Fernhill FC have convincingly beat mid-table challengers Kiama Quarriers at Ray Robinson Field on a miserable Saturday afternoon, courtesy of a brace to captain Ben Moerman.

A goal in the opening minute allowed Fernhill to dictate terms for the entire match, with the Quarriers struggling to genuinely be in the clash from the outset.

The win has solidified the Foxes top 5 credentials, currently sitting 3rd whilst Kiama let a golden opportunity slip to escape the mid-table logjam sliding from 6th to 8th.

Kiama Quarriers coach James Spence was positive of his teams potential, regardless of the final scoreline.

“That first goal in the first minute killed us. In all honesty we could have been five goals down at halftime,”said Spence.

“We need to move the ball around the park quicker, we look good when we do that. We are definitely still a strong chance of making the five.”

It was only 50 short seconds into the clash when the ball found Fernhill’s ever-threatening Kazuma Nagaishi who thundered a ball from range only to be denied by the woodwork. Ben Moerman was first on the scene, heading home the scraps for the ever-important opener.

Fernhill held all the momentum in the opening stages of the first half, sending the ball forward quickly from the back third and threatening at all opportunities.

In the 17th minute a golden chance to double the lead was presented to Marc Sergi after Kiama’s Daniel Gillespie failed to clear the ball in the penalty area. Sergi was unable to work the angles with the powerful strike staying wide of the goals.

Sergi was amongst the action again in the 23rd minute, with a poor Kiama ball landing at his feet allowing Sergi to speed to edge of the penalty box unleashing a strike stopped first by goalkeeper Dylan McDonald then a second effort denied by defender Daniel Gillespie only several feet away from the goals.

Fernhill continued to pepper the Quarriers goals, with their attacking potency threatening but execution lacking with Moerman and Nagaishi missing simple opportunities to double the lead.

Kiama cautiously advanced upfield, slowly stealing territory using Chris Christodoulou and Daniel Swinton on the flanks but they struggled to hold territory for long or make good use of their possession.

In the 44th minute, Fernhill’s Nagaishi threaded a lovely ball to Marc Sergi dangerously charging towards goals but was unable to control the pass, with his second effort lacking venom as it was gently directed at the goalkeeper.

The halftime score was 1-0 to Fernhill, with credit to Kiama’s last gasp defence and Fernhill lack of accuracy in front of the net.

The Quarriers came out of the sheds strong dominating territory in the opening period of the second half.

In the 62nd minute Fernhill goalkeeper James McClelland batted away a corner only to find Kiama’s Chris Hill who was able to power a low ball through the crowded penalty area just wide in a strong equalising chance for the Quarriers.

In the 72nd minute Kiama’s Daniel Gillespie denied a dangerous Fernhill counter attack by clipping a defenders ankles near the penalty box, earning a yellow card and Fernhill free kick for his troubles.

The Foxes did not waste the chance with the low free kick exploding through the wall with Ben Moerman again speeding to bouncing deflection to leap and finish the waist-high volley, ensuring a home victory.

Kiama tried valiantly to ease the loss in the 88th minute, with a lovely chipped ball from Chris Hill to Daniel Swinton who won the footrace but was unable to control the ball sending it high over the crossbar.

The final scoreline was 2-0, a fair reflection of Fernhill’s dominance but Kiama’s tenacity to stay in the clash.

The Foxes will look to continue their fine form with a mid-week make-up clash against Berkeley Sports, returning to Ray Robinson Field on Thursday night.

Kiama Quarriers have a tough battle to return to the winners circle, battling the runaway leaders Corrimal Rangers at their Memorial Park fortress on Wednesday night.

 

Saturday 18 June, 2016

Fernhill FC 2 (Ben Moerman 1’, 73’)

Kiama Quarriers 0

 

Referee - J. Rusica

Assistant Referees - L. Rawson and Club

 

Fernhill FC:

James McClelland, Anthony Oliver, Brod Moss (Luke McDonald 82’), Keiran Morris (Nathan Thompson 82’), Matt Richardson, Dale White, Dean Morosin, Marc Sergi, Ben Moerman, Kazuma Nagaishi (Brett Kear 65’), Chris Hobbs

Yellow Cards: Brett Kear 82’, Anthony Oliver 84’, Dale White 89’

Red Cards: Nil

 

 

 

Kiama Quarriers:

Dylan Mcdonald, Daniel Gillespie, Daniel Sigmund (James Spence 89’), Chris Hill, Kane Rowe, Adam Hinkley, Daniel Swinton, Aaron Buzinki, Jimmy Donlon, Keegan Beringer (Jye Marks 70’), Chris Christodoulou

Yellow Cards: Daniel Gillespie 72’

Red Cards: Nil

 

Report by Daniel McGookin

Twitter: @mcgoookin93

Photo: Pedro Garcia (Library archive)