Peninsula soccer clubs face off in match of the round
Peninsula soccer clubs Southern and Ettalong United and Woy Woy faced off in the match of round nine in men's premier league at Austin Butler Oval on Sunday, June 4.
The Lions won 3-1 in a tough 90-minute battle.
The opening 20 minutes of the game saw Woy Woy start defensively strong, forcing their opponents to shoot from a distance that wasn't troubling the hosts.
At the 25th minute mark, Southern-Ettalong were able to open up the structured Woy Woy defence.
Jacob Lepre slipped a through ball to Ryan Brown who in turn put a well-timed pass to striker Keith Gumbs who finished with a left foot strike past the Woy Woy keeper to open the scoring.
Three minutes later the Lions doubled their lead when Jacob Lepre found the head of Jack Ellwood from a corner which Ellwood finished with authority and added to his recent goal-scoring tally.
In the last 10 minutes of the first half, Woy Woy lifted and began to start completing their plays.
Lachie Russell created some great play down the right side and put in a pinpoint cross for Nathan Ward who slotted home a great goal.
The second half started much the same as the first with Southern and Ettalong's passing game trying to open up Woy Woy, who in turn were unsettling their opponents' rhythm with a stop-start approach with plenty of free kicks and throw-ins.
Southern-Ettalong managed to find a way through in the 63rd minute when a one-two passing sequence between Ryan Brown and Keith Gumbs saw Brown finish to extend his side's lead to 3-1 which is how the match ended.
"The game was always going to be a test because it was a Peninsula derby and because most of the squad had travelled to Parramatta to support the Mariners in the grand final win the night before," said Lions coach Dale Eggleton.
"I am impressed by the consistency in our performances this season.
"Woy Woy has some ability in their side and a tenacious attitude which will hold them in good stead for the second half of the season."
Woy Woy coach Neal Morris said: "We need to get better in key moments of our games and be more urgent on the ball."
Match official was Kyle Hockings.
SOURCE:
Website, 5 Jun 2023
Central Coast Football