Helensburgh Thistle have kept their slim title hopes alive with a 3-1 win over the Oak Flats Flacons, at a windy Keith Bond Oval. Helensburgh recovered from a sluggish start to score two quick goals in the first half, before Oak Flats clawed a goal back before half time. Helensburgh sealed the win mid-way through the second half, after a brilliant finish from Kade Kinsella.

Helensburgh maintain second place on the ladder whilst extending their gap to the Falcons in third to 8 points. Oak Flats remain in third, equal on points with the Unanderra Hearts.

In their Round 5 encounter, the Thistle ran out 2-1 winners at Rex Jackson Oval.

Helensburgh started the slower of the two sides, and Oak Flats looked to capitalise. Jarryd Vinton unleashed a shot towards the Thistle’s goal in the 5th minute, and the shot was dealt with by Josh Wiliams.

The Thistle warmed into the game, despite the horrible conditions, and created a chance of their own in the 15th minute. A cross from the right wing found the head of Ryan Hope in the box, who headed the ball across goal and into the path of Ben Watts, but Ryan Franks was able to deal with the danger at hand and pushed the ball away for a corner.

Helensburgh took the lead from the following corner after a wonderful cross found the head of Addison Grinham, who rose above the pack and headed the ball into the Falcon’s net.

Momentum swung the way of Helensburgh, and the Thistle looked to push for a second goal.

Helensburgh’s second goal came in the 26th minute, after the Thistle were able to capitalise on a cheap turnover of possession from the Falcons’ defence and counter-attack. Brad and Ben Watts were able to combine and finish the attack with the ball in the back of the net.

Chances were far and few for the Falcons, so they needed to make the most of the little possession they had. In the 37th minute, David Kotrc was able to execute a wonderful cross from the left-wing into the path of oncoming attackers, however nobody was able to connect with the cross.

The Falcons found a goal on the stroke of half-time, after a free-kick from the left-edge of the box found Kyle Hazebroek, who neatly placed the ball into the back of the net.

Following half-time, both sides created dangerous chances in the opening minutes of the second period.

Oak Flats had a chance in the 46th minute, when Bojan Caric unleashed a volley on goal, but Williams brilliantly tipped the ball over the bar to deny the Falcons.

Brad Watts was able to attack for the Thistle in the 47th minute after advancing with the ball and beating several defenders, but his shot that followed missed the target and hit the side-netting of the goal.

Helensburgh found their third goal in the 52nd minute, after Watts slotted the ball into the path of Kade Kinsella, who cleverly chipped Franks from close range to give the Thistle a two-goal buffer.

Oak Flats seemed to gradually fatigue the longer the game went on, particularly in midfield, and this allowed Helensburgh to easily advance forward.

The Falcons nearly had their second goal in the 73rd minute, after Lee Gilroy was able to unleash a venomous volley on goal, but Williams put together yet another fantastic save to keep his side in the ascendancy.

Helensburgh were able to finish the job, and left Keith Bond Oval with 3 crucial points to keep them within touching distance of the Bellambi Rosellas.

Helensburgh will return to Rex Jackson Oval next Saturday for their final home game, when they play the Kiama Quarriers. Kick off is 3pm.

Oak Flats will travel to Unanderra next Saturday to face the Unanderra Hearts, in a clash which could go a long way in deciding third spot on the ladder. Kick off is 3pm

 

Saturday 10th August at Keith Bond Oval

Oak Flats Falcons: 1 (Hazebroek 45’)

Helensburgh Thistle: 3 (Grinham 15’, Watts 26’, Kinsella 52’)

 

Line-ups:

Oak Flats Falcons: Ryan FRANKS, David KOTRC, Jamie STEVENSON, Justin POTTER, Ross GRAHAM, Kyle HAZEBROEK, Jarryd VINTON, Lee GILROY, Hayato SADAMORI, Josh EAGLETON, Bojan CARIC

Subs: Chris JARMAN, Chad FERNANDEZ, John TILDEN, Rhys BLANCH

 

Helensburgh Thistle: Josh WILLIAMS, Ryan GRIMA, Jarrod BENHAM, Ryan HOPE, Hayato KAME, Shota KIHARA, Ben WATTS, Yu ITO, Addison GRINHAM, Kade KINSELLA, Brad WATTS

Subs: Aaron DARK, Reggae ROWLEY, Luke FALKINER, Matt WARDLE

 

File Photo

 

 

Report by Jarrod Pollard