| Match Report |
Blue Mountains turned in a great team performance to record a well-deserved 3-0 victory. Solid defence from Ben Ham, Mitchell C, Alex, Cameron and Ben Hof laid the foundation. Daniel, Scott, Tim and Liam operated intelligently in midfield providing good support to hard-working forwards James C (2 goals), Mitchell H (1 goal) and Justin. Player of the match James B saved a penalty and foiled several breakaways to maintain a clean sheet. Blue Mountains started strongly. The first five minutes saw shots saved from Justin and James C following good work from James C and Scott respectively. Attacks resumed after an even spell, with Mitchell H and James C combining well on the right in the 17th minute, resulting in a shot from Mitchell H which was saved. Five minutes later James C had a good run up the right wing, his cross found Tim who pushed the ball into the goalmouth where Mitchell H found space to score from point-blank range. After 31 minutes of play Cameron took a free kick on the left in his own half. He found James C in space who took the ball up the centre and beat the ‘keeper with a strong shot to double the lead. Only one minute later James C scored again, this time following good work on the right from Alex and Mitchell H. Meanwhile at the other end the defenders had worked well with Ben H pulling off some great tackles to stop Cranebrook breakthroughs, Ben Hof running well to dispossess attacking forwards, Alex and Cameron combining defence with some good runs forward on the wings and Mitchell C providing strong clearances. Just before half time Cranebrook were awarded a penalty which produced a great save from goalkeeper James B. Blue Mountains continued to attack in the second half with Mitchell H making a good run forward in the first minute ending with a shot just wide. However as the half progressed, and with Mitchell C and Liam both struggling with injuries, Blue Mountains tired and the game became more even. Attacks became less frequent, including one 18 minutes into the second half where good work on the right flank ended up with Scott having a shot deflected behind for a corner. Ten minutes from time Blue Mountains put on a concerted period of attack. Firstly Liam took the ball up the left and centred for Daniel to shoot just wide. Then James C had a strong shot go just over the bar. And finally Alex had a shot saved after a goalmouth melee. But no more goals. Overall a well-deserved victory with excellent teamwork throughout the game. |
