In a very even contest with but a handful of goal-scoring opportunities, Warilla emerged victorious thanks to a first half strike from new signing and former White Eagle - Bojan Caric. Warilla spent most of the afternoon enjoying the share of half-chances. The story of the afternoon was the long ball, with wing-play emerging more in the second half, however it was the goalkeepers who were kept busy throughout, with numerous times both Thirroul's Joshua Williams and Warilla's Bradley Hunter forced to advance from their box and clear the danger.

Early exchanges saw Caric make his way to the by-line only for a dangerous cross to be claimed by Williams. Toni Anastovski sprayed a deep corner over shortly after, Luke Greathead nearly snatched at a fumble from Williams, and Adam White was closed down by Daniel Bond just before putting a shot on target from close range, after a quick throw in put him through. Caric was the biggest threat on the pitch, again nearly troubling Williams having beaten his man, only for Bragg to make a big challenge to block.

Thirroul slowly got a foothold in the game, and halfway through the first period they began to create some chances for themselves. Corey Hainesgrose had a rebounded free kick fall at his feet, however his volley sailed just over the bar, before Luke Mittwollen was allowed to bring down a high ball in the box and turn, but his touch escaped him and Thirroul's best chance yet went awry.

Warilla nearly grabbed the opener on 27 minutes, with a good corner played in, but 2 headed chances from close range were deflected to safety. Similarly, down the other end minutes later, Thirroul should've done better, with Mittwollen under-hitting a great passing opportunity for Matthew Kellond inside the box.

Caric began to take control late in the half, showing blistering pace to round 2 defenders and shoot powerfully at Williams, who could only parry. The 36th minute saw him deservedly hit the net, a deep cross nodded down by Thirroul directly into Caric's path, an awkwardly high volley slammed into the roof of the net concluding the first half action.

The second half had a noticeably frantic pace to it, with Warilla clearly on top and with the goal in their favour, but Thirroul were pushing to equalise, making Warilla keep up with the pace of play. But again it was Warilla creating the better chances.

Another of Warilla’s new acquisitions - Nicholas Del Turco, was played in behind the defence with a lofted pass, but Joshua Bond tracked back to effect a big challenge & block the cross. Caric was at it again shortly after, turning in the box and showing impressive trickery, only for a bobble off the pitch seeing his shot sail way over.

White was constantly pestering the Thirroul backline, nearly intercepting a number of passes, and had a penalty shout waved away on 55 minutes after a fast break. Thirroul almost shot themselves in the foot off the back of more Caric action. With his cross coming in, a breakdown in communication between James Hutton and Williams resulted in both contesting the ball, the defensive header nearly putting a goal on a platter at the far post, but Warilla could only bundle it wide.

White was on the end of another long ball, able to touch around onrushing Williams, but the defence recovered before help arrived, and Williams smothered a shot to regain possession. Adam Martin joined in the action, rising above the pack on consecutive corners to have two powerful headers cleared off the line and drift just wide respectively. Martin also powered a free kick over the bar from 25 yards. Thirroul had plenty of chances to counter, but Warilla always got bodies behind the ball and stopped any threats before they reached the box. The best of the half for Thirroul were late chances, with Hainesgrose slicing a 25 yard lay-off wide and Peter Besnard weaving through traffic only for a finessed shot to not curl back enough.

Last action of the match saw White again round Williams out wide, but was again shut down before a meaningful shot can be made.

Warilla finished 1-0 winners and on the run of play, probably deserved it. Thirroul were not able to get their opportunities to stick, or get the ball into dangerous areas around the box, leaving the Warilla Keeper rarely troubled throughout.

 

Thomas Gibson Park, Saturday 2nd April

Referee: Mick Agim

Assistant: Matthew Theobald

Thirroul - 0

Warilla - 1: Caric 36'

 

Thirroul Thunder: Williams, D. Bond, Bragg (J. Bond), Hutton, Maddock (Ward), Mittwollen, Latini, Besnard, Hainesgrose, Kellond (Woods), Arthur

Subs: J. Bond, Mulholland, Davidson, Ward, Woods

Warilla Wanderers: Hunter, Anastovski, Martin, Hagenaar, Goldsmith, Everingham, Del Turco, Keating (Castelli), Greathead (Gaffney), White, Caric

Subs: Gaffney, Castelli, Montalbano, Robertson, Nguyen

 

Report by David Atherton

Picture by Pedro Garcia