U16s

Dunsborough 2 d MR United 1

MARGARET River United were very pleased to welcome back their regular coach Paul Harney after his extended holiday, and played a game worthy of his return.

A bitterly cold wind blowing across the ground had the spectators huddling into their jackets and the lads running like spooked cattle at the starting whistle.

After a couple of foul throws and subsequent suggestions by the coach that it was not Under 8s, however, the team settled down and great shots on goal were taken by both Trevor Armener and Ben Harney, though neither hit the back of the net.

Dunsborough put one away and Nic Versteegen retaliated with a lovely ball which just curled over the crossbar.

Dan Raymond, the Chooks Player of the Match, was playing a great game in the middle, and Mat Kevill was solid in defence as always.

The second opposition goal went through despite an excellent save attempt by goalie Declan Brennan, so we went into half time 2-0 down.

The coach asked the boys to slow down and take their time, and they followed his instructions in the second half.

Glenn Giles, Victor Coningham and Trevor pulled off some great teamwork up front, looking very dangerous in attack.

They were supported by Tom Wood, tackling hard in defence, Henry Rogers, who was all over the midfield, and Sam Connell, who repeatedly made quick runs up the wing before crossing into the box.

Dylan Johnson took the time to control the ball and find a player, and both Liam Keys and Sacha Rudd made important contributions by tackling with confidence.

Phil Williams was precise in defence, passing the ball forwards to Trevor, Sam and Victor.

Trevor took another great shot at goal, which was saved, then a corner was very nearly converted.

A stunning run and shot on goal, again by Trevor, went just over the bar, prompting all on the sideline to wonder if the soccer gods were ever going to smile on us.

Declan saved what had looked like a certain goal, and in the final minutes, the opposition goalie saved yet another United attack on his net, only to fumble it on the ground.

Ben Harney, cool as ever, took the opportunity to calmly tap the ball into the goals, giving us a score that more fairly represented this very even match.