Thurtell penalty enough to see Greens through against Hume
By Sean Ellicott (@SeanEllicott)
PHOTO: Anita Milas
A first half penalty from Matt Thurtell has seen Bentleigh Greens maintain its undefeated start in the 2015 PS4 NPLVIC campaign, defeating Hume City 1-0.
In a fast-paced entertaining contest, both sides enjoyed a flurry of possession and momentum as Thurtell's 42nd minute spot kick was enough for the hosts on the day.
Louie Acevski's side conjured the first opportunities throughout the opening stages.
The visitors won six corners within the first half an hour but were unable to capitalise on any of them.
Nick Heagarty and Calvin Mbarga both had their attempts respectively sail into the hands of Alastair Bray in goals, or flash wide of the custodian's upright.
The Greens held on despite Hume's early pressure, and came into their own after the half hour mark.
Chris Oldfield was called into duty as Thurtell struck the upright with a clinical volley from range.
Bentleigh found the breakthrough minutes before the break.
Luke Pilkington was adjudged to have been fouled inside the area as the referee signalled for a penalty.
Thurtell assumed the responsibilities, firing in his seventh goal of the season past Oldfield's right.
Hume gathered the better of momentum immediately after the interval but some resilient defending saw Bentleigh restrict City to minimal chances.
Wayne Wallace came close to doubling Bentleigh's advantage on the hour mark, curling his effort from range over the woodwork.
Chris Lucas soon after had one of his attempts saved by Oldfield while Wallace headed his attempt in the side netting.
Three consecutive corners saw Hume pile on the pressure in search of a late equaliser but Bentleigh held firm to close out the game.
MATCH DETAILS
Bentleigh Greens 1 (Thurtell 42 [P]') defeated Hume City 0 at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex [HT 1-0]
Bentleigh Greens XI: 21. Alastair BRAY (GK), 2. Thomas MATTHEWS 4. Troy RUTHVEN, 5. Jack WEBSTER, 8. Wayne WALLACE (C), 9. Chris LUCAS, 10. Tyson HOLMES, 18. Matt THURTELL, 19. Daniel VISEVIC, 24. Luke PILKINGTON, 36. Steven TOPALOVIC.
Substitutes: 1. Ryan SCOTT, 6. Liam McCORMICK, 7. Jamie De ABREU, 11. Dion KIRK, 15. Kobbie BOAHENE.
Hume City XI: 1. Chris OLDFIELD (GK), 2. Dean TOMESKI, 4. Isyan ERDOGAN, 5. Petar FRANJIC, 7. Jai INGHAM, 8. Calvin MBARGA, 10. Joe FRANJIC, 11. Ivan PAVLAK, 13. Shane REXHEPI, 17. Marcus SCHROEN, 39. Nick HEGARTY (C).
Substitutes: 3. Shaun TIMMINS, 9. Deang AGUEK, 24. Aaron TURNER, 19. Sam BENINATO, 30 Ayoin SAYAN.
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