Fernhill Foxes continued their strong start to the season, overcoming a feisty Falcons outfit with two second half goals from Kolan Hmda and Mitch Turner.

After a goalless first half in which Fernhill dominated, but failed to convert the chances they had, it was Oak Flats who were starting to press when Fernhill scored against the run of play. And even at 2-0 down with ten minutes remaining, the Falcons continued to fight, suggesting positive signs for coach Mark Vinton, as the season gets into gear.

Speaking after the match, Vinton said he was pleased with his side’s performance against the team many predict to win the competition this year: “I thought our defence played really well throughout the game and we started the second half strongly, but made two mistakes, and they’ve got the kind of guys up front who’ll make you pay for those mistakes.”

Foxes coach Dan McGoldrick said: “We ground the game out in the end and defensively we were very solid. I thought we played better in the first half but didn’t score and then got a couple of lucky breaks in the second.”

Marc Sergi returned to the First Grade squad and led the Foxes out for the start, though all eyes were on veteran Premier League striker Ilija Prenzoski, who showed his intent in the opening seconds by charging in to let Falcons gloveman Ben Wunsch know what he was up against.

It was the Falcons who almost opened the score on three minutes, though, as Jarryd Vinton floated in a dangerous free kick and the defender’s clearance careered off the crossbar and away for a corner.

Fernhill dominated the opening exchanges, forcing a string of corners themselves, but never getting the final touch. Andrew Keep came closest when he picked up a loose ball inside the box and turned well, but couldn’t steer his shot on target.

In the 19^th minute, Sergi sent in a dangerous cross which Scott Muilwyk met with his head and sent the ball thundering against the crossbar, but still the Foxes were searching for that opening goal.

Matthew Cesta put in some solid tackles at the back for the Falcons, and Jamie Stevenson made a vital interception to block a fast-paced 1-2 between Prenzoski and Keep as the Foxes bore down on goal.

Just past the half hour mark, it was Keep again who put in a perfectly-placed cross onto the head of Prenzoski, who had a free header but couldn’t keep it on target.

At the other end, Oak Flats rarely looked dangerous, with Anthony Oliver and Ryan Hunter using their height to dominate their area for Fernhill. Ryan Franks was unlucky at the end of the first half, diving in to try to get a touch on a Brenton Lloyd ball, but he was a metre behind the ball, and that was his last effort, as Vinton made changes at half time.

With Luke Greathead on up front and Jay Mason pushing forward up the right flank, the Falcons looked a lot more dangerous in the second half. But they too failed to make possession convert into goals, and just past the hour mark paid the price.

Sergi won the ball just on the edge of the area, laying it square to Prenzoski who found Hmda. The Foxes midfielder spun a left foot shot down to Wunsch’s left to open the score against the run of play.

Minutes later Falcons forward Josh de Gouveia almost equalised as he picked up a Lloyd ball inside the six yard box but turned his shot just wide of the upright.

Chad Keating came on with fifteen minutes remaining as the Falcons chased the game. Last time he played here, he scored twice for his old team Warilla, and within seconds he was sending in curling crosses to test the Foxes defence. But again there was nobody there to put in a final touch, and in the 80^th minute, Fernhill tied up this game when Turner sent a half-volley through a crowded area for the Foxes’ second.

All credit to the Falcons for not giving up, though. They forced more corners as the game drew to a close and Keating came within inches of a late consolation as he whipped a free kick just over the bar. But Fernhill held on for their second clean sheet and their second win in two District League matches this season.

In the post-match interviews, both coaches spoke of squad depth being an advantage in their respective camps, and that depth may be put to the test as both sides are still competing in the Bert Bampton Cup as well as league fixtures. And it’s a tough Round 4 ahead for both sides, as the Falcons welcome ladder leaders Coniston to Keith Bond Oval next week, and Fernhill travel to Thirroul.

Oak Flats Falcons – 0

Fernhill FC – 2 (Hmda 61’, Turner 80’)

Saturday 8 April 2017 - Keith Bond Oval

Referee: Ryan O’Sullivan

Assistant Referees: Michael Riquelme, Lottie Cabassi-Power

Oak Flats: Ben Wunsch, Brenton Lloyd, Christian Cappetta (Chad Keating 76’), Jamie Stevenson, Jarryd Vinton, Josh de Gouveia, Matthew Cesta, Ross Graham, Ryan Franks (Luke Greathead 45’), Stephen Jovanovski (Jay Mason 45’) (subs not used Chris Jarman, Jason Murdzevski)

Fernhill FC: Brad Hunter, Anthony Oliver, Julian Cesta-Incani, Ryan Hunter, Sean Poulton, Kolan Hmda, Andrew Keep, Marc Sergi (Mitch Turner 72’), Scott Muilwyk, Ilija Prenzoski (Luke McDonald 86’), Dean Morosin (Andrew Breslin 80’) (sub not used James McClelland)

Report by Simon Duffin