| Match Report | Cranebrook started strongly, pressuring Blue Mountains defence from the start and scoring after 7 minutes. Blue Mountains’ defensive discipline improved, with Tom, Steven and Ben clearing well, Sarah putting the ball out to break up several attacks and James performing reliably in a dusty goal area. After 15 minutes Steve scored a fine individual goal, breaking clear in the centre circle and outpacing several defenders, finishing with a strong left foot shot to equalise. But 4 minutes later Cranebrook regained the lead, scoring from a goalmouth melee after a corner. Blue Mountains midfield of Micthell H, Mitchell C, Scott and Rachel became more dominant as the game progressed, feeding Liam 5 minutes before half time who combined with Tim on the left flank but Tim’s shot was blocked.
Blue Mountains midfield became more dominant in the second half, augmented by Steven and Sarah. Two attacks up the left flank in the first 6 minutes resulting in a corner and then a header from Rachel which was just wide of the post. Then Steve beat a defender twice in a run up the right, crossed to Otis whose shot was pushed behind for a corner. 22 minutes into the second half Blue Mountains reward came, Rachel pushing the ball through, Steven won it and his strong shot again beat the keeper. Blue Mountains kept pressing for a winner, with Otis’ cross being reached by the keeper with Steve pressing and a succession of corners in the closing minutes. But in the end a draw was a fair result. |
