Match Report – 15.2 – Game Date: 12/08/2017

BMFC 15.2: 0
vs
Glenmore Park FC: 0

BMFC Goal Scorers: NIL

Player of the Match: Will Cooke

Match Report: My apologies for such a late final match report!

The 15/2’s headed to Mulgoa Rise to play Glenmore Park in a must win match. A win would see us through to the Final. Because of goals for and against a draw or a loss would see our season end.

After being well beaten (5-1) by the competition front runners, GPFC, in Round 1 and a hard fought 2 all draw in Round 2 we looked forward to a close contest and entered into this game quietly confident.

The game quickly settled into a tight tussle with both sides having good periods and play and both defensive units giving very little space for the forwards to attack. Glenmore Park across the park was stronger, taller and faster and it is fair to say had more goal scoring opportunities than we did. Robbie was once again outstanding in goals, making several excellent saves.

As has been the case over the last few games it was an excellent team passing effort with many sets of passes put together and very good play bringing the ball out of our own half. Glenmore Park may have had more shots on goal but I think it is fair to say that we played more quality passing football and it almost paid off! Despite the nil-all final score line I consider that it was our best game of the season. Indeed, a moral victory! Perhaps we could have taken a more attacking approach? At the same time we didn’t deserve to loose!

I could honestly have picked any one of the boys as Man of the Match but Will Cooke just gets the nod on the back of many fine efforts in the last line of defence. He has gained in confidence and presence in defence as the year as progressed and played another fine game!

It was a fine effort from each and every player across the park.

What a pleasure it has been to enjoy this season with a fine bunch of boys who always gave 100% at both training and on match days. Their skilful team passing game and outstanding sportsmanship often earned the respect of opposition coaches. They provided us all with lots of great football to watch.

My compliments to Gus who has done a terrific job as the Captain this year. He has led with composure and determination, and always by example.

A massive THANK YOU to Steve Cooke for your no-nonsense and always positive work as Manager which allowed myself and the boys to focus on having fun and working hard for each other! A huge THANK YOU to Greg Bowe who is the ‘brains’ behind my ‘good looks’ and has made a big contribution to our training sessions and the boys’ achievements this year.

Many thanks to all the parents and families for your positive approach, encouragement of the boys and the trust you have given me throughout the year. Your support and co-operation has made my job a real pleasure.

Many thanks to the 16/1’s for joining together for some excellent team training runs throughout the season. This added to our positive training efforts and improvements shown across the season.

I am already looking forward to the 2018 season when I truly hope all the boys return stronger than ever!

On behalf of the team our sincere thanks to Dave, Sandy and all the BMFC committee for the tremendous work they do to make it possible for these boys to enjoy their football in a positive environment where excellence is encouraged, sportsmanship is expected and fun is the focus!

Our congratulations and best wishes to the 15/1’s and all the BMFC teams who are playing in the Finals!

And a final word of thanks to the ‘three people’ who read my match reports!!

Match Report – 14.1 – Game Date: 19/08/2017

BMFC 14.1
vs
Blue Mountains FC 14G.1 

Match Report: The week off between semis and the Grand Final provided an opportunity for the 14.1 boys and 14.1 girls to play each other. With some injuries and illnesses leaving both teams short, a few of the 14.2 boys backed up and helped out after their own game against the 14.3’s

The game was great to watch as both teams competed well and played some good football despite the blustery conditions and the state of the pitch

An impromptu penalty shoot out at the end of the game added more excitement and good practice at controlling the nerves which, if needed, will hopefully help both teams next weekend

Thank you to both teams for playing an entertaining game and played in such good spirits. Good luck to both teams next weekend

Match Report – O35.1 – Game Date: 13/08/2017

BMFC O35.1: 3
vs
Werrington FC: 0

BMFC Goal Scorers: JB, Ibra, Lowndsey

Player of the Match: Shared lolly bag Joey & Lowndsey

Match Report: Early morning semi – an away trip, needing a win by two or more to secure a place in the Grand Final. Our opposition had nothing to play for and their Coach came and had a chat with us all before the game to let us know that – a little odd and we put it down to tactics to put us off

