Last Sunday saw East Gippsland United on the road to take on the Traralgon Olympians at their home ground for the second round of the Latrobe Valley Soccer League’s Battle of Britain Cup.
Following their convincing win last week, the Eagles were cautiously optimistic about their chances against the Olympians and took to the pitch with determination.
This optimism took a hit when the Olympians scored just two minutes into the match.
A free kick taken by Jaydon Steele shortly after went over the player wall and the nets.
Play became intense as the fight for possession began in earnest, with both teams having plenty of time on the ball.
With captain Tom Forster anchoring the team from the backline, the Eagles were able to consistently get the ball forward, but unfortunately often with no one there to receive it, allowing for a number of easy turnovers.
A scoring opportunity went begging when the Olympians’ keeper was caught too far out trying to cut off Steele’s approach, but no one was on the back post to push Steele’s pass into the nets and the ball went across the face of the goals.
The Olympians’ defence held firm against the Eagles’ attack and their keeper stopped any ball that made its way through.
However, the Eagles’ defence of Forster, Alex Padula, Noah Price and Lachlan Feather were just as effective in blocking the Olympians’ attack with keeper Lui Albornoz make some good saves.
Despite the efforts of both teams in what was a relatively even match, they went to the break with only one goal scored.
There was a frantic start to the second half with both teams having early chances to score.
At 50 minutes the Olympians were able to convert from a penalty to take the score to 2–0.
This proved to be a turning point in the game.
Instead of dropping their heads, the Eagles lifted and just a minute later Steele was able to convert a penalty for the Eagles’ first goal.
With the momentum slowly swinging to the Eagles, they worked hard to keep the ball forward and to continue their attack on the nets.
In what could be considered his best game of the season, Bury put in a great effort on the wing, helping create opportunities for the Eagles.
He set up a great chance for Steele, but pressure from the Olympians saw Steele’s shot go wide.
Another Bury shot went across the front of the net and Ben Gillard’s went to the keeper.
Play intensified with both teams desperate to score but neither able to break through the opposing defence.
Then at 80 minutes, Steele was able to take advantage of a small window of opportunity, taking the ball through the opposition and put the ball into the back of the nets, levelling the score at 2-2.
Shortly after, Kyal Hood was able to score off a pass from Steele but with Steele called offside, the goal wasn’t allowed.
The Olympians were unlucky not to score when Albornoz was caught well out of the nets, but the Eagles scrambled to block the ball until Albornoz was back on his line and the Olympians put the ball over the top of the nets.
With the ball back in play from the kick in, the game looked destined to go to extra time, but with the assist from Feather, Hood was able to drill the ball into the back of the net right before the whistle blew, with the match finishing in a thrilling come from behind 3-2 win for the Eagles.