Match Report 12.5 – 1 May, 2004

Match Report:
Blue Mountains were rewarded with a hard-fought victory over St Clair. The midfield gave good service to the forwards, enabling them to exert prolonged pressure which produced two goals in the first half. At the back, the defence and goalkeeper did very well to prevent the fast St Clair forwards scoring on the break.

The first half saw Blue Mountains attacking most of the time, with Corey, Steven, Mitchell H and Liam winning the ball in midfield and, with forwards Michael and Ben, putting the St Clair defence under long periods of pressure. In defence, Mitchell C, Nathaniel, Ferret and Aden were able to stifle most St Clair attacks. However, their fast forwards were very dangerous on the break and goalkeeper James had to make two brave runs out of goal to win the ball and prevent goals.

Following one of St Clair’s attacks, Corey won the ball in midfield and after an excellent solo run down the right side of the pitch was able to beat the St Clair goalkeeper with a well-placed shot. 10 minutes later, Ben won a corner on the left. After the ensuing goalmouth pressure the ball went to Corey whose shot was helped into the net by a deflection from a St Clair defender.

The second half continued the same pattern with Blue Mountains having most of the possession but St Clair dangerous on the break. Nathaniel moved into attack and he and substitute Brenton came close on several occasions but were unable to add to the lead. At the other end, goalkeeper James was again called upon to make two good saves to keep a clean sheet.

Goal Scorers: Corey Mangion 2

Player of the Match: Corey Mangion