A strong start saw us get the required two goals up within the first fifteen minutes. Joey ‘I only do 9am games in the semi’s’ Crye burst out of centre mid to receive the ball on the right and from the byline put a cross in that JB volleyed home. JB was fitting the game in by playing in his lunch break before dashing back to work after the game

A few minutes later Dave put Lowndsey away down the left, beating the offside trap. Ibra was unmarked and unselfishly Lowndsey squared the ball to Ibra to pass into an empty net – which I can personally say is not easy to do at Werrington especially into the end in which Ibra scored

We created loads more chances in the first half and should have been out of sight but could not add to our lead (adds weight to my point in the last paragraph)

Second half and more spurned chances as well as Werrington starting to create a little bit themselves led to a period of nerves. These nerves were settled when Paul whipped in a cross that Lowndsey rose like a salmon to head home. The rest of the game was played out without incident

Match Report – 14.1 – Game Date: 12/08/2017

BMFC 14.1: 2
vs
Penrith RSL FC: 0

BMFC Goal Scorers: Ethan, Ashton

Player of the Match: Max

Match Report: A straight knock out semi against a team who had beaten us well early in the season. Keastie unavailable so Alex L was kind enough to help us out again after his own game

We had been lucky enough to have a penalty taking clinic from club legend Glyn ‘Iceman’ Jones during the week. The boys learnt some things about taking a penalty and had some fun too. We hoped today’s game didn’t come down to a shoot all the same

A typically tight first half with no goals. The second half saw us take the game to RSL a bit more and we were rewarded – firstly with Ethan picking up a loose ball in the box and putting it away past an oncoming keeper (see photo, James congratulating Ethan). Later Ash had the ball at his feet just outside the box and with a bit of space had time to fire his shot away, which went in off the underside of the bar. We had a few more chances during the half and defended well when RSL attacked us

Parents player of the match went to Max for always cleaning up in the centre midfield scrap

Looking forward to the Grand Final and another tough game with Rovers

Congratulations to all the Blueys teams that have made the Grand Final this year

Match Report – O35.1 – Game Date: 06/08/2017

BMFC O35.1: 2
vs
Penrith FC: 2

BMFC Goal Scorers: Joey, Suarez

Player of the Match: JB

Match Report:

First finals game for us against a Penrith FC team that came in knowing a win for them would seal a GF spot after a win the week before

The Gaffer kitted up, which meant there were a number of injuries being carried into the game – ‘bring on only in case of emergency’

PFC came out of the blocks hard and fast and had us on the back foot – they were up for the game in much the same way we had been a couple of weeks ago against Springwood

We then saw something that we have seen a number of times over the years – Dave giving away a penalty. We have decided that from now on every we time we see anyone giving a penalty away it will be referred to as ‘doing a Heyman’ such is his notoriety for the misdemeanour. Double Fist left plenty of room to his left, so the penalty taker put the ball there, and scored

About 10 minutes later we equalised with Thor thundering in a great cross for Joey to bounce, sorry, pounce on the end of and stroke home, in off the post – and Joey hopping off the nudie run

Double Fist was clattered in a mid air challenge and came away with his left arm hanging limply by his side. Moments later another ball into our box and Double Fist demonstrated his ability to use the single fist when circumstances dictate

Very late in the first half a back pass was played to the PFC keeper – the ball went straight past him and toward the goal – the keeper scrambled, dived, got there but was unable to hold onto the ball and quick as Jack Flash, Suarez darted in to poke home. From the kick off the half time whistle went

In the second half another long high ball for Single (nee Double) Fist to deal with, the centre forward challenged and the loose ball fell again to him to put away for the equaliser

JB was having a blinder and at one point got in the box and twisted and turned like a corkscrew – a defender decided to have a lie down in front of him – with nowhere to go JB was felled but unbelievably no penalty was awarded

I am sure we all agree that every team needs a theatrical South American centre forward that goes down quicker than your first beer after 90 minutes of football. We have ours (sorry Suarez ?) and PFC have theirs too. At one point, completely untouched, down he went as if hit by Thor’s hammer – a delayed reaction throwing himself to the ground without an opposing player in sight

A few minutes later, the same player niggled at Brad’s heels as he dribbled away – Brad reacted by hoofing him in the air. Straight red. And a second yellow for the diving diva. Ten men apiece for the last 20 minutes

