21 August 2011
FOXES MAUL LIONS
Fernhill 3 vs Wolongong United 1
Fernhill took on Wollongong United in the Youth Cup semi-final on a wet and windy Wednesday night and repaid their die-hard supporters with an entertaining game of football. United went on the attack from the kick-off as they broke down the right hand Fox defence but weren't able to pressure the Fernhill goal.
A poorly timed tackle in midfield by the Lions gave Fernhill a free kick. Joe Moerman stepped up and his curling free kick was too hot for the United keeper and his fumble was pounced on by Christian Armour and his pass was put into the back of the net by Zac Noel-Strang-Kellett to put the Foxes ahead by one in the 16th minute.
Minutes later Joe Moerman succumbed to a groin injury and a reshuffle saw Lachlan Blayney come on at right wing and Murray Boissery dropped back to right back.
The forced substitute didn't deter the Foxes and after a shaky start, Scott Simpson settled into his game and combined with Godfrey Franko, Kevin McDonald and Zac Noel-Strang down the left side and ended with Zac's cut-back being edged away just before Christian Armour could pounce.
As the half went on, the Foxes work rate and ball movement started to take its toll on United and they struggled to keep up. In the 27 minute Godfrey Franko surged out of midfield and played a ball into the path of Matt Kellett who brought the ball back onto his trusty left foot and his finish left the Lions keeper clutching at air to put the Foxes up 2 – 0.
With the Foxes on a roll, Matt Kellett raced out of defence to stop a United cross and quickly switched the ball to Godfrey Franko and he took the ball over half way before finding Lachlan Blayney on the fly down the right flank.
Lachlan's shot completely confused the United keeper and the Foxes were up 3 – 0 in the first half hour. In the shadows of half-time United had a last run at Fernhill but Nick Djukic blocked the first attempt, keeper Josh Timpano saved the rebound and Ben Kearton was on the spot to head the next shot out for a corner.
Wollongong started the second half at full pace to try and upset the Foxes but the boys weren't to be put off their game. A searching ball in from the left just eluded the outstretched leg of Christian Armour as the Foxes searched for another goal. 65 minutes in Andrew Breslin replaced Christian Armour. Just after Lachlan Blayney got clear and with only the keeper to beat sprayed his shot well wide.
Andrew Breslin was soon in the action but couldn't find the back of the net with his two chances. At the defensive end of the field Murray Boissery showed his experience as he dealt with the Lions forays down his side of the field with ease. With 75 minutes gone Simon Habak got into the game to replace Zac Noel-Strang and Simon put Lachlan Blayney through down the left wing but good defence put an end to the attack.
In the closing minutes the Lions scored a consolation goal but overall they were no match for the Foxes as Fernhill ran out winners 3 – 1.
All supporters are welcome to come watch the boys play Dandaloo in the Cup Final on Sunday 4 September at Macedonia Park, Berkeley
