Match report

Match report

Both teams were presented with a cool but pleasant day at Anembo Park - it was nice to see some blue sky after the previous weeks winter rains. One side of the pitch was perfect for playing on but the other presented a challenge, heavy in mud and slowing in pace. Both teams had come off a loss the previous week and were keen to win the points on offer. A solid group of parents and supporters were present to cheer on their teams.

The first half was action packed with many passes completed and intercepted. Possession changed constantly. Mount Baker dominated field position and remained deep in the Rangers half, pressing towards goal on numerous occasions. Mount Barker tested the Rangers keeper with 6 shots on goal however the keeper was skilled enough to execute some good saves. With around 4 minutes remaining of the first half, a piercing run was made by Mount Barkers centre midfielder, Rupert Curran. Displaying solid pace, he was able to pull away from the Rangers defence,  position himself and shoot on target. The Rangers goalkeeper made the save however this rebounded straight into the feet of the Mount Barker striker, Liam Dunn who comfortably tapped it into the back of the net. For Liam Dunn this was a very special goal to remember. This is his first season of playing soccer after recovering from a life-threatening illness. The team rallied around Liam and made this a very memorable moment that he will never forget. 

From the kickoff, Mount Barker pressed hard in attack. A number of shots followed but were well defended by the Rangers back-line.

Half Time Score:

Mount Barker - 1

Rangers - 0 

The second half saw a quick start by the Rangers who pressed hard, deep into the Mount Barker half. The Rangers held their field position and tested the Mount Barker defence. At the 39 minute mark, Rangers were rewarded with their first. A good shot was initially deflected by the Mount Barker keeper, Liam Hawkins, however rebounded to the feet of the Rangers #2 who successfully completed the goal.

It was now 1-1 with 20 minutes remaining - game on! 

The Rangers spirits were high and their team lifted. Their coach made good use of their bench and fresh legs were brought on. The Rangers now had the ascendency and pressed hard for the next 10minutes. 2 great shots were made that hit the post/crossbar and the scrambling defence cleared the ball.

Mount Barker were desperately defending their line, when suddenly a fast clearance from the Mt Barker backline delivered the ball to right mid-fielder, Remarni Puiatti . With good vision, Remarni fed the ball into a central gap for the fleet-footed striker, Archer Hawkins, to receive on the half-way line.  With a good turn of pace, Archer calmly dribbled around the soggy mud puddle, into the 18 yard box. With several Ranger defenders now pressing, Archer calmly slotted the ball into the right pocket of goals. The Mount Barkers supporters erupted! 

The score was now 2-1 in favour of Mount Barker with 10mins remaining in the game - plenty of time for the Rangers to respond. 

Not to be deterred, the Rangers attack rallied and pressed hard, deep into the Mt Barker half. Many of the Mt Barker players were beginning to fatigue and substitutions were made. This had an immediate effect with fresh legs on the field. The game now see-sawed with possession changing often. The clock was ticking and finally the ref below his whistle for full time. Mount Barker were able to hold off The Rangers attack and secure their first victory of the season. 

Both teams congratulated each other in good spirits and both coaches agreed it was a very entertaining game to watch

 Final Score

Mt Barker - 2

Rangers -  1