In a dour struggle in this IPL Round 10 fixture where for long periods looked likely to end in a goal-less stalemate, the visitors were able to conjure up a late winner to secure all three points.

The first half was of a poor standard with goal scoring opportunities kept to a premium as both sides struggled to put four passes together in a game which was generally played between the two penalty areas.

With little excitement to keep the small crowd entertained, the closest anyone came to scoring was when Tarrawanna mid-fielder, Ricky Goodchild hit the post from a very tight angle in the 17th minute.
Ten minutes later, Bradley Welch on debut for The Blueys used his pace to forge a way through the middle of the Shell Cove defensive line but found Cove Goalkeeper, Adam Rodriguez up to the task when faced with a 'one on one'.

The only chance that Shell Cove could muster up in the opening stanza came right on the stroke of half time when Shohei Arakawa fired in a strong effort from the edge of the penalty area which Tarra Keeper Christian Pretto saved well down to his left to ensure parity remained at the break.

After the break, it is fair to say that the energy levels did improve as both sides looked to grab the advantage in an effort to take all three points on offer.

Five minutes after the re-start, Shell Cove should really have taken the lead. A neat move down the left hand side, resulted in Daniel Vellonio delivering a fine cross into the heart of the Blueys penalty area. The pass found Kurdvan Abduljabbar, unmarked just 10 metres from goal with only Pretto to beat but the experienced keeper pulled out a first class save when the striker's shot should really have found the back of the net.

Three minutes later Pretto was at it again, this time saving a shot from distance from Vellonio, although this time it was a more comfortable save from the Keeper.

With the visitors looking the more likely to snatch the advantage, the post came to the Cove's rescue on 69 minutes. Matthew Mazevski's speed down the right channel enabled him to get in behind the defence and he fired in a cross from out wide. Unfortunately, Sam Onana Awono didn't make a connection with any real conviction with his effort hitting the framework of the goal and bouncing away to safety.

Just as the game looked like producing an inevitable scoreless draw, Shell Cove were able to snatch all three points with a goal five minutes from time courtesy of the Vellonio/Abduljabbar combination. It was a similar movement as to the one earlier where Abduljabbar fluffed his lines but this time he made no mistake as Vellonio's looping cross created hestitancy between Pretto and his fellow defenders and when they didn't want the ball, Abduljabbar said 'thank you very much', one-nil to the visitors.

There was one last chance for the home side to get something from the game on 87 minutes, when a long pass from midfield over the top of the Shell Cove defence, found substitute Jacob Fryday in space and ready to pull the trigger but with Rodriguez rushing from his goal he was able to get his hands to the ball just as Fryday made contact and the situation was diffused.

That was the last chance of the game and after losing three matches on the bounce this was a welcome return to the winners list for Shell Cove. From Tarrawanna's point of view, after a good start to the season it is now a run of five games without a win including three losses in a row with a lot of work to do if they have visions of keeping in touch with the top five.

For Shell Cove, veteran Ljupco Naumovski was outstanding in the heart of their midfield and received strong support from the goal scorer. From the Blueys point of view, Ricky Goodchild's did his best to instill some life into the side but they badly missed the services of Darren Stone( hamstring). Both goalkeepers played well when called upon which was all too rare.

After the game, Shell Cove Coach,Paul Carter felt the first half was ordinary and very scrappy but thought has players may have been effected by the three point disciplinary penalty his club had received during the week from FSC.
He felt they dominated the 2nd half and he was happy the way his team were able to 'change a gear'.

Needless to say, Tarrawanna Coach, Peter Willis was extremely disappointed with the outcome. He was most upset with his team's play in the final third and the fact they got caught with a 'succour punch'. Willis was concerned about what he termed a lack of imagination in terms of finding some penetration up front.

 

Match Stats

Tarrawanna 0 

Shell Cove 1 (Kurdvan Abduljabbar 85')

 

Tarrawanna Oval, Tarrawanna

Referee: Steve Bozic 

Assistant Referees: Mitchell Thorpe & Jacob Kentta

 

Tarrawanna: Christian Pretto, Allister Carrigan, Bryce Dolinscak, Daniel Chapman, Jake Morlando, Samuel Chapple, Matthew Mazevski (Joshua Chapple 80'), Rick Goodchild, Sam Onana Awono (Jacob Fryday 80'), Bradley Welch, Samuel Isabella

Subs not Used: Ben Spong, Joshua Brown, David Hamilton.

Yellow Card: Samuel Chapple 88'.

 

Shell Cove: Adam Rodriguez, Goran Nikolovski (Jordan Barzel), Nathan Macgraw, Kane Wright (Alexander Crane), Lucas Rossi, Ljupco Naumovski, Ryan Vandenberg, Shohei Arakawa, Kazuhiro Obata (Jordan Hassiem), Daniel Vellonio, Kurdvan Abduljabbar

Subs not Used: Gadir Maarbani, Jake Waterman

Yellow Cards: Nil.

 

By David Naylor

Photo: Noel WynnTarrawanna's Bryce Dolinscak is being hounded by Shell Cove's Daniel Vellonio.