Berkeley Sports Football Club hosted Kiama Quarriers in Round 10 of the WGC Cranes District League competition on Saturday afternoon. With a realistic finals berth on the line for both teams, Berkeley Sports came out on top with a gritty 2-0 win at Berkeley Sports and Social Club.

Kiama started the day in 7^th place, but were no match for Berkeley (9^th) who seemed to want the result.

Both teams traded early half chances in an up tempo start to the game. Neither team was able to capatilise although it appeared that Berkeley were shading it in possession early on.

Berkeley had a golden chance to put themselves in front when Dylan Evan’s put it on a plate after beating his defender out wide before putting in a pin point cross which found Corey Butcher who unfortunately got under the ball skying the ball over the bar with the goal beckoning.

Just minutes, Berkeley carved out another opportunity. This time, it was Jarryd King seemed to beat Kiama keeper Mitch Reeve, only to find Brenton Burke clear the ball off the line.

Berkeley were starting to assert themselves and it seemed only a matter of time before they go the break through. On the half hour mark., Greg Moon found some space before unleashing a wicked shot which whizzed wide.

The game was scoreless at half time and Berkeley would have gone in the sheds pleased with their first half although I am sure coach Mears would have liked a goal or two to show for their dominance. Kiama clearly had work to do although Coach Spence would have been pleased how his young chargers scrambled to keep Berkeley at bay.

Just 7 minutes from the restart, Moon let loose with another rocket which smashed against the crossbar. Kiama scrambled to clear the rebound as a familiar pattern started to emerge.

Berkeley was duly rewarded for their pressure on 67 minutes when Chris Rowan crossed the ball to Moon who turned the defender and sharply placed the ball past the keeper. It was nothing less than Berkeley deserved and would have come as a huge sense of relief that their dominance was now reflected on the scoreboard.

Kiama realised that they were unable to sit back and were forced to take it to Berkeley in an attempt to get something from the game.

Just 6 minutes later, Kiama’s Ben Hardcastle eluded a tackle before sending a strike which was easily saved by Chris Lazarevski. Just minutes later, Daniel Gillespie managed to deceive two Berkeley defenders before letting loose a shot which looked destined to find the corner, only to see Lazarevski palm the ball away. Credit to Kiama for changing their strategy which very nearly paid dividends.

Just 10 minutes from time and Kiama thought they had equalised. Nathan Wilson found the net only for it to be ruled out for off side. It was a very close call and one which Kiama seemingly felt a little aggrieved about.

With Kiama pressing, Berkeley capatilised and put the game to bed on 87 minutes when man of the match - Moon found an unmarked Evans who calmly slotted the ball into the net and past Kiama’s helpless keeper.

Berkeley Sports running out 2-0 winners although they made hard work of it with Kiama perhaps a little unlucky not to get something from the game. The result sees Berkeley jump to 9^th spot however they are well behind the leading pack and will need a big second half of the season if they are to challenge for a finals berth.

 

Berkeley Sports Football Club, Saturday 27^th May, 3pm

Referee: S. Bozic

Assistant Referees: T. Arnold, G. Jenkins

 

Berkeley FC: C. Lazarevski, H. Till, R. Prandalos, J. Mears, J. King, M. Mears, D. Evans (87’), C. Rowlan, D. De Oliviera, C. Butcher, G. Moon (67’), I. Arancibic, T. Paglialinga, B. McAteer

 

Kiama Quarriers: M. Reeve, D. Gillespie, A. Hinkley, C. Hill, B. Burke, B. Hardcastle, M. Hampton, J. Annan, K. Beringer, C. Christodoulou, J. Lester, N. Wilson, C. Gardner, C. Studman, M. Oneill

 

Report by Lauren Ferri