GREAT Lakes United Football Club Reserve premier league team Wallis Lake took on last year’s grand finalist Port United at Port Macquarie.
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The new look team were a little nervious to start with but once they settled into a rhythm they created chances.
Tom Richardson and Chris Richards worked hard up front with Chris Cheers and Ryan Chipperfield controlling midfield. On the flanks Bayden Schuman and Jacob Skaines made many strong runs.
At halftime both teams were still nil all. Tony Russ asked his players to maintain shape and play feet. Early in the second half Wallis were awarded a penalty in the box which Ryan Chipperfield successfully took. The defensive line of Blake Clarke, Matt Cheers, Dane Stricker and captain Sam Ravel were kept busy as Port stepped up the intensity looking for the equalizer. Injections of Sam Ellery and Mitch Luff with fresh legs were welcome as Port was finishing strong. Unfortunately a goal came late which found the back of Wallis net. The end score of 1-all was a fair result and pleased the coach. Tony made special mention after the game of his keeper Dean Bensch who will be a real asset to the team this season.
First grade
A REPLAY of last year’s grand final saw Wallis beat Port United 2-1 in Port Macquarie last weekend.
Wallis started off in great style playing the ball around to feet. United had to chase the ball and it was no surprise to see Wallis scoring after eight minutes. A through ball from Ethan Perry found his twin striker Roan Whiteman who made no mistake beating the United keeper. With the defence sound and the midfield having a strong game, scoring chances kept coming but were missed by small margins.
Keeper Tynan Leahy had not much to do but was dominant when called on.
After losing six first graders from last year it was great to see the understanding between the players improving.
The second half continued with the same enthusiasm as the first; Wallis kept attacking while United had hardly a goal chance.
After 15 minutes the ‘terrible twins’ Perry and Whiteman combined again to make the score 2-0. Numerous goal chances were created and wasted; Ethan Perry while having a good game found himself just a few metres in front of goal but dribbled instead of shooting and the chance was gone.
The last 20 mins. showed the weakness from last year reappearing; instead of keeping the ball in the team, there were too many long balls leading to loss of possession. Lack of concentration resulted in United gaining possession of the ball and the end result was United scored an unnecessary goal.
Chris Cheers, Alex Ohma and Matt Cheers came on in the last 15 minutes to stabilise the tiring midfield. Overall a good game against a strong opposition.
Points went to Mat Dowie 3, Beau Wynter 2 and Mitch Clark 1.