Oak Flats Falcons’ inconsistency rang true this weekend after a 2-1 loss to Thirroul FC at Keith Bond Oval Saturday afternoon. After showing fighting spirit against Kiama in the previous round, the Falcons came back with the same fighting spirit, but unfortunately were defeated by Thirroul.

After Thirroul’s surprise mid-week loss to Wests Illawarra, the team came back determined to gain the three points to secure a place in the final five and maintain their fourth place position.

It was evident from kick-off that both teams were determined to succeed and were fired up for the match. Both teams had high intensity with the ball travelling down both ends of the field, with a few passes between players before possession turned over.

Oak Flats had the first real chance at goal only seven minutes into the game with Joshua De Gouveia attempted a shot on goal, that unfortunately sailed over the crossbar.

Only ten minutes later, Thirroul came back with a promising chance of their own. After a corner by Corey Haines-Grose, Matthew Kellond headed towards goal, but Oak Flats keeper Ben Wunsch and a combination of other Falcons' players blocked the ball off the line, denying Thirroul the lead.

Both teams had several more half chances inside the first half hour however neither side was able to trouble the scorer.

Oak Flats were the first team to break the deadlock. Joshua De Gouvera controlled a pass in the final third before swiftly turning his defender and headed for goal. His low shot from distance seemed to deceive Josh Williams in goal as it nestled itself in the bottom corner giving the Falcons the advantage.

Only ten minutes later, Thirroul came back fighting after Haines-Grove took crossed the ball across the face of the goal from a short corner. After some squandering in front of the goal, the ball hit the post twice as the Falcons scrmabled to clear. Ben Wunsch provided a fine save in the midst of this to preserve the 1-0 lead.

In the 40^th minute though, Wunsch could do nothing as Thunder equalisised through an own goal from the Falcons. Thirroul’s Adam Ward crossed the ball in towards the goal and Oak Flats’ Mathew Cesta attempted to clear the ball away, but managed to deflect it into his own goal.

The first half ended with the scoreboard reading 1 all.

The second half of the game, Thirroul seemed to dominate the attack, with more unsuccessful chances taken.

It was 65 minutes in when Thirroul extended their lead after Ryan Latini crossed the ball to Matthew Kellond who cut in on his left and hit the ball into the top right corner passing two Oak Flats defence, the final goal for the match and the winning goal for Thirroul.

Try as they might, Oak Flats were unable to break down the resolute Thunder defence led well by Daniel Bond. In the end, Thirroul perhaps did enough to deserve the three points however the Falcons' will rue some of their missed opportunities.

 

Saturday 16^th July – Keith Bond Oval, Oak Flats.

Referee: Bobby Mazevski

Assistant Referees: NiMark Peever and Martin Lavin

Oak Flats: Ben Wunsch, Brenton Burke, Stephen Jovanovski, Mathew Cesta (Own Goal – 40’), Jason Murozevski, Christian Cappetta, Jamie Stevenson, Lorri Manfredi, Samuel Bosowiec, Brenton Lloyd, Joshua De Gouvera (28’), Daniel Munilla, Andrew Sloss, Daniele Pisani, John Tilden, Chris Jarmen.

 Thirroul FC: Joshua William, Daniel Bond, Harry Hodda, Ryan Hunter, Adam Ward, Rhys Patchett, Ryan Latini, Todd Davidson, Corey Haines-Grose, Matthew Kellond (64’), Daniel Arthur, Shayne Mulholland, Robert Gyngell, Cooper Brindle, Dane Henderson, Tom Goodier, Jayden Lewis.

Report by Lauren Ferri (@lauren_ferri)

Photo: Pedro Garcia (Library archive)