Football Report

Football Report

After a lengthy break, we finally made it back to the pitch… just! As it’s a Saturday we can always expect rain to follow and Saturday 27 July was no different.

Match Reports 19 June to 27 July

19 June CIS Cup Plate Semi-Final – First XI vs Moriah College 0-3 loss

In the semi-final of the CIS Cup Plate, Shore participated in a strenuous battle against a strong Moriah College, unfortunately resulting in a tough 3-0 loss. Initially, the game started off positively, with Shore creating a few chances and controlling the game. However, as the game progressed, a hapless lapse in concentration led to an easy goal for Moriah College. Despite being slightly demoralised, Shore held out with strong defence to finish the first half 1-0 down. Following a half-time chat, Shore returned to the second half stronger, however, another unlucky mistake in the penalty area resulted in a second goal for Moriah College. Shore continued to create chances in the attacking half of the pitch but a third minor error led to Moriah College’s third. However, on the back of this unfortunate result, hopeful the squad can learn from their mistakes and return strong for the remaining GPS games.

25 June GPS Round 2 – First XI vs Scots 5-5 draw

A midweek make-up game saw Shore come up against Scots in what was a tit-for-tat battle for the ages. Originally caught unprepared for the physicality of Scots attack which resulted in an early goal, Shore responded with a volley from Charlie Mattison to level the scoring at 1-1. Scots however struck back with two goals by overloading their forward line with the half-time score being 1-3 down. Tactical changes saw Shore set up with two more defensively based midfielders which seemed to be the difference in the second half with Shore now being able to retain possession and pile on substantial pressure culminating in a header from the big man Liam McFarlane. A moment of magic followed with Ben Hadfield whipping a freekick bottom right to silence the Scots bagpipes and bring the score to 3-3. Liam McFarlane found his second for the day in what was a seemingly impossible header with the Shore striker now having 3 goals in 2 games, however an unfortunate mishap at the back saw the score levelled at 4-4. A dime of a delivery found Ben Hadfield again who emphatically headed in his second goal of the day making it 5-4. Yet a controversial penalty saw the game finish at 5-5 in what was another riveting blue and white performance with the squad currently sitting 2nd on the GPS table and showing promising signs for the rest of the season. 

4 July Trial – Senior Squad vs St. Aloysius 0-5 loss

Shore’s Senior Squad faced a tough match against St Aloysius College, culminating in a 5-0 defeat. The game began with promise as Conner Fung took an early shot at goal, but it was St Aloysius who capitalised on defensive errors, scoring three quick goals in the first half with their fast attacking line. Ben Hadfield, Tom Robson and Lachie Cameron acted as a compact centre defensive unit but struggled to contain the fast breaks from St Aloysius. The second half saw a moment of hope when goalkeeper Jaxon Black saved a crucial penalty, boosting the team’s morale. Shore’s strikers, Angus Leslie and Connor Morgan found themselves unable to convert their chances. Shore’s performance was notably impacted by the absence of several Firsts and Seconds players due to holidays. This match served as a wake-up call midway through the season, highlighting areas for improvement and the importance of defensive solidity.

11 July Trial – Senior Squad vs Dulwich Hill 2-5 loss

Shore played against a mixed squad of 16s and 18s from NPL League 2 club Dulwich Hill FC in a holiday game. It was a strong start from Shore creating many opportunities in the first half. Angus Leslie had many chances and finished with a header, late in the first half. Dulwich Hill later scored followed by a second to go into half-time 2-0. Dulwich Hill started off the second half very intense scoring a goal early on. A bit of hope sparked by a goal in the second half by Will Procter saw Shore reduce the deficit. Dulwich Hill managed to get the better of Shore late in the second half seeing them finish the game winning 5-2. Good experience and opportunity for the boys to compare themselves with a very advanced side.

18 July – Trial Senior Squad vs EVO Academy 1-2 loss

Shore started the game against EVO Academy with strong intensity and unrelenting pressure. A competitive first half saw chances at both end of the field but both teams were unable to convert. The second half kicked off, and EVO Academy were quick to score. Shore fought back well, and a great passage led to Charlie Mattison scoring to even the match. EVO Academy pushed ahead in the final minutes to take the lead. The final score was 2-1 In EVO Academy’s favour.

22 July GPS Round 3 – First XI vs Riverview 3-1 win

In another make-up game in the third round of the GPS competition, the Shore First XI emerged victorious over Riverview with a 3-1 win, demonstrating the rewards of their practice matches and consistent training during the holidays. The game began with both teams displaying high energy, making for a fiercely competitive first-half. Midway through the half, Shore took the lead when centre back Ben Hadfield delivered a superb ball to Liam McFarlane, who scored to make the game 1-0. In the second-half, Shore quickly extended their lead, with Liam McFarlane once again finding the back of the net. However, Riverview remained resilient, scoring later in the half to bring the score to 2-1. Despite Riverview’s efforts, Shore sealed their victory in the final minutes as Charlie Mattison calmly converted a penalty, securing a well-deserved 3-1 triumph for Shore.

27 July GPS Round 4 – First XI vs King’s 2-0 win

Historically games against King’s have been tight and hard-fought and the game this weekend was no different in challenging conditions. Shore started on the front foot with a few penalty shouts and shots that hit the wood work within the opening 5 minutes. A few minutes later from a free-kick Braden Dent whipped in a ball which Ben Hadfield headed in, opening the scoring. At half-time the game was 1-0 to Shore. From the first play of the second-half, Will Procter, driving down the by-line found Hamish Walls with a cut back to tap the ball in, making it 2-0 just after the break. The rest of the second-half was evenly poised with defences hard to break down. Ultimately, Shore ran out victorious 2-0. Shore now sit 2nd on the ladder, playing 1st place High in a crucial match for the title next weekend.

Mr E De Marchi
MIC Football

Results Saturday 27 July 2024

TeamOpponentScoreScorers
1st XIKing’s2-0 WHadfield, Walls
2nd XIKing’s1-3 LMorgan
3rd XIKing’s0-1 L
4th XIKing’s1-3 LEvans
5th XIKing’s1-0 WHarley
6th XIKing’s2-1 WLittle, Warner
7th XIKing’s8-0 WHurst 2, Brownlee, Bullock, Cambridge, Ford, Gillian, Urwin
8th XIKing’s1-8 LSmallacombe
16A XIKing’s1-0 WLinus
16B XIKing’s2-4 LDe Kock, Tranfield
16C XIKing’s1-2 LGeorge
16D XIKing’s1-6 LCooper
15A XIKing’s0-3 L
15B XIKing’s2-3 LMilne, Newton
15C XIKing’s0-2 L
15D XIKing’s0-4 L
14A XIKing’s0-3 L
14B XIKing’s1-5 LChow
14C XIKing’s0-2 L
14D XIKing’s0-6 L
14E XIKing’s2-3 LHart, Ward
14F XIKing’s1-6 LGoktas
13A XIKing’s1-5 LNewton
13B XIKing’s1-4 LRazza
13C XIKing’s0-3 L
13D XIKing’s2-6 LLindsay, Mullen
13E XIKing’s0-8 L
13F XIKing’s0-10 L