Second straight 3-2 victory for Southern and Ettalong
Southern and Ettalong's 3-2 defeat of Budgewoi was the Match of Round 2 in Men's Premier League games in the Central Coast soccer competition.
The bright lights of James Browne Oval and a lively crowd held witness to the five-goal thriller between the two sides.
This was the second straight 3-2 victory to start the season for Southern, remaining one of two teams yet to drop points this year.
Unlike last week where Southern found themselves down with 10 minutes to play, it was a fast start for Matt Page's men who opened the scoring after just five minutes of play.
A beautifully whipped corner from the precise left-foot of Jacob Lepre found defender Jack Jenkins at the near post who guided the ball off his head into the back of the net for his second goal in as many weeks.
Southern's one-goal advantage soon turned to two when another corner, this time from the other side, was whipped deep into the back stick where Southern's captain Todd Balneaves met the ball with his head, steering the ball into the ground and past the Budgewoi keeper to take the game to 2-0 after 18 minutes.
It didn't take Budgewoi long to respond.
In the 22nd minute, Charlie Entwistle evaded two Southern defenders down the right flank and whipped a pinpoint cross across the opposition's box where Stuart Adams was able to tap it past the oncoming keeper.
With 10 minutes left to play in the opening period, Budgewoi was able to get the game back on level terms following a free kick.
Just outside Southern's 18-yard box, Stuart Adams stood over the ball and delivered a dangerous cross into the back stick.
The ball struck the retreating Southern defender who accidentally turned the ball into the back of his own net.
As was the case the previous week, locked at 2-2 and needing a goal, a long throw-in from Todd Balneaves found Alfie Martin who was posted up inside the six-yard box.
Martin was able to volley home his chance, restoring Southern's lead to 3-2.
Budgewoi's endeavour to fight their way back into the game became a little more difficult in the 79th minute when coach Corey Atkinson was sent from the field.
Both sides kept the high tempo and intensity throughout the whole 90 minutes and certainly entertained both crowds.
Match official was Miles Allen-Scott.
SOURCE:
Website, 16 Apr 2025
Central Coast Football