Balga SC reserves picked up their first points of the 2016 season overcoming a determined Melville City FC side.
On what was a tough and very humid day, the Reserves side failed to retain any significant amount of possession in the first half and conceded two early goals. “We were initially unable to combat Melville’s passing game” said Balga Assistant Coach Geof Green.
After conceding the second goal, the team settled and the possession followed however they failed to capitalise on their opportunities.
Balga started the second half in a much better fashion and put pressure on the Melville back-line. The pressure paid off immediately and after some great play in the midfield, the move was finished off by Tahir Kulelija who rounded the Melville keeper and finished on his left foot. Balga kept the pressure on and were once again rewarded 5 minutes later with Nhat Minh Hoang smashing the ball into the back of the net and equalising for the visitors.
When it appeared as if the game was heading for a draw, Duku received the ball in the midfield and with a beautifully placed pass found Kulelija who slotted the ball through the advancing keeper’s legs to score a last grasp winner and earning Balga the full points.
“It was the substitutions that made all the difference for us today” says Green. “Luke was able to control the speedy Melville winger. Robert gained better ground at right back and Michael allowed George Duku to get in a more attacking role on the right wing and hold strong with Amir as defensive midfield”.
“It was a hard fought game from both teams and we were so relieved to get the points”.
Preceding the Reserves game, Balga 18s suffered a loss against Melville City FC. Balga was forced to make one starting change from their win against Quinns FC and did not seem to recover from it.
“Today it turned out it wasn’t to be our day with 3 early goals conceded. The rest as they say is history” says Balga SC 18s coach Wayne Courtney. “I would like to give special mention to Dut Mathiang who never gave up and continued to chase back putting his body on the line with numerous last ditch tackles. We will regroup and we’re looking forward to hosting Morley Windmills next week.
Balga SC are back at Princess RD Reserve and take on Morley Windmills on Saturday 23 April 2016 in round 3 of the Football West All Flags State League Division 2.
