Missed chances come back to haunt Suns

Damen Francis

June 24 2014

Shepparton News

Goulburn Valley Suns were left to rue a pair of early missed opportunities in their National Premier Leagues Victoria clash with Oakleigh Cannons on Saturday night.

Ben Clarke and Zack Paraskevas missed one-on-one chances in the opening 10 minutes of the clash and the Suns were put to the sword 4-1 at Jack Edwards Reserve.

Suns striker Craig Carley said the final scoreline flattered the home side, but conceded wasting the early sights on goal was costly.

‘‘If you take those two chances it’s a completely different game,’’ Carley said.

‘‘Then they go up the other end and score and really take the wind out of our sails.

‘‘They had plenty of the ball and they’re a good side. I believe they’re the best side we’ve played this year, but it’s always disappointing to concede four goals in any game, no matter who you’re playing.

‘‘It’s surprising how well they played on their pitch because their surface wasn’t the best, but they’re obviously used to that and the way they moved the ball was a real credit to themselves.’’

Round one match-winner Dean Piemonte opened the scoring in the 18th minute and added a second on the stroke of half-time, after Dusan Bosnjak doubled the advantage on the 24-minute mark.

With his side comprehensively outplayed for the final 20 minutes of the first half, Suns coach Peter Zois replaced Paraskevas with Daniel Chaabani at the break. The change had a positive effect, but once again the Cannons were clinical in their response, with Goran Zoric scoring a fourth in the 54th minute.

Brian Vanega was rewarded for his industrious performance with a debut goal from the edge of the penalty area, but it was little more than a consolation.

‘‘Brian slotted straight in at centre midfield and he worked tirelessly in there and really stamped his authority on the game and looks like he’s going to be a good addition to the squad,’’ Carley said.

Zois also gave 18-year-old former Canberra FC defender Antonio Barbaro a debut off the bench.

Barbaro signed last week and played the final 20 minutes at right back.

American signing Zack Foxhoven arrived in time to watch the game, but was not included in the match-day squad.

The Suns remain bottom of the NPL table, eight points from relegation safety.

The Cannons won the under-20 match 4-0.

The Suns took on powerhouse South Melbourne in the junior matches at Albert Park.

The visitors put up a good fight, but lost five of six matches, with the under-13 team claiming a tremendous 5-1 win.

Fraser Gosstray (two), Alec Mills, Nick Elder and Tom Raditsas hit the scoresheet for the Suns, who moved to fifth on the ladder.