APOLLO upheld its undefeated status in the Limestone Coast Football Association’s premiership season with a convincing victory over Millicent in wet conditions at Webb Street on Sunday.
The home team established early dominance in the game, with play predominantly in its forward half as it kept Millicent scoreless for the length of the match.
With a half-time score of 2-0, Apollo maintained its control of the ball after the break to run away for a 10-goal margin by the final whistle.
Despite a few opportunities at goal, Millicent was unable to convert and these chances often resulted in an Apollo turnover.
Apollo coach Derek Ferguson was pleased with his team’s performance in its Round 6 clash and was impressed by the strength of the side, even with a shortage of players.
“I am happy with the result,” Ferguson said.
“We were missing eight out of our A Grade team.
“It was a good opportunity to give some young guys some good games.”
Even without its full strength, Ferguson said Apollo’s game remained at a high level, as the side took advantage of its immense depth.
“When you bring in young players it gives a bit of a boost to older players,” he said.
“Especially games like this where it is a bit harder to get motivated.
“The young fellas come in and they give you a bit of interest and that bit of spark you need, so it was good.”
The young members played their roles well against Millicent and held their own in the A Grade side, but it was the more experienced players who earned the best-on-ground honours.
“Tom Inglis at the back was probably our best player today,” Ferguson said.
“And Stewie (Stewart) Wallace and Wayne Lennon through the middle were good.”
Wallace led the way on the scoreboard with four goals to his name, while Bora Bobo, David Cole and Marvin Ngubane also contributed to the final tally.
Apollo has been unlucky with its team consistency so far this season, but it continues to bring a strong side onto the pitch each week.
“We are undefeated and we probably haven’t had the same team two weeks in a row,” Ferguson said.
“We have never had our full strength team together.
“Our goal keeper is away for the next three or four weeks.
“We play Centrals this week – it’ll be tough – so we are hoping we get quite a few players back.”
Ferguson hopes to see his team continue its fine form and finish the season in a strong position going into finals.
“The idea will finish one or two on the ladder,” he said.
“That is what we are aiming for.
“So hopefully the second half of the year we will get a bit more consistency with the team.
“But so far so good, we have good depth in the club so we are pretty happy.”
In other games, International has also retained its undefeated title as it hosted Naracoorte for a big win at Casadio Park.
The first half saw the black and blue dominate the pitch and hold a 6-0 lead going into the break.
Matthew Bueti continued to lead the way in goals, contributing five for the match, while Dan Bronca also played a solid game as he scored four of his own.
Tobbei Kennett rounded out the scorers with a single goal, which saw the final result 10-0 in Inter’s favour.
After its blinding victory over Tatiara in Round 5, Gambier Centrals upheld its form as it travelled to Portland.
A 2-0 margin saw the visitors carry the advantage into the second half and it capitalised on this lead to claim the win by four goals, with the Panthers unable to hit the scoreboard.
The goals were shared around for Centrals, with Calen Sheedy, Cameron Saint and Jake Blackwell all contributing, while a Portland own goal rounded out the scoring.
The final match in the round saw Blue Lake make the trip to Naracoorte to face Tatiara.
Once again the Rangers had a job to do and they did what had to be done to claim the win.
Scoring one goal in the first half, Blue Lake increased the margin to two in the second term to secure a 2-0 victory.
After being unavailable in the previous round, Hayden Cutting came out on a mission as he bagged a goal for his side, while the consistent Jarred Johnston also scored again on the weekend.
