WINTER sports across the region were greeted with appropriate weather conditions over the weekend and Limestone Coast soccer was no exception, as teams battled the cold and rain in Round 5 of the premiership season.
The match of the round saw Apollo host Gambier Centrals at Webb Street, with the clash between the two heavyweight clubs short of expectations.
Despite a close contest throughout the game, Apollo was unable to convert and suffered a 3-0 defeat at the final whistle.
The match began in a deadlock, with both sides moving the ball forward well and it was not until late in the term Centrals was able to break away.
The first goal came off the boot of Lewis March, who received a pinpoint pass from captain Cameron Saint from the corner of the 18-yard box before March banged it past fill-in keeper Josh Mills.
The entire team flocked around March in celebration and they soon had further reason to rejoice, as Jayden Breuker scored an impressive goal from the corner, crossing it over Mills’ head to see the guests with a 2-0 lead at half time.
Apollo coach Bruno Vadori’s message to his players at half time was to not be disappointed with the scoreline and rather be pleased with the way they had been playing.
However, despite Vadori’s optimism, there was no denying the hosts had a big task on their hands, as scoring two goals in a tight-battle is no easy feat.
And this was shown in the second term, as Apollo again played well and fought hard, but was unable to convert, as Centrals’ keeper James Kipping provided a brick wall for any attacking plays that made their way through the defence line.
The deal was all but sealed when Mitch Thomson finished off Centrals’ third goal and although it remained an arm wrestle until the final whistle, Apollo had no answer on the scoreboard.
Without the likes of Lungani Emmual, Giancarlo Cooper and goal keeper Ben Morris, Apollo looked to some reserves players and Under 17’s to fill its ranks.
This saw Brett Stephenson hold strong in the backline for the opening term and later in the second, while Adam Hodge also lent his services around the ground.
But it was the younger players who really showed their class for both sides on the day.
For Centrals Brayden Coppick and Jasper Whitehead were in fine form, with their efforts earning praise from coach Nathan Fleetwood.
“I think the younger players really did well,” Fleetwood said.
“Brayden Coppick, he had an operation last week, but he played on Sunday and he was phenomenal.
“And Jasper Whitehead as a full-back – he has not played there much before – he was very good.”
At the other end of the ground, Apollo’s Hayden Cutting played a solid game, while Under 17’s Adam Richards and Bailey Musci proved their worth on the senior stage.
The usual performers of Tom Inglis and Matthew Pohlner were again strong in the backline to deter many attacks, while for Centrals Saint and Craig Wright had consistent games.
Fleetwood was pleased with the end result, but said there remains plenty to work on going deeper into the season.
“I am very happy with the result,” he said.
“I do not think we played that well – we have played better this year and not gotten what we deserved – so the performance can improve.
“But we are really happy to get the points, Apollo is a strong opposition.”
Across the board, Centrals put in a consistent effort, with the team working well as a whole.
With each goal scored by a different player, this is a positive sign for the side, as it shows it has a number of capable scorers, especially since leading goal-kicker Fleetwood did not take to the field on Sunday due to injury.
This ability to work as a team is something Fleetwood prides himself on and is pleased to see the focus of training reflected on game day.
“It’s a team game and we try to really build that team environment,” he said.
“Sunday I do not think anyone really stood out on an individual side, which is good in a way because it means everyone is contributing together as a team.”
In terms of the younger players making their mark on the senior game, Fleetwood said it is good to see these juniors play at a level where they can compete at the highest grade in the league.
“It’s good to see some younger players playing (in seniors), it is good for the league,” he said.
Only making the move to Mount Gambier in the pre-season, Fleetwood said the town and his club have been accommodating as he adjusts to the new environment.
“It is a very friendly place to be,” he said.
“The people are very nice and Centrals has made me feel like part of the family.”
In other games on Sunday, International has remained undefeated for 2018, as it claimed a 6-1 victory when it travelled to Naracoorte.
This sees the black and blue hold a one-win buffer at the top of the ladder, while Naracoorte now sits in fourth place.
Hitting hard from the get-go, Inter banged through four unanswered goals before half time, leaving Naracoorte with a big ask in the second term.
The hosts were able to score a single goal through Andrew Diment after the break, but with Inter adding two more to its tally, there was little the underdogs could do.
It was the usual goal scorers for the reigning premiers on Sunday, as Christian Cella led the way with three, while Matt Bueti claimed two and Dan Bronca scored a single.
The final game of the round saw Blue Lake host Portland for a 3-1 win.
With Portland leading at the break 1-0, the Rangers turned the game around in the second half to run away on the scoreboard and see themselves in third place on the ladder, level on wins with second-placed Centrals.
A mixed bag saw Yuki Akita, Jacob Phillips and Jared Vause with a goal each, in a solid team effort.
This week will see only one game in the Blue Lake City, when Centrals hosts Naracoorte at Bishop Road, while Apollo makes the trip to Portland and Inter visits Millicent.
