Trafalgar Victory FC played East Gippsland United FC at Trafalgar for the LVSL’s Under 14 round 7 clash. With both teams sitting 3rd and 4th on the ladder respectively, the scene was set for an extremely skilful and entertaining contest.
Trafalgar shot out of the gates early and were all over their opponents. The ball was being knocked around with good tempo and amazing accuracy. The first goal of the match only took 4 minutes to eventuate. A well-constructed run from the backline line was initiated by Aedan Rothmeier who found Nic Tammes on the wing. The ball was transitioned to the top of the attacking box where a free kick was awarded to the Victory. Michael Judd wound up to drive the ball into the net, when he surprised everyone at the ground by passing off to Jacob Holmes who made no mistake of the awesome set play to convert. It was an amazing start to the Trafalgar team.
Trafalgar had several other opportunities to add to their early goal. However, unfortunately they missed numerous shots. The most spectacular of all came from left striker Haylea Porter who literally sent the ball into next week when shooting from close range. Unfortunately, Haylea’s shot went just above the cross bar. All present were totally amazed by the strike’rs power. Her power and coordination were both worthy of a goal.
As the half extended EGUFC got more involved in the match and pushed closer and closer towards a goal of their own. However, the Trafalgar backline and goal keeper Luke Ibbotson kept and clean sheet till the half time break. The score at the break was TVFC 1- EGUFC 0.
The second half maintained a break neck pace. The young EGUFC team never gave up and continued to play an amazing team passing game. Eventually the visiting team scored a goal of their own via a free kick just outside of the goal box. Keeper Luke Ibbotson set the perfect wall and made good position himself only to see the ball slip through his hands and fall across the goal line. A fortunate, yet deserved goal to the away team.
The EGUFC team seemed to grow in confidence and it was most definitely “game on”. Despite excellent defending and great run from wing backs Hardy Kenny and Aedan Rothmeier, East Gippsland scored a further two times to run our winners 3-1. It was a disappointing second half for Trafalgar as several Trafalgar players lost their structure and were caught out ball watching and almost day dreaming. Coach Mark has plenty to work upon at training this week. However, with a little more poise and concentration this is a match the Trafalgar team could well have won. A lot to look forward to for the year ahead. The best team won on the day. Trafalgar hope to win next time the two teams meet.
BK’s team player of the day was awarded to Aedan Rothmeier for an outstanding game and for playing through an injured ankle for the vast majority of the match – gutsy effort Aedan.
