANU’s Tom Crossley.
The momentum swung again when ANU’s Chase Deans just failed to connect with a through ball, and an attacking free kick on 33 minutes was driven into the Eagles wall.
Another transition led to the Eagles’ Tom Hewitt crossing well to find Milan Santrac, who finished neatly for the opening goal on 37 minutes.
The Eagles almost doubled their lead on 42 minutes when a quick throw and good build up play led to a shooting chance for Eljammoudi from the edge of the area, but his shot crashed into the bar.
ANU still had time to get forward and Andrew Manley earned a free kick within range on 45 minutes. Tim Lopez stepped up and sent a fierce drive into the top right hand corner to make it 1-1 with the last kick of the half.
Both teams pressed forward early in the second half with scoring chances for each, including a strong Eagles penalty shout on 60 minutes for possible holding on Tom Hewitt. The Eagles pressed forward again with shooting chances on 69 and 73 minutes.
ANU responded well in the 75th minute when Max Mottl almost found Isaac Ellis with a searching cross, and a headed attempt from Jan Wojna skimmed the top of the crossbar.
The Eagles mounted an attack three minutes later and were awarded a penalty for an ANU handball whilst blocking a shot.
Tom Hewitt stuck the spot kick low and firmly but Bradley saved excellently to his left and collected the loose ball.
Both teams then searched for the winner, with the best chance falling to ANU with a free kick just outside the area on 89 minutes. The attempt was hit straight into the wall and ANU could not find a follow up shot.
A well-earned draw for ANU with the Eagles dropping valuable points at home.
Other Results |
Brindabella Blues 0 def. by Weston Molonglo 1 (Carl Hynes 41’)
O’Connor Knights 4 (Adam Seselja 11’, 50’, Aldie Cummins 46’, Jake Wilsener 69’) def. Wagga City Wanderers 0
Queanbeyan City 2 (Loay Alsubhi 20’, 47’) def. Southern Tablelands United 0
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