We got on top and laid siege to the PFC goal but could not find a winner. PFC threatened too from a few free kicks we gave away in our own half

So into the second and final finals game we go, needing a win, by two goals or more to make the GF

Match Report – 14.1 – Game Date: 05/08/2017

BMFC 14.1: 1
vs
Penrith Rovers FC: 1

BMFC Goal Scorers: Ethan

Player of the Match: James

Match Report: First v second in the last game of the regular season. A win or a draw to win the league, conversely a loss would mean runners up on goal difference – the last option would be so cruel

The week’s preparation was not ideal with both training sessions cancelled due to Oval closure. A couple of players went down with man flu, so Caleb was asked to help the team out for the 3rd and final time this season. Eli came good Saturday morning so was able to take his usual spot between the sticks

We had a good chat before the game which helped calm the nerves and make sure everyone was clear on a pretty simple game plan

The first half was a tight affair, with a blustery wind across the pitch having an effect on the game. Our defence was solid as always, Damo then Caleb slotting into left back. Midfield concentrated on marking as this is where Rovers strength is – Ash, Jake, Max and Dom all superb. Up front Ethan was making a nuisance of himself & James down the right was having a blinder – dropping back into midfield to help out and then beating players and creating havoc, linking up with Ethan

Half time team talk was calm as we felt we were largely controlling the game

The second half was action packed to say the least! Ten minutes in, Damo played a well weighted pass in behind for Ethan to run onto and calmly slot past the keeper into the corner. Two minutes later and a ball into our box saw a dubious penalty given as no contact appeared to be made. Eli made a fine save diving low to his left but the penalty taker was the first to react and knock the rebound in

The agricultural tackles started to fly in from Rovers and coupled with some blue language saw three yellow cards produced. Ethan got in behind again and was brought down in the box – the offender lucky to stay on the pitch as he already had a yellow and was the last defender. Aidy hit the penalty well but too close to the keeper and the rebound was scrambled to safety

The last ten was tense – a couple of long range efforts were tipped onto the bar by Eli and cleared by the defence. The final whistle came and the large Blueys supporters cheered – Champions!

Parents player of the week to James – was an absolute handful in the first half, working back and getting forward

Wonderful season – a great set of boys that have gelled beautifully into a really good football team and improved every week

Match Report – 15.2 – Game Date: 29/07/2017

BMFC 15.2: 2
vs
Lowland Wanderers: 1

BMFC Goal Scorers: Gus Langworthy and Aidan Monaco

Player of the Match: Aidan Monaco

Match Report: Having finished fourth after the season proper, for the first match of the Championship Round it was a home game against sixth place Lowland Wanderers who have proved to be a bit of a bogie team for us. It is always a tight contest against the boys from the Hawkesbury.

The game quickly settled into a tense battle. The dust flew (literally!) as both teams moved the ball from end to end and side to side! Our defence held strong and Robbie made excellent choices in coming off his line to counter their ‘long ball’ play. Some very good passages of team passing gave us some good go forward without creating any quality goal scoring opportunities. Jacob and Luke D worked hard at the back and Gus and Heath challenged the Lowlands defence on a number of occasions.

With a nil-all score line at half time the coach was devoid of any ideas or earth shattering advice, other than to ‘keep playing our team passing game’ and try to control more of the midfield. However the boys’ talk was positive and Captain Gus urged the boys to remain determined.

The second half also settled into an arm wrestle. We had slightly the better of the play and momentum was starting to build for us.

Strict but fair refereeing was the order of the day and Lowlands were awarded a free kick in a handy position but still some distance out. From the set piece they scored a superb goal despite a valiant attempt by Robbie to make another exceptional save.

After a short period of ‘heads down’ the boys took their play to another level and dominated with fine passing and ball control. Heath, Zach S and Lachlan Bowe controlled the midfield while Aidan, Gus and Lachlan Jones pressed forward. For the last 25 minutes we certainly had the better of the possession.

Lachlan Jones was rewarded for getting into the box to shoot when a penalty was given. Gus stepped up to the mark with confidence but struck the ball too well, sending it over the cross bar. Lowlands’ relief was short lived as the boys continued to pile on the pressure.

