Over the Easter long weekend, only our Association Youth League teams were in action and they travelled up the F3 to take on Central Coast which have been quite formidable at home. We don’t have a great record there, but the boys put up a great fight this week.

ASSOCIATION YOUTH LEAGUE | Under 13 Boys | Central Coast 1-1 Football South Coast
It was three v four in this one and the game lived up to this billing. Central Coast are a well organised and highly technical side however our lads matched it right throughout the game.

The home side applied plenty of pressure in the first half as the long road trip seemed to have a bit of an impact on the boys early on. Central Coast took a 1-0 lead into the break and to be fair, it was probably deserved.

South Coast came out in the second half determined to get something from this game and their high pressing put the opposition under pressure as they started to turn the ball over. Some great combination plays saw FSC equalise and then moments later we were very unlucky not to have hit the lead.

It finished honours even in what was perhaps a fair result. The draw keeps the boys in fourth position

Player of the week – Lachlan Flood led by example all week and had a terrific game.

ASSOCIATION YOUTH LEAGUE | Under 14 Boys | Central Coast 4-1 Football South Coast
Whilst this game featured fourth v fifth, it was Central Coast that showed some terrific finishing to take this match with our boys unable to match the home teams desire.

The home team started the game well as our boys seemed to allow them to dictate play and control possession giving them time on the ball. Central Coast took the lead and maintained that through to half time (1-0).

In the second half, our boys stepped up their game and for the next 10 minutes and it was FSC that was suddenly on top. We were able to capitalise from that dominant period scoring through a Mackenzie King header after an Owen Flanigan cross.

With the scores level, FSC seemed to go back into their shell and in a devastating 10-minute spell, the home side piled on three unanswered goals to seal the game 4-1. Lessons learned no doubt.

Player of the week – Jacob Carney showed good application to training activities and his put in a dominant performance in the game.

ASSOCIATION YOUTH LEAGUE | Under 15 Boys | Central Coast 2-3 Football South Coast
It was second v third in this one and everything to play for. It was an open game with both teams creating chances throughout and goal mouth action at both ends. The further the first half went, the better we seemed to get as we started to gain control of the game.

The boys played a well organised high press that seemed to trouble Central Coast as this forced turnovers and safety passes from the opposition. In possession, we moved the ball well and we managed to get on the scoreboard in the first half with this dominance however we became a little predictable after that.

After speaking about this at half time, the boys turned it on early in the second half scoring two goals through Daniel Merola to take us 3-0 up. We however once again switched off allowing the home side to find the net just a few minutes later and give them a lifeline.

When the home side scored with 7 minutes left to cut the deficit to just one, there was some nervous players out there. Central Coast sensed that an equaliser was imminent as they pushed forward, pressed and shot at every opportunity.

We managed to hold on for an amazing 3-2 win which after the weekend puts the boys top of th table.

Player of the week – Aiden Chard brought great energy to training this week and played really well in the backline.

ASSOCIATION YOUTH LEAGUE | Under 16 Boys | Central Coast 1-0 Football South Coast
These boys have shown great resilience defensively this year however it is scoring goals that has at this stage of the season seen us sit mid table.

Traveling up the freeway taking on an in form Central Coast side is a tough challenge. The home side dictating play throughout the first half as FSC allowed them time and possession. In fact, Central Coast had all the early running as FSC were forced to defend much of the opening period.

It was a matter of time before the home side took the lead and that they did through a well taken strike from outside the box.

After a few choice words, the boys came out in the second half with a better attacking mindset. We varied our attacking options and created a few chances of our own. This also served to limit the home sides possession and chances as the game turned into a midfield battle.

In the end, we were unable to break the home side down however on the flip side, we didn’t concede any further and despite going down 1-0, the boys will take some heart from this.

Player of the week – Luke Hoefsloot is our player of the week for the second week in a row. His commitment to training and game day was clear as he showed great determination and leadership in driving his team.