BTH Raiders SC vs. Pittwater FC
5 - 3 win
With the big two awaiting us in the coming weeks, BTH knew that a win against lowly Pittwater was a must.Having watched the ressies play awesome in a 5-0 win, confidence was high and we wanted to start well and put the game to bed early….but oh no, that’s not how we do things in first grade.
BTH laboured out the blocks slower than Joe Rushton when it’s his turn to buy a drink and found themselves one nil down inside 5 minutes when a penalty was awarded for a rash tackle in the box, it was despatched well with Massey having no chance. It was the kick up the backside we needed, and although the game was scrappy we equalised through a great team goal, nice work through our midfield released Jason Lal down the right-hand side and he picked out George Harle at the back post to nod home his first headed goal since 1992.
Lal then took things into his own hands after a Harle free kick had been pushed over for a corner. He jogged over, placed the ball down and without even looking up curled the ball home in off the back post for a 2-1 lead. Its only taken 6 months but the Lal Harle combination was now in full flow, BTH added a third when Lal picked up the ball on half way, turned and played in Harle who raced through and finished despite being pole axed by the keeper. Harle then completed a first half hattrick when he won and scored a penalty on the stroke of half time.
Game over you might think…. Oh no, not our first grade. We quite literally let them walk through and make it 4-2 before the half time whistle, a little bit like when a team score unintentionally from a drop ball, and then you let them get one back because you feel it’s the right thing to do.
Half Time 4-2
Second half started scrappy, both teams knew the next goal was important and Pittwater were battling hard, so much so they were reduced to 10 men when one of their better players picked up his second yellow. Not to be out done buy his team mate, there left back then decided to haul Harle down when he was one on one and he was given a straight red card.
So just to recap, at this point we are 4-2 up and playing against 9 men. Easy end to the game? oh no, not our first grade Pittwater made it 4-3 with their centre forward raced through and smashed home pass Massey, he then had a glorious chance to make it 4-4 but missed the target from close range, fair play to the away side, they were giving it a good go.
Their hearts were broken though in the final few minutes, Hayden Waters picked up the ball wide left and pinged a lovely ball over the top for Harle to run through and make it 5-3. The BTH crowed erupted and the 3 points were sealed.
Some game, credit to the ressies for their win and amazing support on the sideline, Alambie up next for Lovric’s men who need to win to keep their promotion hopes alive.