As the game progressed it became more intense with increased drama, certainly a match worthy of a final.

With only 10 first team players available for the Plate Final, we had to procure Jetson Clague & Angus Smart from the B side to make up the numbers. Russell Vale took the game to Kiama right from the off, Jordan Errington and Zac Winter both went close but the Kiama keeper was up for the challenge. With 10mins gone the Cobras won a corner, Baxter Bowler Prentice first attempt at a cross was headed straight back to him. The Captain took full advantage and lobbed a delightful ball to the back post only to see it sneak in under the cross bar, 1-0. It only took Kiama 5mins to get back on level terms, two pieces of casual defending provided their striker with an opportunity that would be difficult to miss, 1-1.

Kiama’s tactic was to play with two holding midfielders, soak up the pressure and try to hit Russell Vale quickly on the counter attack and this almost led to a second goal. Both Zac Winter and Tommy Heaton had just been thwarted by the Kiama keeper before their striker took off at the other end with a one on one with Sean Donnelly. Quickly off his line he managed to prevent the strikers initial shot and gave Tom Curren time to get back on the goal line as cover, fortunately the lads second effort went narrowly wide. Russell Vale came straight back at Kiama. Jordan Errington had a good effort saved and Tommy Heaton had a goal disallowed for offside from a Baxter Bowler Prentice free-kick. Considering the ball had skimmed off the head of a Kiama defender prior to reaching Tommy Heaton we couldn’t help but feel hard done by. As it happens an exciting first half ended with the scores still locked at 1-1.

When the game restarted Russell Vale continued where they left off. From a Christian Baade Mortimer corner in the opening minutes, Tom Curren found himself open at the far post but just couldn’t get over it enough to force the ball on target. Zac Winter’s last contribution of the second half before he left the field injured was to see a superb run and shot skim the outside of the post. (At this point I have to say kudos to the opposing coaching team for showing concern at the injury and for supplying some pain releasing cream). Russell Vale continued to have most of the play but the Kiama keeper was having the game of his life, in fact if there had been a “man of the match” award he would have been a clear winner. With less than 10mins to go Kiama broke out of their half, a slip in defence and their striker strode away to put Kiama 2-1 up. Things became pretty desperate now for Russell Vale and we threw everyone forward in search of an equaliser while Kiama kept every player behind the ball as they tried to see out the final minutes. Russell Vale forced several corners in quick succession and from one of them Tommy Heaton went close with a header. Then we finally got a rub of the green. A Blair Dunn corner caused panic in the Kiama defence and their striker clearly handled the ball to prevent a goal scoring opportunity. Potentially it could have been the third penalty in the game to Russell Vale for handball but for whatever reason the previous two were not given. It must have taken nerves of steel for Blair Dunn to step up, knowing this was probably going to be the last kick of the Final and we needed to score to force extra time. As cool as they come Blair Dunn struck the ball low and hard into the corner of the net, 2-2. Some may recall this was the second time he had broken Kiama hearts from the penalty spot, he scored the winner against them a couple years back to put us into the Grand Final.

In the brief interval that ensued I told the players to keep the pressure on, Kiama’s heads were down, they would be deflated because they had come so close to winning the game. Despite my better judgement Zac Winter limped back into the fray at the start of extra time determined to play his part.

A superb headed clearance from Bailey Baade Mortimer eventually found Tommy Heaton out wide on the left, he cut inside and curled an unstoppable shot into the far top corner of the net, 3-2. The relief and celebrations from the Cobras was understandable, plus the corner flag took a beating as well. Kiama tried in vain to respond but they couldn’t get past a Jack Donnelly inspired defence. In the second half of extra time Russell Vale sensing Kiama were on the ropes, continued to go forward in search of the killer goal. It took a moment of magic from the hobbling Zac Winter as he temporarily forgot his injury, ghosted past three players and drilled the ball past the oncoming keeper to make the final score 4-2. At the final whistle it was really nice to see the players go over to Louis Ready so he could share in the celebrations. Lastly a special thanks goes out to Jetson Clague and Angus Smart for filling in at short notice. Playing at a higher level and in a final must have been a real baptism of fire for them but they both tried their best and as a Coach you can’t ask for any more.

