Football Report

Well, What a Difference a Week Makes

T. W. Roberts

THE SECONDS WENT INTO ROUND ONE OF THE GPS, LOOKING TO GET A WIN OVER KINGS AFTER THEIR DRAW IN ROUND ONE OF THE PLATE TOURNAMENT. The team started on the front foot, turning the Kings backline around as they gained field position in the final third, looking to create chances from the get-go. This pressure paid off with Liam Macfarlane scoring off an excellent volley following Matt Simpson’s perfectly waited corner. Not long after this, it was Liam again poaching in the penalty box and scored once again to put the seconds 2-0 up heading into half time. The second half was more of the same with the Shore side dominating the fair share of the ball. After consistent pressure on the King’s goal yet again, it was Ollie Parrish this time to score to put the boys 3-0, killing off any hopes of Kings mounting a comeback. The full-time score was 3-0, a good start for the Second’s GPS season.

Looking to redeem themselves from a 5-0 defeat to Kings last season and a tight loss in the first game of the Plate Tournament, the Firsts were eager to get a result against a strong GPS side in Kings to start the GPS season. With the main emphasis on energy from the start, the team adopted the “Grand Final” mindset to help fuel the team. Shore started on fire, with Will Kennedy scoring to put the team up 1-0 mid-way through the first half. Shore dug in for the rest of the half, holding King’s to a handful of opportunities. Half-time score, 1-0 to Shore. A contentious penalty call to Kings at the start of the second half put the team on the back foot, however, it was nothing to worry about as the Kings striker sent the ball over the ball and onto A-ground. Scores remain 1-0 Shore. The penalty to King’s acted as a wakeup call to the Firsts as they went not two, not three, not four, but 5-0 up after Will Kennedy scored three more goals to take his tally on the day up to four, whilst Josh Wilde also scored. A consolation by King’s towards the end of the game made the score line 5-1. The full-time score was 5-1 to Shore, avenging their heavy loss last season and getting the season started the right way.

Both teams look to refocus this week with a tough trip to Newington next weekend.