GFC brought the curtain down on a momentous inaugural season, both home and away. The under 13’s fell short against the league champions, the under 14’s fell just short after a testing first half and the under 15’s ended their trying season with a defeat.

Under 13’s
The boys took on league leader Berwick SC at Burrage Reserve, Newborough on a perfect playing surface. GFC started brightly but all of that effort was nullified after the ball was lost in their attacking third and Berwick SC counter attacked quickly and finished well.

The game cranked up a gear and Harrison Meyer showed great determination to will the ball over the line and bring scores level. A number of questionable decisions by GFC players were rescued by good saves from keeper, Ethen Farrell. The half time score was 1-1, which was pleasing considering the boys had played better in previous games.

Berwick came out in the second half, dominated possession and were rewarded with another breakaway goal. Farrell was pulling some terrific saves and coming off his line well. A great run and pass by Meyer landed in the lap of Manny Scarlett and with the goal at his mercy, unfortunately he put the ball wide.
The game was even thereafter no further goals were scored. Whilst the boys were disappointed with the result, they were given a measure of where they need to get to if they are to challenge for honours next season.

Best players for Gippsland were Farrell, Oscar Plenkovich, Jobie Heusmann and Antony Katiforis and a special shout out to the referee who had a fantastic game.

Under 14’s
The under 14’s travelled to Glen Eira for their final game of the season. Glen Eira has proven in the past to be a very good football playing team who are well coached, so a challenge lay ahead.

Gippsland’s first half was well below par and failed to match the movement and quick thinking of the Glen Eira boys who’s football was a pleasure to watch as usual. Gippsland went in at half time 3-0 down and an even bigger challenge lay ahead in the second half.

To the boys credit their performance in the second half was totally different and they managed to not only compete for their fair share of possession but showed some spirit and willingness to fight their way back into the game.

Blake Zimora hit a magnificent strike from 25 yards into the top corner to peg back the deficit. Jesse Buhagiar scored Gippsland’s second with one of the best goals you’ll see on a football field by back heeling a volley into the top corner from the 18 yard box, freakish but very intentional. Unfortunately time ran out but the boys and their coach were proud of the way they bounced back after their testing first half.

Zimora, Steffen Aboltins and Tristan Donohue all played well for Gippsland.

Under 15’s
Like the under 14’s the U15’s played away to Glen Eira in their final game for the season. The boys went into the game undermanned, with a number of players unavailable, but were bolstered by some enthusiastic players from the lower age groups.

Glen Eira began well, moving the ball about and maintaining possession. The GFC boys soaked up the pressure and tried to score on the counter attack, but Glen Eira’s keeper was well positioned and made a number of fine saves. Glen Eira took the lead midway through the first half and continued to play a possession based game. Shem Murphy made a couple of excellent saves before Glen Eira doubled the lead after the GFC boys turned the ball over while going into attack.

Glen Eira went into the break 4-0 up after scoring with the last kick of the first half. The second half got underway and the GFC boys mounted pressure on Glen Eira and after some nice combination play down the right wing, scored, as Bryce Judd finished with a powerful shot from a neat cut back. The game seemed to be more evenly matched and the GFC boys were growing in confidence. They created a number of opportunities and looked as if they may still be in with a chance. Glen Eira then capitalized on a defensive mistake and scored to put the result beyond doubt. The GFC boys continued to work hard and were able to score again.

With a number of players tiring, having already played a full match, Glen Eira were able to put a way 2 late goals to seal the match 8-2. To their credit the U15 boys continued to play some good football until the final whistle but were beaten on the day by an extremely well drilled Glen Eira team.

Best for the GFC were Zeb McLeod, Judd and Thanassi Katiforis.

Coming events

Although the official season is over there are still a number of things to be done before the club winds down for 2016.

Presentation Day will be held at the Italian-Australian Social Club on 11th September from 12pm – 3pm

The under 13’s travel to Merimbula for their annual tournament, and the under 14’s will play a tournament in Mt Eliza on the same weekend.

Applications for new coaches will open soon and following that, trials will be opened up in October to any boy or girl in Gippsland who are interested in challenging themselves at a higher level.