Corrimal Rangers were too strong for Thirroul Thunder after the two northern clubs locked horns yesterday. Corrimal netted three times courtesy of Lorri Mandredi (11’, 52’) and Domenic Magill (55’) to seal another win and add a further three points. The league leaders now move 7 points clear of closest challengers Warilla who were defeated by University on the same day. Thirroul entered the match looking to be the first to claim three points against the strong undefeated Rangers, however deflections in crowded areas allowed Corrimal the chance to showcase their prowess in front of goal.

 

The match began with incredibly high energy from both teams, trading blow for blow in the first ten minutes with neither giving an inch. Corrimal looked first to score in the first minute when the play from the kick off lead to Mandredi being brought down beside the box on the left hand side with the free kick amounting to nothing. Moments later Thirroul would have their first chance from a set piece that was unable to find the net, swinging wide of the post. The first breakthrough for Corrimal came in the 11th minute with a long through ball being played through defenders on half way by Magill as Mandredi entered a footrace with Thirroul's keeper Joshua Williams rushing out whom arrived at the ball milliseconds before Mandredi. Williams’attempted clearance skimmed off the side of his boot as the ball bobbled, allowing it to continue on its trajectory in favour of Corrimal permitting Mandredi the delight of passing the ball into the empty net.

 

The following 20 minutes saw little chances at either goal as each patient build up play from Corrimal’s high possession was snuffed out each time by the Thirroul defence who made sure to calculate every tackle and every challenge. Each of Thirroul’s quick counter attacks were also cancelled by the best defensive line up in the league thus far. Thirroul looked certain to hit back on two occasions within minutes of each other. the first in the 31st minute when Luke Mittwollen’s shot was muffled by a defenders leg as he turned with two players in vicinity on the penalty spot. Corey Hains-Grose’s shot two minutes later came after successfully negotiating a 1v1 on the right hand side saw him enter the box at pace and blast a shot at the near post which was covered well by Corrimal goal keeper Mitchell Blowes who collected easily.

 

The second half saw Corrimal’s second and third goals following corners which were unable to be cleared effectively. The first was punched clear by Williams to the top left hand edge of the box where Mandredi was waiting, he took a touch to control and then fired a dead straight shot at goal where Williams was looking to collect, however the ball took a deflection and traveled down the guts and into the goal past a wrong footed Williams.

 

The third goal came when Magill pounced on a ball that was made free after bouncing around three or four times around the penalty spot between Corrimal and Thirroul players. He was able to calmly dispatch the ball into the left hand corner of the net after the ball was put back into the mixer after the original corner was cleared.

 

Corrimal looked to add a fourth goal to the board in the 80th minute when substitute Jacob Miller played an early deep cross from the right hand side to the far corner of the box to an unmarked fellow substitute Christian Stevanovski who with his first touch killed the ball dead, and blasted a shot narrowly past the far post. Stevanovski would find himself in strife 6 minutes later receiving a red card for a poor challenge with Thirroul unable to grasp a consolation goal with the numerical advantage, despite being awarded a penalty which was taken by Thirroul’s Mittwollen and saved by Blowes in the 88th minute.

 

Corrimal coach Yani Sekuloski applauded the physicality of the Thirroul side and their strong counterattacking style of play. He commended his entire team for setting into the game early and moving the ball around the park well, playing good football. Thirroul sit fourth on the ladder currently and look to solidify their position in the top four as the season stems on. Corrimal hope to continue their undefeated streak this season when they host Berkeley Sports at home who currently sit fifth.

 

 

Story by Samantha Jordan.

 

Saturday 21st May 2016

Thomas Gibson Park - Thirroul

 

Thirroul Thunder - 0

 

Corrimal Rangers - 3

 

Referee: Michael Kusi-Appauh

Assistance Referee: Jay Walpole

 

Thirroul Thunder: Joshua Williams, Daniel Bond, Liam Forsythe, James Hutton, Shayne Holholland, Corey Haines - Grose, Ryan Latini, Peter Besnard, Luke Mittwollen, Rhys Patchett, Daniel Arthur

Substitutions: Matthew Kellons, Tom Goodier, Robert Gyngell, Tyler Snelgrove, Jesse Bragg

 

Corrimal Rangers: Mitchell Blowes, Vasko Mitkouski, David Bescos, Nathan Belsito, Gavin O’Brien, Paul Guido, Lorri Mandred, Domenic Megill, Mark Picciolini, Luke Picciolini, Save Treneski

Substitutions: Chris Stevanouski, Christian Plakias, Jake Balmforth, Jacob Miller, Matthew Cuda

 

Photo: Pedro Garcia (Archive)