University secured a stellar start to the season with an astonishing 3-0 victory over Balgownie Rangers at Judy Masters Oval on Saturday afternoon.

It was a very strong start to the match from the visitors, forcing Balgownie on the back foot within the first 10 minutes. It wasn't until the 12th minute that Balgownie created their first opportunity where they blasted over the bar from just inside the box by Sebastian Dallas.

By the 13th minute, a counter-attacking play from University resulted in a free kick just outside the box which Mikkel Drandsnes drilled to the left of the five-man wall and into the back of the net.

A fumble resulted led to Balgownie's next chance with the ball ricocheting over the crossbar for a corner. Former Student Abdullah Chhipa began making various promising runs out wide, however, Uni's Emil Stubsjoen was strong and consistent on the ball, shutting down Balgownie's attack.

Balgownie began to find momentum, as stand out Jackson Dummett held up the play tactically. They started to capitalize in defence, leading to a sliding save from Uni keeper Claude D'Alessio in the 32nd minute.

In the 34th minute, Balgownie's Chhipa made a lone dribble into 6-yard box lolling the ball over D'Alessio back into play to be cleared by Uni defence. As Uni finish the half at a 1-0 lead.

University eager for a second goal stormed straight into the second leg, with a plummeting shot by Luke McCann falling just wide of keeper Hugh Bahnert. Neither side were dominant in the opening half though Balgownie held their heads high as they looked to grasp at any opportunities that arose and in the 58th minute it took a D'Alessio save to keep the Rangers at bay.

Dummett won a free kick just outside the box in the 60th minute which captain Matthew McCoy curled over the top right corner.

Uni doubled their lead soon after with Curtis Iverson's backheel at the top of the box leading to McCann's ricocheting shot just creeping past the keeper's reach for an own goal in the 65th minute.

Balgownie maintained their intensity in a desperate search for a goal which resulted in Branden Waeger's powerful header toppling just over the bar in the 68th minute and Chhipas lone run shortly after, shut down by defender Brooklan Frkovic just inside the 18-yard box.

Strong in defence, Balgownie's Bahnert made an important one-on-one save against Chris Twigg created by McCann's rapid counter offence run. It wasn't until the 85th minute, Brandsnes's wide lone run cut across the goal was deflected by a Balgownie defender bringing the score to 3-0.

Balgownie couldn't find a consolation in the closing stages with the match finishing 3-0.

University FC will be preparing themselves for a home game against Kiama in round two while Balgownie will face off with Oak Flats Falcons in an away game next week.

Saturday 23^rd March 2019 @ Judy Masters Park, Corrimal

Balgownie Rangers FC - 0

University FC- 3 (BRANDSNES 13’, LUSKIN OG 65’, M’COY OG 85’)

Balgownie Rangers FC- Hugh BAHNERT, Ben KEARTON, Lachlan VENEY, Martin LUSKIN, Matthew MCCOY, Jackson DUMMETT, Sebastian DALLAS, Branden WAEGER, Lucas BRUCE, Abdullah CHHIPA, Zachery CRAW - Subs – Mark JONES, Jonathan M’CREALY, Nathan BELLINATO, Mathew BUBB

University FC- Claude D’ALESSIO, James GALEA, Brooklan FRKOVIC, Emil STUBSJOEN, Josh MARTIN, Douglas WOODIWISS, Luke M’CANN, Curtis IVERSON, Jesse HOWARD, Mikkel BRANDSNES, Chris TWIGG - Subs - Nelson MCLEOD, Bruce WILSON, Paul FORMOSA, Liam STEVENSON, Matt CAIN

Referee- Reece EDWARDS

Assistant Referees- Graeham CHARKER, Italo RONCATO

 

Report by Tim Dixon, on Twitter @Tim_Dixon_

Photo courtesy of Noel Wynn