Corrimal win the battle of the Rangers

Corrimal Rangers launched Season 2016 with a dominant 2 - 1 victory over Balgownie Rangers in the pre-season Fraternity Club Cup at Memorial Park.

On a picturesque twilight Friday night fixture, the crowd of several hundred marched through the gates to get their overdue fix of local football.

Corrimal’s quest to avenge last seasons devastating Grand Final defeat at the hands of Picton Rangers was evident, as they dictated terms against Balgownie with both squads already skeleton bare through injuries.

The match began at a lively pace with the two teams sweating out the summer rust with enthusiastic pressing defence.

Corrimal carried the ball from the opening whistle straight to the goalposts, with Balgownie goalkeeper Daniel Westman getting his first touch within the opening 15 seconds.

Corrimal had a number of early strikes at the Balgownie goal with all shots spraying wide, lacking any sort of polish.

In the 18th minute, Balgownie keeper Westman earnt a yellow card as Corrimal were awarded a penalty for a clumsy clean up of a through ball, taking out Corrimal attacker Nathan Belsito.

Luke Picciolini slotted the penalty with a powerful strike to the bottom left corner, bringing the scoreboard attendants into the game.

Balgownie’s frustration with the strong Corrimal defence was showcased with an aggressive tackle in the 29th minute, with a yellow card shown against Balgownie’s Michael Todd.

The Corrimal back three of David Bescos, Vasko Mitkovski and Andrew Nanos was outstanding in the opening half, stifling any Balgownie attack that came their direction.

Strong lead up work down the left flank by Matthew Stojanoski presented a golden ball for Corrimal striker Evan Fitzsimmons to power home the advantage minutes before the half-time whistle, in the 33rd minute.

The halftime score was 2-0 to Corrimal Rangers, amid concerns that Balgownie would have enough energy to make a statement in the second half.

The second stanza opened with a bang with a series of late challenges initiating a melee between the two sides, with multiple players from both teams racing in to be involved.

A late Balgownie challenge by Bowen Simpson, followed by exuberant retaliation by Corrimal defender Andrew Nanos was the spark of the fiery clash.

In the final stages of the match, an injury to Corrimal defender David Bescos sent a scare through the Corrimal camp.

As the lights began to take effect a late consolation goal was scored to Balgownie’s Andrew Aarrower in the 65th minute, creating a respectable scoreline for the away team.

Both teams will take plenty of positives out of the fixture, as Corrimal Rangers will look forward to continuing the momentum as they battle Warilla Wanderers at Memorial Park next Friday night.

Balgownie Rangers will aim to improve their result, when they challenge Wests Illawarra at Macedonia Park next Friday night also.

Report and photo by Daniel McGookin