Berkeley Sports earned an important 1-0 victory against Kiama Quarriers in a mid-table clash of the WGC Cranes District League on Saturday afternoon at Berkeley Sportsground.

Absorbing high levels of pressure from Kiama for most of the fixture, a second half goal from Chris Rowlan was enough to ensure a home victory for the Berkeley Sports.

Berkeley Sports coach Paul Mears was a relieved man, praising the defence of his team.

“We are very relieved; it was a very important game for us. They were one point in front of us, so we now keeping tabs with the top 5,” Mears said.

“The win was down to our defence. We have worked hard on it over the last five weeks and it seems to be working out at the moment.”

Both teams took time to get into the match with a number of passes failing to reach the mark in both teams.

Kiama Quarriers dictated territory from the outset, finding target man Chris Christodoulou with ease through balls into the box and throw-ins from Kane Rowe.

In the 7th minute, a long ball into the top of the penalty area from Kiama’s Adam Hinkley found Chris Christodoulo, but the ball was well punched away by Berkeley keeper Josh Brus.

An ankle injury in the 10th minute to Berkeley’s Adam Inskip forced an early reshuffle to the Berkeley defensive line, with Dave De Oliveira thrown into the fray earlier than expected.

In the 21st minute, a Kiama corner went over the crowded penalty area finding Dean Land who unleashed a powerful strike on target to only be stopped by the back of teammate Kane Rowe.

Kiama continued to dominate territory throughout the first half without creating genuine attacking chances on goal.

In the 36th minute Kiama’s Mitchell Gowland shook off three defenders on his way to the penalty area, electing to pass to Daniel Swinton but with too much heat on the ball it trickled away for a goal kick with another opportunity wasted.

The Quarriers continued to raise their shot tally with a number of long range attempts late in the half, with none troubling the Berkeley goalkeeper.

The half-time score was 0-0.

In the 56th minute, Berkeley’s Jesse Gant received the ball off from a loose Kiama header, and swiftly sent the ball through for Chris Rowlan who was able to direct it pass the out-of-position goalkeeper for a crucial opening goal against the tide of the match.

The goal shifted the momentum, with Berkeley Sports taking control of the clash.

In the 69th minute, dangerous ball movement from Berkeley involving Chris Rowlan and Alex Perez finished with a Greg Moon strike forcing a full length save from Kiama goalkeeper Dylan McDonald as the ball nearly trickled into the goals.

In the 72nd minute a match-winning goal by Berkeley was squandered after a Greg Moon ball found Dylan Evans unmarked at the edge of the penalty box, but the ball sailed wide past the right post to keep the fixture a one goal game.

Kiama continued to press forward but lacked the energy to get the goal to equalise the clash, with Berkeley holding on for a 1-0 victory at the full-time whistle.

Berkeley Sports will battle table-toppers Corrimal Rangers next Sunday afternoon at Memorial Park.

“We will go in confident. We have had 4 wins and a draw in the last 5 so we will see how we go. It will be interesting,” said Berkeley coach Paul Mears.

Kiama will host 11th placed University FC next Saturday afternoon, with a strong opportunity to return to the winners circle after losing the last two rounds.

 

Saturday 21st May, Berkeley Sportsground

 

Berkeley Sports 1 (Rowlan 56’)

Kiama Quarriers 0

 

Referee: R. O’Sullivan

Assistant Referees: W. Arnold & D. Jordan

 

Berkeley Sports: Josh Brus, Adam Inskip (Dave De Oliveira 10’), Ryan Crouch, Justin Mears, Mathew Mears, Dylan Evans, Alex Perez, Chris Rowlan (Jon Adams 87’), Jesse Grant, Tony Paglialunga (John Muscat 64’), Greg Moon.

Yellow Cards: Tony Paglialunga 49’

Red Cards: Nil

 

Kiama: Dylan Mcdonald, Adam Hinkley, Dean Land,Chris Hill, Kane Rowe, Todd Wade (James Donlan 61’), Jesse Annen, Aaron Buzinki (Keegan Beringer), Chris Swinton, Chris Christodoulou, Mitchell Gowland.

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil

 

Report by Daniel McGookin

Twitter: @mcgoookin93

Photo: Pedro Garcia (archive)