Under 13/2s
After a gutsy comeback last week, the 13/2s were decimated by illness, the surgeon's knife and school holidays, with just 8 of our regulars available for our clash with Avalon. With two borrowed from the 13/4s we played the game with only 10 making the coaching role of substituting players very easy.
We held our structure well and had a number of near misses at our attacking end for the first 15mins or so. However, at the halfway mark of the first half Avalon penetrated and then put a couple quick goals on us as the boys tired from the additional work and we did not protect possession nor have the movement off the ball our playing system requires. The heads were down coming off at half time 4-0 behind.
I asked the team for two things in the second half: to trust the structure and to give it all for the 30mins in the second half leaving nothing in the tank at the end. We started the second half like we did the first, retaining possession and playing some quality football. There was a further goal to Avalon before we achieved the goal set at half time of scoring when Hugo was presented with an easy finish in the penalty area.
Ultimately playing 10 versus 11 plus subs for an hour doesn't work especially when 2 of them haven't played with the team before. 7-1 was a fair score, but not a fair reflection of the differences between the two teams. Thanks to Gemma and Luke for filling in - you're always welcome (well, 3 more times anyway). Nic had an awesome game in goals with our two regular keepers absent, making a number of great saves. Harry and Adam worked tirelessly at the back. Jordan and Ken too in the midfield while Tom had a great first game with the team at left back. Jamie was the Honest Chicken Player of the Match.
Under 9 Funnelwebs vs. Brookvale Won 11-0!!
U12/4 vs. CC Strikers
Won 5 - 2 What a great game and positive step forward from a close loss the week before. It was great to see the team defending well with lots of engagement from everyone all over the field. There were lots of goal opportunities and the team where lining up towards the end of the second half.
U7 BTH Foxes vs. Harbord Seasiders United
BTH Foxes won both games 8-2 & 6-2 The sun was shining as the Foxes played an amazing game of team work and fun on the field.
U12 Div 2
Round 2 took us up to Avalon, against a team who won 11-0 the week before. The holidays took a toll on the team, with three players away, so it was always going to be an exhausting game with only 10 players taking the field, in very hot Autumn day. However, the team were not fazed by the heat or the relentless subbing by the oppositions coach, celebrity chef Fast Ed, and should be proud of their efforts, losing 5-0.
The game was closer than the score showed, and they were competitive for the whole game. Our defence continues to be strong, with relentless tackling that turned over many balls, and some outstanding Goalie saves by Liam and Will. The boys worked the sidelines hard, with some fantastic passing down the right and left wings, pushing the ball up to our strikers, which almost resulted in a goal in the second half. We are a new team, so it’s pleasing to see the combinations already forming. All the boys ran hard for the whole game, but it was man of the match, Benny who ran the hardest, coming back in defence whenever needed. Well done team!
BTH 45-2s 1-0 Win
The new look 45-2s played their first match of the season at Terrey Hills and from the get-go had the measure of Forest. The first half was played in the Forest half with numerous attempts going wide, high or shanked into the bushes. Surely a goal would come? At the other end our new goalie, Rob Wandl, contemplated his navel as all the running was up at the other end. The second half arrived with much the same outcome.
It took a moment of individual brilliance as Iain MacLeod dinked, ducked and weaved before putting a shot under the goalie's outstretched hands. That seemed to spring Forest into life and the back end of the game was played with a BTH defensive effort keeping Forest out long enough to claim a scrappy, ugly win. Player of the match was Luke Turner at the back who controlled the defensive line well. Onwards and upwards...
U10a Bears Bears 4 - Manly Vale 0
After a frustrating start to the season, the U10 Bears finally got the season underway against Manly Vale. A nervous and anxious start before taking control of the game with excellent first touch control of the football, good teamwork and creative plays through the midfield. Lucas opened the score sheet with a thundering shot from outside the box. Manly Vale pressed hard for the equaliser but could not get through the defence’s of BTH Bears. A quick counter saw Thomas pop up in the right place and shoot the ball past the keeper on half time. BTH Bears 2 – Manly Vale 0
After the break, the Bears continued to dominate possession and create more chances. Confidence grew in the team and caused havoc to Manly Vale defence’s. Lucas was on hand to settle a goal mouth scramble, grabbing a second goal for the day. Elliot who threatened Manly Vale all game finally got onto the score sheet with 2 minutes to go, using a good first touch into space before finishing off from a tight angle. Final score BTH Bears 4 – Manly Vale 0
While the result may look convincing, it was great to see the development of the players after just 4 weeks training. Some excellent first touch skills, heads up play and natural creative instincts were displayed by all players on the day in a game that saw skills, calmness and quick thinking winning the day. Play of the day went to Sarah, who was outstanding at left back for the day, seeing off many a charging player and smiling all game. Keep up the training and homework this Easter holidays.
Go BTH Raiders Bears!
U8 Vipers who played well today and won 2-0
AL2 First & Reserve Grade
10 points from a possible 12 in the opening 2 rounds, and only 1 goal conceded on the weekend. On Saturday, we displayed resilience in defending and kept two clean sheets, which is exceptional given the quality of opposition.
We controlled possession for the majority of both games, and despite creating a number of chances in both games, were only able to convert one opportunity. The Reserves team took a well-deserved 1-0 lead in the first half through an outstanding strike from our resident left-back, Dani! For the remainder of the game, the players defended resolutely and held Beacon Hill at Bay during the final 45 minutes to take the win. The Firsts team match was another tightly contested game. A number of chances were created, yet we came up against an in-form Beacon Hill keeper who made several fine saves that ultimately clinched a point for the opposition. A second clean sheet in as many rounds is an effort we should be proud of. This week during training, we’ll focus on attacking play and shooting. #ROUND2 #BEABEL #UPTHERAIDERS #PLAYEDSTRONG #DONEGOOD #ITWASEPIC
RESERVES GAME: Man of the Match
3 points: Danisha Ediriwira 2 points: Daniel Guerinoni 1 point: Joseph Smallman Goal Scorer(s): Danisha Ediriwira (1)
FIRSTS GAME: Man of the Match
3 points: Javed Badyari 2 points: Isaak Badyari 1 point: Bradley Moody Goal Scorer(s): -