To be 2-1 down in a Final with only minutes to go and come back to win 4-2 in extra time was an incredible achievement. I know I keep saying it but these little kids really do make me feel very proud and it’s a privilege to be their Coach.

“Please note there is no training tonight, after the gigantic efforts of the last few days I think the players have earned a night off”. J

YNWA

Coach

We had a set game plan and the Cobras executed it to perfection.

This had to be the most disciplined display I have seen from the lads all season, despite some serious provocation both verbal and physical………fortunately we were on a neutral ground with impartial officials. The first half was very closely contested but as expected Russell Vale had the best of the possession and also the best chance of the opening spell. A fast swerving corner from Baxter Bowler Prentice was met by Tommy Heaton but his header was cleared off the line. At the other end Jack Donnelly, Baxter Bowler Prentice, Tom Curran and Ethan Larnach did such a brilliant job in defence the only thing Sean Donnelly had to contend with were a couple of corners. Marking Wollongong’s only goal threat out of the game resulted in their Coach dropping him back into a deep central midfield role with 25mins gone. Five minutes later the game was still scoreless when the referee blew for half time and all the Wollongong players cheered, it was pretty obvious what their game plan was for the evening.

During the break I told the players to ignore the silly stuff going on and just concentrate on their own game. Wollongong are not the fittest of sides and as they tired the chances would come. After the restart Russell Vale was awarded several free kicks around the Wollongong box, the best effort came from Tommy Heaton whom this time hit the bar. It was important that the players stayed patient and not be tempted to retaliate when they were awarded yet another free kick wide on the left hand side of the box. There was only 20mins of the game left when Blair Dunn took the kick and curled in a world class ball, it was met by the head of Jordan Errington whom had timed his run to perfection to head the ball into the corner of the net, 1-0. You could see what it meant to the players as the whole team joined in the celebration.

A few minutes later Wollongong were reduced to 10 players and not before time!

It didn’t take long for Russell Vale to make the numerical advantage count when Bailey Baade Mortimer slipped the ball through for Jordan Errington to stab the ball past the keeper, 2-0. Wollongong were clearly rattled and another superb passing move from Russell Vale led to goal number three. Blair Dunn saw his snap shot parried by the keeper and if ever a player deserved a goal for all his hard work it was Tommy Heaton. He reacted quickest to the original save to make the final score 3-0 and secure Russell Vale a place in the Plate Final. Before the final whistle blew there was one last piece of drama. Wollongong threw caution to the wind and tried to score a consolation goal but Jack Donnelly read the situation and was well placed to clear the shot off the line. We only had 11 available players for this game so a big thank you goes out to Clayton Walker and Ben Luyten for helping us out by sitting on the bench, the latter played a brief cameo role towards the end of the game.

Today was a good life lesson for the players. Always do the right thing by your teammates, never give less than your best and you will always be a winner.

“I’m always proud of these little Cobras………sometimes more than others”.

Please note the Final against Kiama is at “Balgownie 11:00am KO”. The players need to be there approx. 45mins prior to the start. We only have 10 starters so I will look to procure a couple of players from the B side.

YNWA

Coach

Sometimes having a large squad can be a pain in the backside, other times it’s a blessing.

Sadly Louis Ready will be out for the season due to a broken knee cap caused at a school sports day. Tommy Heaton had a golfing weekend and Jarod Tuckwood sat out the whole game on the bench nursing a sore knee. So basically we were down to only 11 players for a difficult game away to Figtree.

The game was relegated to Figtree’s backfield, so the pitch was small, devoid of any grass and the ground was as hard as concrete. Despite an unpredictable pitch the Cobras made most of the running and deservedly went ahead after a mad goal mouth scramble in which Jordan Errington, Zac Winter, Blair Dunn and Bailey Baade Mortimer all had attempts to score before Jordan Errington (again) managed to scramble the ball over the line, 0-1. Bailey Baade Mortimer was involved in the second goal when he was clumsily brought down for a penalty. Up stepped Blair Dunn to drill the ball into the corner of the net, 0-2. Christian Baade Mortimer then combined well down the left flank with Blair Dunn to set up Jordan Errington, a quick turn followed by a shot and we had number three. It wasn’t all one way and the pace of Figtree’s forwards on the counter attack kept Russell Vale’s defenders on their toes.

