WBSA ROUND 12 Apollo v Sharks‏

In Round 12, the Sharks travel to Webb Street, to face the Premiership favorites Apollo.

The last time these teams met in Round 5, Sharks beat the Premiers 3-2 at Shark Park.

Since that game, Sharks have lost some key players due to injury, suspension and relocation.

Sharks started the second round of the Premiership with a loss to Blue Lake, Inter & Centrals last week and were looking to find some form, 3 weeks away from the Elimination Final.

Still without key players, the Sharks were facing a huge challenge.

In the previous senior game, Sharks B Grade scored an emphatic win against the Premiers scoring 2 goals to nil.

First goal scored by Sharks veteran Dino Gentile who cleverly headed the ball over the keeper from a well directed free kick from Craig Wright.

The second goal was scored by August Htoo, who cleverly showed some fancy footwork beat 3 defenders, and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper.

The feeling in the Shark camp was very positive, and it was the true spirit of the Sharks that defeated a polished Premiership side.

Could the A Grade repeat a win against the Premiers with an under strength side who has been struggling recently?

Weather conditions were good, with some isolated showers expected late in the afternoon.

Outs: Tobbei Kennett (inj), Heath Widdison (inj), Ethan Parsons (inj), Lance Da Rocha (Inj), Andrjez Szpakowski (out)

Ins: Corey Pilven, Norton Fuller, Jason Brooks

Line Up:

GK –Norton Fuller

Defence: Bradley Lamont (U17), Craig Wright, Corey Pilven, Daniel Leary (U17)

Midfield: Jason Brooks, Matt Gordon, Matt Weistra, Mafwata Bope

Forward: Salva Kasole, Julian Tralongo

Substitutes: Chris Tralongo, Dylan Kennett, Eh Moo, Jesse Widdison

The game summary as follows:

(2min) Apollo indicated their intentions right from the start with an explosive attack which resulted Matt Ripper finding space down the wing, crossed the ball hard and low across the box and found an unmarked Jamie Stephenson who slammed the ball into the back of the net. Score 0-1.

The Sharks camp were totally stunned, but the boys held their heads high and just continued with the uphill battle.

(26min) Matt Weistra was displaying some of his amazing skill on the ball, but was fouled just outside the box about 20 yards out.

Tralongo quickly claims the free kick, and makes no mistake hitting the ball hard and low finding space around the Apollo wall and past the keeper Morris. Score 1-1

(30min) It was Tralongo again who cleverly showed some skill not only to shield the ball away from the defenders, but manages to slip past the defence and the keeper and blast the ball into top left hand of goal. Score 2-1

The game was turning out to be an end to end battle.

Sharks defence of Wright, Pilven and the youngsters Leary & Lamont were able to limit the amount of chances Apollo could get in front of goal by applying pressure forcing turnovers and dispossession.

Sharks pair of Wright & Pilven who previously starred in the B Grade win were continuing on with their brilliant form in the A Grade match.

Pilven keeping his head was proving very quickly that he is a very talented player and was combining well with Wright holding the Sharks defence very strong.

Fuller who has been battling with injuries this year was back at his best. Pulling off some brilliant saves and denying Apollo forwards any goals.

Half Time

Score Sharks lead 2-1

Coach Bruttomesso was more than pleased with the first half performance from his boys.

Even though they conceded a very early goal, they kept the pressure on Apollo forcing them to make unforced errors and losing possession of the ball.

The message at half time was to keep the pressure on and don’t allow them to have easy possession and find space to shoot & make the most of any opportunity in front of goal.

The second half started with 4 yellow cards being issued in the first 10 mins to both teams.

(68min) It was a hatrick for Tralongo again who receives a brilliant through ball from Weistra, manages to break away from Bytheway and slots the ball past a keeper Morris. Score 3-1

(70min) Minutes later, a penalty was awarded to Apollo for an infringement inside the penalty area. Bytheway steps up to take it, and converts easily. Score 3-2

Apollo sensed a comeback and Apollo Coach Derek Ferguson made the first change for the game bringing off his son young Matt Ferguson and replacing him with multi-game winner John Stephenson.

Some excellent runs from Sharks winger Jason Brooks who bought the ball deep into Sharks attacking zone.

Tralongo again receives the ball going forward, manages to evade the defenders, steps past the keeper with an open goal staring at him, he suddenly grabs his leg and drops to the ground with a possible hamstring strain. Score could have easily been 4-2, however he is substituted with his younger brother Chris.

Some excellent football was played from both teams, but it was the Sharks who appeared to hold their nerve and hold out their opponents for the rest of the game.

Sharks running out winners 3-2 in the end showing that the Shark’s fighting spirit is well & truly alive.

A fantastic day for the Sharks, firstly a win in the B Grade against a team that has not lost a game in 2 years.

And the A Grade recording their second win against the Premiership favorites, this time at Apollo’s home ground.

Coaches comments about his players;

Norton Fuller – Showed why he is considered to be the best keeper in the WBSA. Fuller displayed his usual reflex saves and high arial acrobatic saves. His ability to land his kicks in the attacking half consistently is amazing.

Daniel Leary – 15 year old, first year at the Sharks defended very well against the likes of Hodge, Ripper, Stephensons, Panagopolous.

Craig Wright – Solid in defence. He is very quick, can read the game and just appears to pop up all over the place. Covers a lot of ground during the game. Real asset to the Sharks.

Bradley Lamont – Also 15 year old, first year at Sharks and also first year of playing soccer. He plays with no fear. He’s tall, solid in defence and puts his body on the line regardless of the situation.

Corey Pilven – Proved today why he is considered very dangerous once he lets go of his negativity and focuses on the game. Can play in all positions on the park including a back up goal keeper if needed.

Jason Brooks – Very fit and works hard. Gives his opponent a hard time, and makes explosive runs that can cause head aches for the defence. Can cross the ball into the danger zone. Has been a real improver.

Matt Gordon – Current captain, brilliant performer works hard and never gives up. Displays some silky skills and is not afraid to contest the hard balls. Creates plenty of opportunities for his forwards.

Matt Weistra – Also hard working. Plays with a ‘never give up attitude’. Likes to win the ball in the middle, posseses the best foot skills in the competition. Can shoot from distance and also features in many assists in the goals scored by the Sharks.

Mafwata Bope – Only 17 yrs old, recently returned from a broken arm he suffered in Round 2 against Blue Lake. His best game to date. His job was to prevent Panagopolous dominating the game. He certainly did that.

Salva Kasole – Works very hard off the ball, running at speed putting pressure on defenders. Likes to use his fast silky skills. Found himself offside many times through out the game, which is very frustrating for the Coach.

Julian Tralongo – Joined the team at the same time the Sharks lost Okezie Nzeakor who was instrumental in the Sharks defence. With the return of some players, he now becomes the spear head striker the Sharks have been looking for. Scoring a hatrick against the Premiership team shows his capabilities.

In the remainder rounds, the Sharks are at home against the Portland Panthers , and finish with an away game against Millicent in Round 14.

With Tobbei Kennet, Heath Widdison & Ethan Parsons becoming available in the coming weeks, the Sharks Senior team will be at full strength when they will face Centrals in the Elimination Final.