Much to everyone’s relief, after more than two hours of goal-less football, over two matches, against a strong Lowlands defence we were rewarded with two fine goals in the last 10 minutes to clinch a satisfying win.

The first was a superb free kick from Gus that didn’t look like missing from the time it left his boot. This fine goal is an indication of our captain’s great character and composure when under real pressure.

The second was a terrific goal started through an excellent goal kick interception from Lachlan Jones, followed by a skilful interchange with Lachlan Bowe who sent an expertly placed pass the Aidan. With still a lot of work to do, Aidan used his outstanding ball control to cut through the defence and place the ball past the keeper for a brilliant finish.

We saw out the last 3 minutes through good team play and possession football.

A fine come-from-behind victory that was based on team play, passing football and a strong resolve to believe in each other.

A relieved ‘Gary’ (or was it ‘Alan’ or ‘Steve’) declared that the result was, “Never in doubt!”

Congratulations to Lowlands on playing the game in the right spirit and challenging us every time we’ve played them. Special compliments go to their defence that gave us little room to move and repelled us on many occasions.

Aidan Monaco just pipped Will Cooke and Will Foreman for man of the match honours. Aidan’s match winning goal, terrific runs down the left, some fine ‘defence in attack’ and excellent headers earned him the nod! Will Cooke was brilliant at the back, often making excellent choices as the last line of defence. Will Foreman won lots of close challenges and made many incisive runs to bring the ball from the back to the midfield and beyond.

We have a week ‘off’ to fine-tune our game before taking on the season proper table-toppers Glenmore Park, at Mulgoa Rise. Heath is all the better for the run today after a break and with Chris, Luke Springett and hopefully Zach Kingsford all back for the next game we’ll have our full squad.

Some solid (read tough!!) training sessions over the next two weeks will ensure we are as prepared as we can be to take on the next challenge in an already successful and thoroughly enjoyable season!

Match Report – O35.1 – Game Date: 23/07/2017

BMFC O35.1: 0
vs
Springwood United FC Inc: 0

BMFC Goal Scorers:

Player of the Match: The Silhouette

Match Report: A civilised kick off time of 1 pm for the top of the table clash against the previously undefeated Springwood. The gaffer sensing a historic result added himself to the bench taking our tally to 16, this would prove fortuitous as the match progressed. We set up in a double decker bus formation Kev as the driver and a conductor with the plan to adjust once we had taken the sting out of the traditional softening up period. A couple of old man injuries last week and at training meant The Shadow was not available so Paulie was appointed to take up The Silhouette role. The first 20 minutes were intense with free kicks being conceded by both sides and Lowndsy conceding an early card while setting up a wall. Ibra suffered the first injury of the day going down with a calf injury a sure sign of being over 35. Lowndsy and Suarez combined shortly after which resulted in the Suarez striking the crossbar. Lowndsy was certainly getting involved and an innocuous 50/ 50 challenge saw him unfortunately earn the wrath of the referee who was trying to take control of the game and was sent off with his second yellow which left us with ten men at 30 minutes.
A reassessment at half time saw us start the second half with a double decker bus but no conductor as we looked to close Springwood down and catch them on the counter attack. The 10 remaining players battle hard without much ball Brad ,Joey and The Dentist working in hard in the midfield and Greenie working up and down the right side.
The extra running took its toll as Thor suffered the second old man injury a hammy forcing him off . The final straw was when Dave H went in for another full blooded tackle which looked like it might have hurt and then Potty Mouth put his hand up to be replaced due to another hammy. The Gaffer looked to the bench Lowndsy behind the fence, the youth of the team Ibra,Thor and Potty all injured he needed a strong centre half partnership to defend the last half hour. He needed a Steve Bould, Tony Adams or Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce combination, a look at the bench and he chose Sean the Sheep at 5 foot 6 to partner the 5 foot 6 and 1/2 inch Dave H at the centre of defence. Our day continued to deteriorate when The Gaffer joined Lowndsy behind the fence for questioning another questionable decision.
We nearly had the final say with 10 minutes to go when JB held the ball up against 7 defenders and the ball was pulled back to Ipswich who after tracking up and down for 60 minutes did not have the power in his shot.
A good team performance especially with a man down and a week off for the young guys to get over their old man injuries.