Despite a gallant effort, an undermanned East Gippsland United Football Club senior team succumbed to Falcons 2000 last Sunday at Crinigan Road in Morwell during round 12 of the La-trobe Valley Soccer League.
Second placed on the ladder, the Falcons are a quality side, and with half of the Eagles’ squad out with injury or illness, the challenge was always going to be tough one.
The Eagles took to the pitch determined to make a match of it regardless, and make a game of it they did.
The intensity was there from the start as the battle for possession began, play became bogged down in the middle of the pitch as the teams struggled for control.
Both teams had their chance as they broke away towards their nets, with each respective keeper needing to stay on their toes.
Brandon Ginty came close to scoring but the tips of the keeper’s fingers sent the ball to the side.
At 28 minutes, it was the Eagles who finally broke through for the first goal, centreback Pat Whelan taking advantage of a turnover in the Falcons’ half before manoeuvring the ball all the way down the ground to pass to Jaydon Steele at the top of the box.
The keeper came out to cut Steele off, but he went around him and put the ball into the back of the net.
The Falcons did their best to break through the Eagles’ defence and had the keeper Lui Albornoz at full stretch to make a great save as the teams went to the break.
The Falcons started the second half scoring from a corner kick just a minute in, and the Eagles had to work hard to shut down any chance of the Falcons gaining any momentum.
The second half followed the pattern of the first, with the struggle for possession being fought out in the midfield where Ginty and Ben Gillard persisted in breaking past the opposition to send the ball forward.
Unfortunately at 65 minutes, a free kick in the box saw the Falcons score their second goal and take the lead.
From there, the Falcons begun to wrestle control but the Eagles did well to fight back. Working hard to bring the ball forward, the Eagles persistently continued to attack.
But despite their attempts, the Eagles were unable to convert and in a hard-fought contest the Falcons were able to take the win 2-1.
RESERVES TRIUMPH
The Eagles reserves also had a tough match and despite their best efforts, also went down to the Falcons.
The Falcons scored quickly with two goals in the first 10 minutes, while early chances for the Eagles were saved by the Falcons keeper.
The synthetic pitch made for a slower game as the Eagles did their best to force the ball forward.
Midfielders James Alder, Hayden Schaeche and Mason Radley (playing his first senior level game) all played well, consistently directing the play with controlled passes and surges forward.
But the Falcons’ defence held firm, continuing to force the turnover.
Adam Cheesley had a run up the middle of the pitch to send the ball forward to Alex Davidson, but Davidson was cut off by the Falcons keeper.
The Eagles defence did their best to block the ball reaching their keeper but the Falcons were able to slip another two goals in before the break.
Unfortunately the second half started with an own-goal from the Eagles.
But rather than let this bring them down, the Eagles lifted their game and persisted valiantly against the Falcons onslaught.
At 66 minutes, a free kick was awarded to the Eagles for a foul against Harry Padula.
Davidson took the kick and sent the ball over the player wall, where it floated over the keeper’s head (who had jumped a little early) to score for the Eagles.
The Eagles’ defence was effective in shutting down the Falcons’ attack, keeping them scoreless for the rest of the game.
They also made a number of strong attempts at goals but were unable to convert.
Despite their best efforts, time ran out for the Eagles and victory went to the Falcons 5–1.
HUGE WIN
The Eagles under 15s played Traralgon City Red at West Bairnsdale and took control of the game from start to finish with their first goal scored inside the first two minutes.
Traralgon tried its hardest to fight the Eagles attackers off, but the Eagles were too strong with Jesse Williams kicking three goals in the first seven minutes.
Following up Williams’ three in a row was Cooper Claridge, Rafael Rodriguez, Mason Radley and Spencer Bastian also scoring goal all in the first half giving the Eagles a convincing start of 15-0 in the first half.
Going into the second half, the Eagles once again took control kicking their next goal at the 38th minute.
Although play was limited at their end, the defenders played an elite game with their defensive skills shining.
At the 45th minute the coach switched the defence into attack to mix up the play.
Unfortunately, Eve Hamer didn’t get her chance to score when colliding with the Traralgon defenders she was knocked down with a concussion, putting her out of the game, much to her dismay.
Another strong half produced six goals with Claridge, Williams, Max Bailey, Harrison Bramhall and Caleb Till the goal scorers.
Overall, it was an amazing team effort with every player sharing the play and encouraging everyone to have a go, the Eagles taking the win 21–0.
The under 13s had a bye.
THIS WEEK
The men’s senior team was on the road again, this time tackling Traralgon Olympians, while the under 15s are at home to Traralgon City White. The under 13s will enjoy another weekend’s rest after their opponents forfeited.
IMAGE: Ben Gillard was among the better players for the Eagles’ senior side last Sunday against the Falcons 2000. Gillard combined on several occasions with the creative Ben Ginty to force the ball forward from the midfield creating scoring opportunities. (PS)