On a very warm winters day Figtree obviously felt the heat a lot more than Russell Vale because they sat a lot deeper in the second half. This allowed the Cobras to bring the game to them and from a Baxter Bowler Prentice corner Christian Baade Mortimer converted with an excellent shot from 15 yards out, 0-4. The fifth goal and Jordan Errington’s hat trick had a touch of “Cahill” about the finish. Baxter Bowler Prentice was once again involved winning the ball on the half way line. Bailey Baade Mortimer then put Riley Hanlon away and his cross was met on the volley by Jordan Errington, 0-5. With a comfortable lead and next Friday’s Plate Semi Final in mind it was important to see out the rest of the game without any further injuries. Unfortunately we switched off near the end and allowed Figtree to score a deserved consolation goal. An attempted clearance in the box, a bad bobble, ball to hand and the ref gave a penalty. Although Sean Donnelly guessed the right way the shot was so well placed no keeper would have saved it. A couple of other players who didn’t score today deserve a mention. Zac Winter dominated Figtree’s midfield from start to finish and Riley Hanlon has finally clicked this season, improving in all aspects of his game.

We are reduced to 11 players again for next Friday evening, so I will have to draft in Ben Luyten as cover, it will give the youngster some valuable experience. Please ensure all the players attend training next week so we can prepare properly for the big game ahead.

Finally our best wishes go out to Louis Ready. His incredible pace and clinical finishing in front of goal will be missed by his teammates, not to mention his Coach. Hopefully his operation will be successful today and I’m confident he will return to Cawley Park an even better player next season.

YNWA

Coach

Wollongong made it hard going for Russell Vale in the opening 20mins. Although the home side had most of the possession we created very little, the closest we came was a free kick from Baxter Bowler Prentice and a shot from Blair Dunn. When Zac Winter came off the bench he changed the dynamics of the game, almost scoring with his first touch. Russell Vale took the game up another gear and it wasn’t long before they were rewarded. Yet another free kick and this time Blair Dunn’s shot could only be parried and Tommy Heaton followed up to nod the ball over the line, 1-0.  There were some brave performances in the first half which was epitomized by Ethan Larnach, no matter how often he was knocked down he always got back up and never once complained.

Wollongong almost levelled after the break but Sean Donnelly was up to the shot. Russell Vale then clicked back into gear with Louis Ready off on one of his lightening breaks before setting up Zac Winter, 2-0. As Wollongong tired Russell Vale kept up the pressure. A Blair Dunn corner was knocked out to the edge of the box and a superb first time effort from Zac Winter flew into the net to make it 3-0. Jack Donnelly won the ball on the half way line then set up Louis Ready for another run. With the goal at his mercy and about to pull the trigger he was hacked down from behind, penalty. In hindsight I could have let Zac Winter step up and try for his hat-trick but I felt Louis Ready deserved something for all his effort and he duly obliged, 4-0.

Tom Curran, Baxter Bowler Prentice, Jack Donnelly and Ethan Larnach played more like defenders today and worked very hard to limit Wollongong to the occasional shot, unfortunately one did eventually go in, 4-1. The Cobras response was instant Blair Dunn and Tom Curran combined to set up Louis Ready to make the final score 5-1. Tough game, hard earned win and we meet Wollongong again in the Plate Semi (28 June). At the end of the day it doesn’t matter who scores, I always emphasise it’s a team game and I was very pleased to see the likes of Riley Hanlon, Blair Dunn and Jordan Errington put in a good shift for the team.

(All going well the FA will announce the fixtures for the second half of the season by Thursday).

YNWA

Coach

They say the true test of Champions is the ability to win, even when they play badly……………….

