Saturday Match of the Round Review

Modbury Jets AFC 2-1 Old Ignatians

The Jets once again highlighted their premiership credentials by displaying the type of character that has seen them be so successful in recent times. Despite being a goal and then a man down, they brought the game back to level terms and eventually went on to win in a memorable game that sees them equal on points with Iggies.

Both teams set off with purpose, as chances were flowing for both teams. It appeared that Jets were slightly more in the ascendancy, with an effort from Martini narrowly missing, as his effort ricocheted off the cross bar.

Iggies then responded with chances of their own but were ultimately stifled every time, either by the keeper or the Jets’ resolute defence. Their patience would soon pay off however as Joel Covino got on the end of a well-placed through ball, and managed to sneak it past the keeper, as a slight deflection put it beyond the reach of the trailing Modbury Jets defender.

Jets’ resolve withstood, as they immediately replied with a goal of their own. A simply exquisite through ball came from the Jets midfield, into the path of Declan Williams, who coolly put the ball into the bottom-left corner and put his side back on level terms. 

The ebbs and flows of this game took another turn, as a Jets defender found himself on the wrong side of a bounding Anthony Orlando, opting to foul him which was enough to end his game early and leave Modbury Jets with ten on the field.

From there, Iggies ultimately couldn’t capitalise on the chances they created. Once Jets were given their opportunity to steal a famous win, they took it. Coach Paul Simpson’s subs proved fruitful once again, as two of the substitutes combined; with Robbie Williams crossing the ball to fellow substitute Ned Davies, who stood tall and headed his side home. 

Simpson’s team put in a performance to be proud of, “We played really well first half, but Ben getting sent off made life difficult.” Simpson was able to negate the advantage Iggies had by “(leaving) Mushti up front, moved Declan to the left-hand side, but instead of being a wide-left midfielder, he was sort of playing in between the two.” Jets were still dangerous throughout the game, which can be attributed to “pushing John (Brelsford) up in midfield, he was able to help Declan create a few chances”.

This result puts Jets equal on goal-difference, creating a nail-biting finish to the season.

Sunday Match of the Round Review

Parafield Gardens 0-4 Elizabeth Downs

It was a tough day out for Parafield Gardens who were overwhelmed by a rampant Elizabeth Downs outfit, losing out 4-0 in a bitterly disappointing loss at home. Gardens were able to create some chances incrementally, including an early spell of pressure where they registered three consecutive corners. However, it was the away side who made their chances stick and seemed to be the more confident of the two sides.

After a big challenge just over the halfway line, Braiden Gundlach got on the end of Sam Watson’s lobbed through ball, which he ever-so-delicately chipped over the keeper’s head, 1-0.

Josh Farrell showcased his class throughout the game, as he made the most of a misplaced goal-kick – intercepting the ball and then producing a chip of his own, 2-0 to the Downs within twenty minutes.

Farrell was once again too elusive for the Gardens defenders, as a Blackett throw in fortuitously found its way to Farrell at the back post, he made a clean connection with the ball and sent the Downs faithful into hysterics, 3-0.

In the final moments of the game, Josh Farrell rounded off the perfect day for him and his side. Sean McGreevy put through an inch-perfect lofted through ball that Farrell had two goes at, eventually putting it past the Gardens keeper to the iconic soundtrack of YouuuuuDowwwwwns – 4-0, Fulltime.

Coach Alan Mottram was obviously pleased with the performance of his side but maintains that there is still plenty of football to be played. “I was very impressed. We certainly set ourselves up to go and win the game. It was even up until the goal, but I think we won the midfield which was important”. Once again it was a combination of youthful exuberance and experience that proved effective, as Nathan Farrell, Cody Morrison and Nathan Blackett won the midfield battle, “then when Bailey Truscott came on, he was outstanding, an outstanding player to bring on”. Downs aren’t getting ahead of themselves, Mottram still knows that there are tough matches to be played, “Gully were unlucky not to at least get a point, possibly even beat us that (last) game. We know we are in for a tough game this week, so the boys should be self-motivated for that.”