The Round of 32 fixture in the Bampton Cup saw Corrimal Rangers host Oak Flats Falcons.

Oak Flats enjoyed a favourable start to the match, forcing multiple key interceptions and challenges from Corrimal centre-back Nathan Belsito. Jason Murdzevski had a spray at a half-volley from 25 yards and Chris Murdzevski headed just wide from a cross down the left.

On 16 minutes, they deservedly took the lead. A free kick was floated into the area, with Dominic  Giustiniani heading on goal and C. Murdzevski bundling home with his chest from close range.

This seemed to wake Corrimal up, and they begun their attacks with a greater purpose. In a three minute period, Luke Picciolini nearly hit the post with a free kick, Falcons keeper Chris Jarman forced into a reflex double save, corners flying in from both sides, and headed chances cleared off the line.
But it was on the half hour that Corrimal drew level, Save Treneski played in with a lovely ball over the defence, taking a single touch across his body before an emphatic finish blazing into the near-post top corner, whizzing past Jarman at considerable pace.

Belsito had a busy half, continually marshalling his side from the back. Having received an early yellow, the strength of his play and his lack of hesitation to make big challenges when necessary was bringing his teammates along with him in their belief.  

The second half seemed tense, with neither side risking falling behind again. But it was Corrimal who continued to have the greater chances. In a frantic 15 minute opening period, Jarman was forced into many big saves - L. Picciolini from range, Chris Stevanovski curling from the left wing and successive shots on the near post from in close. Treneski had an effort curl onto the crossbar from 20 yards, before Brenton Burke brought down Mark Picciolini inside the box off a strong turn. L. Picciolini stepped up to take the spot kick, but it also clattered into the crossbar and away to safety.
20 minutes from time, Corrimal grabbed their second, with M. Picciolini rising uncontested to head in a corner. Moments later he thought he had a second, rounding Jarman after a rebounded Matthew Cuda shot, but he was adjudged to be offside.

The introduction of James Walker saw Corrimal press even further forward, with each touch he made seeming to threaten the Oak Flats defence.

On 80', he had a shot saved from close range, and soon after teed up L. Picciolini for an open net and the 3-1 lead with 9 minutes to play. The fourth goal nearly came in similar fashion, with Walker again turning in space inside the box and squaring up for M. Picciolini this time, denied only by the outstretched foot of Jarman.

In the Youth Cup, Wests Illawarra hammered Corrimal 7-0 to progress to the next phase.

Wednesday 20th April, Memorial Park

Referee - S. Bozic
Assistants - M. Vercoe, E. Hayes

Corrimal Rangers 3 - Treneski 31', M. Picciolini 51', L. Picciolini 81'
Oak Flats Falcons 1 - C. Murdzevski 16'

Corrimal Rangers - Purdevski, Bescos, Stojanoski, Belsito, O'Brien (Miller 56'), Cuda, Mandredi (Walker 75'), Stevanovski (Yilmaz 82'), M. Picciolini, L. Picciolini, Treneski
Subs - Nanos, Plakias, Miller, Walker, Yilmaz

Oak Flats Falcons - Jarman, Burke (Day 68'), Kiss, Newall, J. Murdzevski, Giustiniani, Cesta (Pitt 68'), Bosowiel, Cappetta, C. Murdzevski, Eagleton
Subs -  Pitt, Day

Report by David Atherton
Photo - Pedro Garcia (FSC Library)