Balgownie Rangers battled it out against Thirroul Thunder at Judy Masters Oval for the last round of the Peoplecare District League on Saturday afternoon. The game had lots of close attacking plays and shots however neither side could find the net in a scoreless match, 0 – 0.

Looking to maintain fifth position, Thirroul knew that if they avoided defeat, they would qualify for the finals otherwise, it would be a nervous wait to hear other results from the game involving Picton and University. With nothing to lose Balgownie made sure it was a tough home match especially on their old boys day.

With an even first few minutes of the game, the first decent strike came from Thirroul’s captain Joel Mucci. A left footed curler from the corner of the 18-yard box just passed the top left corner of Hugh Bahnert’s goal.

Balgownie were dominant in the first 15 minutes holding possession in Thirroul’s half and sending attacking plays down the wings. Not long after, Mucci managed to receive the ball through an opening just left of the goal 1 on 1 with Bahnert, but he sent the ball over the crossbar for a goal kick. Thirroul continued to press in attack. Joshua Hutton sent in a remarkable cross falling just inches between Bahnert and Ryan Latini, however Bahnert managed to parry it away safely for a corner.

Balgownie’s Abdulla Chhipa continued to make full field runs, outpacing and out skilling Thirroul’s defence, but not enough to get a shot on goal as he looked lively.

The midfield was the hotspot of the match, possession was constantly turned and held up from each side. Thirroul managed to have a shot on target in the 34^th minute when Todd Davidson drilled a powerful grounded strike towards Bahnert, who pulled off a terrific diving save in the last second to keep Balgownie in the game. Balgownie held possession in the closing minutes of the first half, placing stress on Thirroul’s defence, but not enough to score before the break.

In the opening of the second half, Angus Nicol dribbled through Balgownie’s defence into the 6- yard box, with a touch just too heavy the ball was collected by Bahnert before he could place a foot to it.

Thirroul looked to go in search of a goal to ease some of the stress as they applied immense pressure on Balgownie. They limited the Rangers time to think and move, however they were calm and collected on the ball working well together, outsmarting the pressure, playing their own game of football.

When subbed on in the second half, Joshua Bond changed the tempo of the game for Thirroul, instantly forcing Bahnert into a full stretch save off a longshot in the 63^rd minute, off a breakaway run. In the 70^th minute, Bond sent Latini through for a 1 on 1 clash for Bahnert to intercept the run at the top of the 18-yard box, clearing the ball for Balgownie attacker Zachery Craw, pulling off a counterattacking shot just falling wide of the far post.

Balgownie’s Lachlan Veney was strong in defence shutting down Bond’s runs holding and trapping Thirroul offside and Mathew McCoy continued to whip in great crosses, unfortunately the Rangers attackers were not able to find the back of the net.

The last chance of the game was in the 86^th minute when Bond received a through ball off Nathan Mucci, pulling off a great touch he was able to blitz the Rangers defenders and keeper, left with a tight angle shot, he sent the ball dribbling just inches wide of the far post.

In the end, a scoreless draw although had some of the chances been taken, we could well have seen high scoring game. Thirroul progress through to the finals where they will head into the Elimination Final next week up against Unanderra for what should be a very exciting clash.

Saturday 24^th August @Judy Masters Oval, Balgownie

Team Line-ups:

Balgownie Rangers FC: Hugh BAHNERT, Mathew McCOY, Ben KEARTON, Lachlan VENEY, Luck McDONALD, Jim JOUSEF, Alex MORLANDO, Luis GONZALES, Zachery CRAW, Abdulla CHHIPA, Jackson DUMMETT – Subs – Sabastian DALLAS, Lucas BRUCE, Mathew BUBB, Deniz TAN

Thirroul Thunder FC: Liam HARRIS, Joel MUCCI, Joshua HUTTON, James HUTTON, Alan MADDOCK, Angus NICOL, Ryan LATINI, Todd DAVIDSON, Robert GYNGELL, Nathan MUCCI, Daniel ARTHUR – Subs- Joshua BOND, James TOWNSON, Lachlan DUNN, Marcus RUSBOURNE, Tyler ADAMS

Referee – Brendon Fotheringham

Assistant Referees – Demi Goddard and Jackson Cocks

Report by Tim Dixon, on Twitter @tim_dixon_