It was another good week for our Association teams as we hosted Nepean (AYL) and Camden Tigers (GCL). Collectively, we had five wins, one draw and one loss. As an Association, we are immensely proud of how our teams are looking to play and the sportsmanship shown by all players. Let’s get to the round up.

ASSOCIATION YOUTH LEAGUE | Under 13 Boys | Football South Coast 5-0 Nepean FC
The boys totally outplayed the opposition particularly in the first half as they raced to an early lead and then went on to win comfortably. Some of the early goals were the result of excellent passing and movement which ultimately set the tone for the rest of the match.

The second half saw the boys take their foot off the accelerator with the match seemingly won resulting in some cheap turnovers. The boys remained disciplined defensively as they notched up a clean sheet and secured second place after 11 rounds.

They remain four points behind the leader (Sutherland) but have a three-point buffer to third as they look to keep pace.

Player of the week – Archer Butkovic for working hard on his movement, body shape and first touch at training. He also backed this up with a fantastic performance on match day.

ASSOCIATION YOUTH LEAGUE | Under 14 Boys | Football South Coast 0-1 Nepean FC
The team worked hard during the week on their attacking prowess and it seemed to partially work. The boys created a swag of opportunities resulting in up to ten shots on goal. Unfortunately, we could not quite find the net with any of them.

Nepean took the lead as early as the fourth minute and this did not deter the boys as they stayed focused and continued to play some good football in what was turning out to be a fast paced game.

It was impressive to see our centre backs hitting our wide players who were creating chances however that final touch and/or finish seemed to elude the boys this week. With Nepean camped in their half for much of the second half, it seemed inevitable that we would score however it just wasn’t to be.

The boys will take heart from the fact that on any other given day, this result could have been different however the loss drops the team to sixth and now they have a battle on their hands if they are to make a finals appearance.

An honourable mention to Harry Taylor who stepped up in goal from the under 13 and did a fine job whilst regular keeper Jackson Meers is overseas.

Player of the week – Bowen Spencer has continually put in a great effort at training to understand player cues and actions. He is regularly rallying his teammates and encouraging effort on the pitch. He has shown great improvement in both BP and BPO whilst creating chances regularly in wide spaces for the forwards.

ASSOCIATION YOUTH LEAGUE | Under 15 Boys | Football South Coast 2-2 Nepean FC
It was Nepean that had the early running as our boys struggled to get a grip on the pace of the game. Nepean had ample possession and when the boys got the opportunity to attack, they found themselves caught on the break after turnovers.

It was those counter attacks that proved costly as Nepean twice broke quickly and caught the boys a little short at the back to go two up. It looked to be a wake-up call as the boys rallied to create further chances and managed to convert two of those to level the game just before half time.

The second half saw Football South Coast assert their dominance on the game however several chances went agonisingly close as the boys finally had to settle for a draw.

It was an opportunity lost as the boys drop to third with that draw. The boys will be hoping to bounce back against Macarthur this coming weekend.

Player of the week – Jarrod Lasala put in a great performance during the week and followed this up with a solid performance on match day.

ASSOCIATION YOUTH LEAGUE | Under 16 Boys | Football South Coast 3-1 Nepean FC
The boys started the game with great intensity and a desire to control the game right from the outset. Despite the early possession, Football South Coast were unable to convert this into goals and the longer the first half went, the stronger Nepean grew in confidence.

In fact, it was Nepean that hit the lead after a swift counter saw the visitors grab the breakthrough. It was all of a sudden Nepean with all the running and if not for some heroic goalkeeping from Luke Mack, FSC may have found themselves down by one or two more down.

The break could not come quick enough as a few positional changes saw Football South Coast find some rhythm as the ball speed increased and the passing efficiency was starting to cause Nepean a few headaches.

When Ned Glasgow put FSC level, the momentum had clearly turned and moments later Nicholas Ralevski found himself at the end of a corner to put the boys ahead. There was a nervy moment when Nepean had a golden chance to equalise however Mack produced another stunning save to preserve the lead.

Minutes from time, Kyle Cappocchiano iced the game after a neat combination play allowed him time and space to finish the game at 3-1. The win moved the boys to fourth and everything to play for in the second half of the season.

Player of the week – Luke Mack showed the right attitude and right frame of mind at training to set himself up for game day leading with good communication and made a number of telling saves to keep his team in the game.

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GIRLS CONFERENCE LEAGUE | Under 14 Girls | Football South Coast 4-2 Camden Tigers
Camden started the game well and took the lead after just 5 minutes through a lofted free kick that evaded our goalkeeper.

Just five minutes later, Football South Coast were level. Caley Tallon-Henniker broke down the right before putting in a dangerous cross which was fumbled by the Tigers keeper. Demi Gay was on hand to finish from close range to tie the scores.

It wasn’t long before FSC took the lead. Hayley Cowie unleashed a dipping shot that had the keeper well beaten. Moments later though, Camden pinched possession deep into our own half and capitalised to score and level the game 2-2 heading into the break.

With top spot on the line, the girls came out in the second half with great desire and they quickly found their groove. It was a long-range goal though from Chloe Aivaliotis from all of 35 yards that clipped the underside of the cross bar on its way in to give FSC the lead.

Camden weren’t without chances as the game ebbed and flowed however the game was sealed when Gay was on hand to grab her second off a corner kick to put the game to bed.

Player of the week – Chloe Aivaliotis adapted well to her new position this week and she received feedback well. Her intensity and defensive positioning helped FSC shut down the Tigers attack and she also contributed with a goal of her own.

GIRLS CONFERENCE LEAGUE | Under 15 Girls | Football South Coast 4-0 Camden Tigers
The girls were looking to maintain their perfect start to the season and started the game with great intent.

This paved the way to a blowout first half where Football South Coast scored four unanswered goals to take full control of the game. They were playing some great football with quick forward movement and regularly troubling the visitors on the break.

Whilst the girls were determined to go on with the job in the second half, credit must be given to the Tiger’s defence who proved stubborn and desperate avoiding any further goals conceded.

A shout out to Sienna Humphrey and Sarah Ellis who both had a half each in goal and did exceptionally well covering for the absence of our goalkeeper.

Player of the week – Amelia Mastroianni showed relentless effort and intensity within her game on the weekend. She always plays and trains with a great attitude.

GIRLS CONFERENCE LEAGUE | Under 17 Girls | Football South Coast 1-0 Camden Tigers
It was Football South Coast that came out on top in what was a cagey affair. The girls controlled the flow for the majority of the first half despite Camden having had the best chance of the half just before the break. A super goal line clearance from Sariah Wilson denied the Tigers a certain goal.

The game sprung to life in the second half with our girls again in the ascendancy. The girls were rewarded when Alannah Merchant made a surging run from midfield and delivered a ball across the face of the goal and directly into the path of Niki Butkovic who made no mistake from close range to put the girls one up.

The goal only fuelled the Tigers as they peppered our goal and despite a wave of Camden raids, the girls showed great grit to repel their attack and claim a commendable 1-0 win. It may prove to be a very important three points as the girls remain within touching distance of leaders Dunbar.

Player of the week – Alannah Merchant performed extremely well throughout the week leading by example and her effort on match day was second to none.

18 May 2019