seniors: First win ever!

Reporter: Joe Drago

SENIORS 2 DEFEATED PINES CONDORS 0

After the reserves game the Seniors took the field with the emotion and concentration running high after last weeks shock defeat at home.

The coach Bruno had changed the formation to give a more solid spine through the middle and it showed in the opening 15 minutes. The boys were under constant pressure in defense with Cic and Mergs holding firm on the last line. The midfield addition of Johnny Tsakilitis worked perfectly with the style of play. The game was broken open in a counter attack with Joe Sette crossing in a long ball from the left, the ball cleared the pack of players in the box but was picked up and placed nicely in the top corner by captain Damien for the games first goal. The half ended 1-0.

The second half was starting to turn more and more physical. The Pines came out attacking for the first 10-15 minutes and it wasn't until striker Joe Drago intercepted a pass to smash home the second goal from the 18 yard box leaving the keeper flat footed. The game then turned a little rough with Pines knowing the game was beyond there reach and turned to rough play as our boys played every ball like it was there last. The win should have been a little more with Adrian Notaro having his shot go wide of the post, but the boys should be proud of their efforts and determination in Mt.Lilydales first ever win!!!

BEST PLAYERS: Michael Blazincic, Adrian Notaro and Johnny Pignataro.

reserves: ANother consistent Performance

Reporter: Joe Drago

RESERVES 2 DREW WITH PINES CONDORS 2

The long trip to Frankston was only the beginning of good things to come with the Reserves starting the day off well with a hard fought 2-2 draw with visibly bigger and more physical opponents.

The game begun with a open flow of good passing and control from both teams, with Mt.Lilydale looking to be on top early and it wasn't until a Victor Inglese strike that broke the deadlock midway through the first half. The game then turned into a goal frenzy, with Pines equalising with a close range header. Then a suberb through ball released Ernie Lando to score his first goal of the season.

But, there was no denying the home team who used there experience to score once again in a goal mouth scramble. The half ended 2-2. The second half was a midfield battle from the start to end, with both teams having opportunities to win the game. Well done boys.

BEST PLAYERS: Victor Inglese, Lirim Topali and Daniel Pike.