Corrimal Rangers emerged victorious in the District League Fraternity Club Cup Grand Final with a 2-0 win over West Illawarra to secure their first bit of silverware for the 2016 season. Both goals belonging to Save Treneski after a spectacular second half performance.

First half kicked off what was a very physical half with both teams showing they had potential to win the match early on. Neither team seemed to give an inch in the physical battle which was spread across the entire field, which saw players cautioned for both squads. Corrimal’s first real chance came in the thirteenth minute when Lorri Mandredi did a shimmy and shake to beat his defender and cross the ball into the path of Mark Picciolini whose shot just didn't have enough power, and was picked up by West’s Keeper Jordan Timpano.

West’s first chance was soon after when Daniel Djukic was brought down beside the box in front of the Assistant Referee. The free kick was whipped in and met by Dylan Mena who’s headed effort went agonisingly just over the bar. Among others, Corrimal’s next exciting chance came when Mandredi made and interception on the halfway line to play a short ball down the right hand side in behind the defence for Evan Fitzsimmons to play an early lofted ball only to see Mark Picciolini’s header skim across the face of the goal to no discernible end. This would paint a picture for the Rangers’first half efforts - even a bicycle kick in the penalty area by Mark Picciolini couldn't break the deadlock.

West’s looked to be the first to score in this tight match after Daniel Jorge struck a flat free kick from just outside the right hand corner of the box into a crowded penalty area, only to be tipped away by Rangers’keeper Mitchell Blowes to the open feet of Joe Yossif who’s shot just outside the opposite corner of the penalty area sprayed off the side of his boot and out for a goal kick.

The second half would prove even more exciting with both teams able to string together much more intricate passing plays and effective combinations which will surely cause trouble for oppositions in the season ahead. Twelve minutes had passed when Treneski found his name on the score sheet after a lobbed through ball from deep midfield found Jason Dimovski’s over lapping run. He rounded his defender to play a short square pass over the penalty spot to an unmarked Treneski who made sure of his strike into the back of the net, making it 1-0. It only took another 6 minutes for Corrimal to take a stronger lead when Treneski was found again on the edge of the box this time by left back Nathan Belsito. Treneski used his strength, composure and skill to get between two defenders and beat Timpano as he advanced securing the second and what turned out to be the final goal of the match.

Corrimal coach Tony Dulevski commended Wests' performances leading up to the grand final stating “They’re a good, fit young team that had been scoring consistently”. He also held his own team in high regard relaying his adoration for his team’s commitment and depth across the whole park to securing the clubs goals this season - which was to win as many trophies as they could.

On the other hand, Arthur Kinnas, Wests Illawarra coach also commended his team’s performance; he was very pleased to see his very young team match it with one of the favourites for the upcoming season. He also made special mention to his defenders Luke Melkeris, Ben Sallabank and Jake Bailey. Arthur hopes to capitalise on his side’s youth and adaptability in the long season ahead.

 

Saturday 12th March 2016

Tarrawanna Soccer Oval - Tarrawanna

 

Corrimal Rangers: 2 - Treneski (57’,63’)

West Illawarra: 0

 

Man of the Match:  Vasko Mitkovski

 

Referee: Nick Ryan

Assistance Referee: Ryan O’Sullivan and Mat Theobald

 

West Illawarra: Jordan Timpano, Daniel Jorge, Jake Bailey, Cesur Ciledadag, Dylan Mena, Luke Melkeris, Daniel Djukic, Joe Yossif, Kon Kandilas, Paul Burligy, Ben Sallivanc

Substitutions: Johnny Vicoroski, Reme Vescio, Tyrone Maclou, Elisseo Chiodi

 

Corrimal Rangers: Mitchell Blowes, Vasko Mitkovski, Andrew Nanos, Nathan Belsito, Gavin O’Brien, Paul Guido, Lorri Mandredi, Evan Fitzsimmons, Mark Picciolini, Luke Picciolini, Domenic Magill

Substitutions: David Bescos, Chris Stevanouski, Jason Dimovski, Christian Plakias, Save Treneski

 

Story by Sam Jordan
Photo courtesy of Pedro Garcia