Continuing their strong pre-season preparations, the Balga SC Reserves squad took on Fremantle City at Hilton Reserve. After a fairly subdued affair last week, it was a much improved performance this time around.
Balga started brightly and created a number of promising chances which they were unable to convert. On 20 minutes Balga broke the deadlock with a good interchange between Omar and James which released Yonas on the right hand side. Yonas’ perfectly delivered ball was expertly dispatched into the back of the net by Geroge Duku leaving the Fremantle keeper with no chance.
Balga’s lead did not last long. Fremantle capitalising on Balga’s inattention and squaring the affair.
The second half started much the same as first. Balga’s dominance was rewarded not long after the break with Benji losing his marker on the left wing and driving a superb ball across the box. George Duku made another great run and finished the move with a thump past the Fremantle keeper.
Balga’s inattention after scoring continued and they were once again caught off guard. Fremantle doing well to capitalise on a defensive error.
With only minutes to go until the final whistle, it looked like the game was destined for a draw. It was the final corner of the game for Balga that brought the winner. A simple tap in for Omar from a well driven low corner by Stafan.
It was a last grasp save by Gareth in goals that proved to be decisive. After the kick off, Fremantle broke through on goal and were one on one but were thwarted by Balga’s number 1.
Balga SC Reserves Coach Adrian Caloiero was happy with the win “Freo was a good test for us this week. They have one of the largest pitches and this allowed us to start to play some more fluent football. We started off with more running and putting the other team under pressure and within the first 10 mins we had some one on ones that should of been converted but it took us 20 minutes to get off the mark” he said. “We started of slowly after the restart and allowed a simple long ball to go past 3 defenders. The resulting goal was fortunate for the Freo player. Gareth, in goals, did superbly to save the one on one to only see his save hit the striker’s knee again and land in the back of the net.”
Caloiero understands there is work to be done in ensuring his team are awake and ready at all times. “The team performed a lot better with much improvement still to come but outstanding performances came from George with his tireless running in midfield and a couple great finishes to top off a great day for the midfielder.” said Caloiero. “We have a few weeks before the Cup to work out our defensive possitions”.
Balga SC Reserves and under 18s take on Swan United in the preliminary round of the State League Cup competition on 19 Mar 2016 at Swan Italian Club.
