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.

Match Report – 14.1 – Game Date: 22/07/2017

BMFC 14.1: 1
vs
Hazelbrook FC: 0

BMFC Goal Scorers: James

Player of the Match: James

Match Report: On the coldest morning of the year we headed up to Lawson….fortunately by our 11am kick off it had warmed up

There were no linesmen for the game but as the game unfolded it became apparent there were in fact two referees….

Hazo are always tough opponents and today was to prove no different. For a large part of the opening twenty minutes we found ourselves defending, which we did exceptionally well, usual back three of Aidy, Millsy & Sam joined by Ash at left back for the first behalf. Behind them Eli caught and cleared well, not really having a save to make

We did create one clear cut chance on the break with Damo putting Ethan in behind one on one with the keeper but his suit was well saved

Five minutes into the second half a quick throw in by Jake put  Jimmy the Jet through on goal and from a tight angle the power of his shot was too much for the keeper to handle at his near post

The second half was very different to the first, seeing us have the majority of possession and creating chances – Hazo were dangerous on the break and we went through a few hairy moments! We defended numerous corners today and handled them well, getting a head or some other contact to clear the danger

Another superb team performance. Parents player of the match to James – great energy all game, topped off with the winning goal

Photo – Ethan breaks away from his marker

Match Report – 14.1 – Game Date: 20/07/2017

BMFC 14.1: 1
vs
St Clair United FC: 0

BMFC Goal Scorers: Max

Player of the Match: Max

Match Report: The boys were very excited to play in their first ever night game. We couldn’t have had a colder night for it but the adrenaline was pumping so they didn’t seem to notice

We borrowed Alex for the 3rd and last time. We came out of the gates well and dominated the first fifteen minutes with Ash getting some great crosses in. Our midfield was excellent with Keastie, Damo and Dom really controlling the play. St Clair started to come into it as the half went on but our defence was once again solid

Second half saw Jake move to left back and Alex C into centre forward. Alex offered a different threat to Ethan and combined well with Damo, James and Max to create opportunities. Max started to run at the defence from midfield and one run Max let rip from just outside the box and the ball sailed into the net. Great to see Max running with the ball and the confidence to have a go

Alex hit the bar not long after. James came to the fore in the second half and combining with Ethan, after he came back on, to put pressure on the last man and force and mistake – James’ shot was well saved

With the clock ticking down, St Clair put a good cross in which Sam got a leg to but diverted it goal bound – Eli dived full length to his right to push the ball round the post, a super save

Full time whistle went and we’d come away with another close fought win

Thanks again to Alex for helping us out. Parents player of the match to Max who really took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half and ultimately won the game with his great strike

Match Report – O35.1 – Game Date: 16/07/2017

BMFC O35.1: 3
vs
Hazelbrook FC: 1

BMFC Goal Scorers: Ibra 2, Thor

Player of the Match: Brad

Match Report: It was second last game of the regular season and an indication of how much interest there is left in the competition Hazo reigning premiers (they mentioned that a couple of times) started with ten. There was some late minute reshuffles as Kev was late due to gas issues. Zapps the second best keeper in the league went between the sticks. We started strongly and scored after 5 minutes with a great strike by Ibra. Our confidence was up and that spread rthroughout the team, unfortunately we got caught at the back with a loose pass and in the panic we upended the Hazo player to give away a penalty. Zapps guessed the right way but could not get enough of a hand to the ball to keep it out. One all and we had some nervous moments shortly after. The flow of the game was distracted as Thor and his markers engaged in some quality trash talking which required referee and linesman intervention, it culminated in a man hug and a high five by Thor that nearly did not get slapped. After all that shenanigans Thor followed the gaffers instructions and stuck one in the back of the net to silence his opponent.
Hazo lost another player at half time so they were down to 9 for the remainder of the match which created a lot of space and sometimes too much time. Kev back in goals was tested early by a stinging shot that he managed to tip over. Otherwise we toiled away creating good chances and finally were rewarded when Lowndsy showed some urgency taking a quick throw to Ibra who tucked it past the keeper for his second.