Prior to kick off, Christian & Bailey Baade Mortimer both dropped out due to illness, Jarod Tuckwood retired several minutes into the game with a very sore knee and Zac Winter bravely limped through the whole game with a bleeding toe. Not the ideal preparation for the game and unfortunately it showed in our performance, or lack of it.

I knew the Shellharbour Coach from previous training courses we had done together and as I expected he had his team very well organised. They defended as a unit and broke on the counter attack very quickly. In the first couple of minutes Shellharbour came closest to opening the score when their striker hit the outside of the post. In fact they went on to hit the woodwork three times before the break. Russell Vale’s one solitary effort on goal came when Riley Hanlon set up Louis Ready to give the Cobras the lead.

On reflection I was too hard on the players at HT………..but then again I’m quick enough to praise and reward them when they do well. In that first half I don’t think I have ever seen us give away the ball so easily, or so often. We played like individuals and not as a team. Offensively we lacked any real conviction in the final third, our midfield never got into the game and defensively at times we looked like Bambi on ice.

Russell Vale did improve slightly in the second half and it wasn’t long after the restart when a Blair Dunn corner reached Riley Hanlon 12 yards out and he rifled his shot into the roof of the net to give the Cobras a 0-2 lead. Shellharbour tried to get back into the game but the Cobras held firm and prevented the home side from creating any clear chances. As the half wore on Russell Vale finally played with some confidence and put together a few good moves but all too often the final pass or the attempted shot never came off.

I don’t judge the players on the score, only their performance. Maybe today was just one of those things, or a reflection of some of the silliness that went on at training last week?………………either way with another game on Monday at least the players only have to wait 48hrs for redemption.

YNWA

Coach

Despite the scoreline, this was a better Fernhill side than the one we faced in Rnd 1 and their goalkeeper actually played well. Unfortunately for the visitors though Russell Vale continued where they left off against Kiama last week.

In the opening minutes the Cobras went close to scoring several times before a wicked shot from Christian Baade Mortimer could only be parried by the goalie and Jordan Errington nipped in to score, 1-0. Soon after an individual effort from Louis Ready whom was having the game of his life on the left wing put Russell Vale 2-0 up and firmly in command. On the other flank Christian Baade Mortimer was also ripping the Fernhill defence apart and it was only fitting when a superb pass from Tommy Heaton set him up to score a spectacular third goal. Tommy Heaton was again involved in the fourth goal. Riley Hanlon won the ball deep in Fernhill territory, played it on for Tommy Heaton whose cross found the head of Louis Ready and his flick on set up Zac Winter to score, 4-0. Fernhill were struggling now and when Louis Ready broke free again on the left, his cross found Jordan Errington who had time to control the ball before tucking away number five. It was no surprise when Louis Ready scored his second to make it 6-0 after a good run and cross from Christian Baade Mortimer. Prior to HT Tommy Heaton won the ball on the edge of the box and curled his shot in to make it 7-0 at the break.

During the interval I reminded the players not be complacent but it still took a while for them to get back into their rhythm. Playing for pride Fernhill doubled their efforts at the restart to try and score. In their way stood the Cobras defence of Baxter Bowler Prentice, Jack Donnelly, Tom Curran, Ethan Larnach & Jarod Tuckwood and they dealt with virtually everything that came their way. The couple of times Fernhill did come close, Sean Donnelly was quick of his line to intercept any danger. Eventually the Cobras clicked back into gear and Zac Winter flicked the ball onto Louis Ready who took off from the half way line, beating several players along the way to notch up his first hat-trick for the Club. Zac Winter then set up two more goals, one for Blair Dunn whose shot finished in the top corner and the other for Baily Baade Mortimer to score from close range. With the game almost over Zac Winter then hit the bar, Blair Dunn saw another of his shots hit the post before the final goal of the game went to Tommy Heaton, 11-0.

It was nice that our “pass & move” football won glowing praise from the Fernhill coach, however I did notice that we lost a little bit of discipline towards the end of the game. It appeared that everyone was trying to get on the scoresheet, I guess it’s understandable……………hell even I wanted to run on and score!

YNWA

Coach