Match Reports – Round 4: Vs North East Diamonds

Under 17 Girls:

It was billed as the 'Clash of the Titans', this, the meeting of the previously undefeated teams of the under 17 girls Champions League and the match was certainly a fitting and competitive game of high intensity and skill.

Despite the forecast of coach Brown the cloud cover was actually 98% rather than the 89% predicted and the UV index not as decisive as expected, nevertheless the humidity was telling and at the end of the match the girls were dripping with perspiration and not a little pride as all 22 on the pitch should have been well satisfied with their efforts.

A 1 - 0 victory to Loddon-Mallee left them feeling appropriately upbeat about their tactics and structures yet the Diamonds, whilst a little less 'glossy' than previous weeks, were not only far from disgraced but should be well pleased with their skill level and determination.

Whilst often dangerous to individualize, the performances of Ili Jakab and Kari Gulson are worthy of special note. On a difficult pitch Ili's ability to control the ball and lay off probing passes to bring eager team mates into the play from the wings was a pleasure to watch whilst Kari's assuredness in the final stages of the game lifted the confidence of those around her and had her coach's chest inflated with further pride.

All the girls worked hard with Paige Condor bundling in the winning goal through sheer persistence. The clean sheet at the back is a credit to the defence though it would be true to say Alex'  Cheal was thankful for the support of her 'buddies at the back'. Despite one or two unusual 'brain freezes' she more than made amends with two goal line saves in the second half.

Coach Brown has the team playing with clear curriculum based structures and no shortage of self-confidence.

Next week will further test the unbeaten team as they again face the might of the North-East Diamonds, although a hoodoo is broken by this 'away' win.

 Under 15 Boys:

Game Four of the Victorian Championship League for the Loddon Mallee (Lightening) U. 15 boy’s team saw them up against the strong metro outfit of North Eastern (Diamonds).

Lightning travelled to the National Training Centre in Melbourne to play against the Diamonds. Conditions were prefect for an excellent game to ensue. Both teams were on their metal to play a very entertaining 80 minutes of possession football.

In keeping with Football Federation Victoria request both teams played out from the back with possession football. No easy option was taken from either club in kicking the ball long out of the defensive half.

Playing against the wind, Lightning was on the defensive from the kick off. Diamonds squandered many opportunities with long range and poorly directed shots on goal. Isaac West, Lightning’s goal keeper excelled in the goals. Shots on goal by the Diamonds were strong and hard. West, kept a clean sheet for the first half proceedings.

In the 25^th minute of game time saw the first time this year all three Mildura based players (Roberts - Captain, Voliotis and Cresp) on the pitch. Piers Cresp came on to replace Godwill Basha who had fought off some excellent challenges by the Diamonds in the Left Back position.

Late in the first half saw another strong challenge from the Diamonds resulting in a Lightning player Keiran O’Regan needing to be substituted by Travis Robertson due to injury.

Half time score line:        Diamonds 0 to Lightening 0

After half time Diamonds played a more controlled style, by building up from the back line. They continued to draw the Lightning players forward into their half. On multiple occasions the Diamonds players would quickly strike the ball across the defensive line in an attempt to beat the offside trap.

Lightning had little possession time in the second half. There opportunities to score were from range and did little to challenge the goal keeper. By the 10 minute mark an overlapping run saw the Diamonds players attacking the Central Defender position. A well struck blow saw the Lightning goal breeched.

Diamonds were a changed team after the half time break. Multiple positional changes had been made and the substitution bench was well used throughout the half. By playing possession football saw the Lightning players chasing shadows.

Take home points for the players, were the Diamonds are a much fitter and tighter playing unit than Lightning. When they lost possession they got it back and won most of the contested ball. Due to the draw arrangements Lightning will be playing Diamonds again this weekend in Swan Hill. The Lightning Coach Kial Standley will need to work on the player’s confidence on the ball and looking with a forward target to create more opportunities to score.

Final Score: North East 1 to Loddon Mallee 0

 Under 13 Boys:

The under 13 boys suffered their first defeat of the season to a well drilled North East Diamonds when we played at Thornbury.  The boys were not at their best during the first half chasing our opponents and turning the ball over on too many occasions.  A goal to North East with only seconds remaining in the first half punished the boys prior to a half time break that saw a much more committed team start in the second half.

Lightning were clawing their way back into the game and starting to take control at about the 15 minute mark when a clean pass to a fast running Peter Marziano saw him break free of the pack and move toward goal where Blah Blu to Kunoo was running in from the other side to receive the pass and slip the ball into the back of the net.

Scores were now level in a very competitive game with neither side able to make much further impact.  Jordan Ross was dominant at centre back and matched at the other end of the ground.  Neither team was able to maintain possession to set themselves up so a tough game reached a disappointing finale when our opponents lobbed the ball over our defence to score again with seconds remaining.   Next week’s rematch will be interesting with both teams travelling to Swan Hill for what should be a tough encounter.  Our team has proven that it will be very competitive.

 Under 13 Girls:

The girls looked like starting the game a player short but a kind gesture by the North East Diamonds allowed a couple of their spare players to play with the Lightning.

The game was played at a fast tempo with good skills being displayed by both teams. The only goal was scored in the first half with the Diamonds capitalising on some good build up play through their midfield and a good finish. 

Both teams continued to play well for the rest of the game but both defences held strong. For lightning Tara Thomas played extremely well at the back stopping many chances and also giving the midfield good service. Also through the midfield Nicole Ford was having a good game breaking through the Diamonds defence several times only to see her shots saved and once being denied by the post. Overall it was a good performance by the girls and with continued improvement good results are sure to follow.

Final score North East Diamonds 1 Loddon Mallee Lightning 0