As the two teams lined up on Sunday, the question was on every-ones lips... Would The Sharks be able to back up from the day before against Modbury Jets? Or would the tactic to not allow a postponement of the match prove fruit full for Centrals?
No-one could deny the fact that, there was an air of expectation over the game, some thing was going to happen today, that would define the season for both these teams.
'And That's What Happened' !!
The whistle blew and Centrals came hard out of the blocks, for a brief time, found The Sharks back line heavy legged and with only 3 minutes off the clock, were able to get a cross into the area by Huff to a waiting Centrals head, only to go clear of the cross bar for a goal kick.
Back in play and it was obvious that Centrals were going to keep coming hard as they pressed forward again and again. The Sharks back line was in full gear now and Craig wright was starting to get into the game and shut Centrals attacks, and using the support of Under 17 Daniel Leary, in his debut game for the A Grade squad, began turning defence into attack.
Now allowing The Sharks forward on a switch to the right. The Centrals back line, up for the job, forced the loss of the ball, away for a quick break and multiple numbers coming at keeper Norton Fuller.
Pressure by The Sharks defence forced the ball carrier deep to the bottom of the six yard box, but he was able to turn back and pass inboard for a first time strike past Fullers right to find the back of the net.
Score to Centrals at the 22 minute mark of the first half.
Sharks 1 Down.
10 minutes later and the pressure of the weekend, started to show as The Sharks frustration came to the surface. They made push after push into attack but with no reward for their efforts.
In the meantime The Sharks defence line was working overtime to combat forward forays by Centrals.
Stoppage time in the first half and the same combination of Centrals players work into the box and shoot, hitting the post and over the base line for a goal kick to The Sharks.
Half time and 1 goal down, some things to think about and decisions to be made by coach John Bruttomesso.
The focus of the chat was all about finding that little bit more to finish it off, knowing you've got the team to win isn't enough, you still have to do it!!
The Sharks started the 2nd half, pushing the ball back to the defencive line to open the play and give themselves room to run upfront. Immediately this proved to have an effect on the Centrals backs as, Kasole, Kennett and Weistra hit them on the left and bring Brooks from the right, and this all just means a 'GOAL' to Matt Gordon from a Brooks pass off a Weistra corner only 6 minutes into the half. The equaliser by The Sharks.
Score Level.
It was 13 minutes later when an on field incident caused the showing of a Red Card to the Centrals number 9 Tidy, and the number 1 jumper of The Sharks Fuller from goals.
As Fuller left the ground the decision came to one of who was going to finish in goals for The Sharks? Up stepped young Bradd Pilven, formally of Centrals and more than a worthy keeper for the task at hand.
The next ten minutes saw frantic football as both sides pushed hard when in possession and Centrals showed their determination at putting a goal past their old club mate. Pilven standing solid against these attacks.
27 minutes had ticked by when; "Penalty", Weistra taken down by Wenham in the penalty area and the ball would be spotted for him to take on the keeper, one on one.
GOAL to Weistra.
Sharks 1 Up.
Both teams played more space and greater attacking ability when reduced to 10 men, this was never more evident than in the chances which both sides made throughout the remainder of the half.
Into stoppage time and a flag goes up for offside, The Sharks players stop as the whistle blows, then the call to play on!
The Centrals attackers pounce on this opportunity and go into the box, after a scramble in front of the keeper Centrals get a shot on target. Pilven had a covering sight on it when it took a deflection less than two feet away, giving him no chance to react to save.
Scores Level at 2 - 2 to finish the game.
Goal Scorers
M. Gordon -- 1
M. Weistra -- 1
Best Players
N. Hewish
D. Leary
M. Weistra
J. Brooks
C. Wright
H. Widdison
First published on the Sharks website
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