Match Report – 14.1 – Game Date: 15/07/2017

BMFC 14.1: 1
vs
Colo Soccer FC: 0

BMFC Goal Scorers: Aidy (pen)

Player of the Match: Millsy

Match Report: Our last home game of the regular season and we knew Colo would provide a tough challenge

Alex Lennie was borrowed for a second time to give us more strength down the left hand side

The boys competed well from the kick off. Jake, Keastie and Max worked well together in centre midfield. At the back Sam, Aidy, Millsy & Ash limited Colo to a few long range efforts that Eli in goal caught comfortably. Up front Ethan was a handful for another big strong centre half. One tussle mid way through the half saw Ethan go down and a penalty awarded. Captain Calm Aidy stepped up and fired the ball into the net

A quick throw in by Jake put Alex Crambrook in behind the defence. Alex hit the ball sweetly, maybe too well, as it beat the keeper and the bar

Damo and Dom came in into midfield ensured we continued to keep on top

Half time ask was simply to keep the effort and good passing up

In the second half Keastie won plenty of ball and played Ash away down the left in a number of occasions – Ash delivered a number of good crosses that we just couldn’t quite get on the end of. Alex Crambrook and Ash were both put in behind the defence in goal but were unable to convert

Our defence was rock solid again today – Millsy just getting the Parents Player of the Week vote

Match Report – 15.2 – Game Date: 15/07/2017

BMFC 15.2: 5
vs
St Clair United FC: 0

BMFC Goal Scorers: Luke Springett, Gus Langworthy, Lachlan Jones, Will Cooke and Luke Doughty.

Player of the Match: Luke Doughty

Match Report: We travelled to St Clair for the final game of the season proper with fourth or possibly even third place up for grabs. The boys were determined to improve on the recent rain-delayed match that ended as a 2-all draw against St Clair at Knapsack.

We settled very quickly into a very good team game, knocking the ball around with skill and precision. It was a patient and dominant first half display.

Although stand in keeper Lachlan Jones saw little action he was composed when called upon and made good distance with his punt kicks. Luke Doughty was outstanding in both defence and attack down the left hand side and often combined really well with Aidan to press forward in attack. Chris was outstanding in the centre, dominating the midfield for us in the first half, before switching to keeper in the second.

Jacob Hunter forced the attack to the wings on manner occasions through excellent positional play and Will Cooke and Will Foreman ensured there was no way that St Clair were going to get near our goal.

Even though no clear opportunities to shoot for goal were created in the first half the pressure was clearly building and our possession football was forcing St Clair do all the hard work. Despite a nil-all half time score the boys returned to the field full of confidence and resolve.

The team was rewarded in the second half with 5 fine goals to give us our biggest win of the season. Luke Springett put excellent pressure on the keeper to start the scoring on the back of a good shot from Gus who shortly afterwards then slotted a fine shot of his own. On the end of a superbly placed pass by Will Cooke, Lachlan Jones was next to score through a fabulous shot into the top left corner of the net. Will Cooke was then given a run up front and proceeded to miss a shot from point blank range! Shortly afterwards though, he more than redeemed himself with a fine strike to score a terrific goal. It was now Luke Doughty’s turn to be rewarded with a run up front and it was no time before he slotted a good shot just inside the post.

Luke Springett’s contribution built up in the second half especially, distributing the ball in fine fashion on many occasions. He used his skill on the ball to put his team mates in good positions. Will Foreman and Lachlan Bowe both won a lot of good ball in midfield and as always Gus and Aidan consistently threatened the opposition with their skill on the ball.

Five goals from five different players was indicative of a superb team effort. Will Foreman, Luke Doughty and Lachlan Jones all refereeing a game immediately before ours and our playing with only ten players both added further merit to a fine win. This excellent result gives us good momentum as we head into the end of season round robin series of matches.

Sincere thanks to the many different family members who have cheered the boys on at each game so far. India, you’re welcome to come and watch any week! Greg, sorry you missed this game as you deserved to see them enjoy a good win!

A final but important word of thanks to our manager Steve Cooke who has done a sterling job of keeping track of everyone through this tricky school holidays period. With players now starting to return we’ll be close to full strength in the coming weeks. Bring on the finals series!