University FC played host to second placed Warilla in the sixth round of the WCG Cranes District League at Kooloobong Oval on Saturday afternoon. A strong crowd turned out with an enthusiastic following. Warilla have been going strong this season with the league’s best attack. University took out this game in the corresponding fixture last year however Warilla were weary to that as they made no mistake this time round as they swiftly took down University with a 2-0 win.

The game started at a frantic pace with both sides eager to stamp their authority. Both teams were clearly vying for all-important three points. There was early intensity with Warilla on the front foot from the get go however with all their possession, neither they or University were able to must any real threats inside the opening quarter hour.

The first real chance came on 17 minutes when Bojan Caric’s (Warilla) free kick from just outside the penalty area was safely caught by University keeper Gabriel Murphy. Warilla began to dominate and break apart University’s defence as they began to fall back.

Not long after, a Javier Ovando corner was dangerously whipped in. Murphy was able to leap and tap away just as a cluster of Warilla players were looking to get their head to the ball.

With Warilla starting to dominate, University relied on the counter and they nearly got themselves on the scoresheet on 27 minutes as Evan Fitzsimmons was found in open space however Warilla custodian Valon Rizvani did a great job getting his body in the road to snuff out the opportunity.

Just five minutes later, Warilla had yet another chance. Luke Everingham found himself open inside the penalty area. His attempt was partially smothered by Murphy and with the ball looking like it might trickle in, Murphy was able to recover and defuse the situation.

University’s defence was working overtime as Warilla sensed an opening goal. The rest of the first half continued much the same way although University found themselves with another golden opportunity just before the break when Luke McCann did a great job dodging Warilla’s defence but his moment of hesitation was snuffed out by Warilla’s defence.

University would have been buoyed by their first half whilst they had limited possession, they seemed to have the better opportunities. Warilla would have had a sense of frustration and coach Barney King was looking to change things up to break University’s barrier.

The second half started much the same as the first with Warilla on the front foot. Their possession and patience was rewarded when Bojan Caric alluded his marker on left and a pin point cross by Ben Ellul was neatly headed in at the far post giving Warilla a deserved lead.

The relief was clear as the players and bench celebrated the goal which took almost an hour to come.

The game continued with half chances from both teams and tensions were starting to grow as time ticked on and the situation was getting more desperate for both sides.

Warilla effectively put the game to bed when Luke Everingham managed to tuck away a swift move on 75 minutes to give Warilla a two-goal buffer with 15 minutes left.

University tried to get themselves into the match but their options in the last third were limited and their shooting let them down as they didn’t really trouble Rizvani there-after. Warilla were able to see out the result which keeps them in second spot and hot on the heels on runaway leaders Fernhill.

Warilla take on Bellambi at King Mickey Park next week as University’s job doesn’t get any easier as they take on Fernhill at Ray Robinson Field.

University had a catch up game on Sunday against Bellambi and their tired legs may have been a factor as they went down in a goal fest 4-3.

Report by Lauren Ferri @Lauren_Ferri

University FC: Gabriel Murphy, Andrew Christie, Liam Daley, Scott Mawbey, Dane Hamilton, Luis Gonzalez, Thomas Shannon, Evan Fitzimmons, Luke McCann, Luke Vandenbergh

Substitutions: Michael Pitt, Lochlainn Ryan, Cameron Hanson, Nelson Mcleod, Josh Dean

 

Warilla Wanderers: Valon Rizvani, Nicholas Del Turco, Jordan Nolan, Toni Anastovski, Martin Castelli, Luke Everingham, Kaine Good, Ben Ellul, Bojan Caric, Javier Ovando, Tim White

Substitutions: Adrian Montalbano, Stewart Robertson, Adam Inskip, Reece McIntosh, Blake Pusell

 

Kooloobong Oval, 3pm, Saturday 29^th April