It was an intense fixture on Saturday afternoon at Macedonia Park as Oak Flats took on Dandaloo in the RMB Lawyers Community League Division 1 Preliminary round to decide who would take on Shell Cove in next week’s Grand Final. It was Dandaloo who came out on top with an extremely late goal against Oak Flats, but both sides fought hard the entire match. Both teams were enthusiastic, as were the spectators as a large crowd made it out for the intense game.

Dandaloo began the game the stronger as the two sides traded attacks early on. A free kick early to Oak Flats saw their shot go straight into Dandaloo keeper Tam Hart’s arms.

Just minutes later, Dandaloo had a free kick of their own in a good position.  Matthew Hughes' effort was tame and was easily cleared by the Oak Flats defence. 

Dandaloo's Christopher Cobb blew a golden chance to put his side ahead after Oak Flats keeper Sam Warby fumbled a grab which resulted in a goal mouth scamble. Cobb blasted high with the goal at his mercy just a few yards from goal.

Oak Flats managed to muster a half chance through Timothy Goodall who eluded his defender before blasting wide from tight angle.

Oak Flats were starting to build some pressure on Dandaloo as the midway point of the first half however praise must be given to Dandaloo’s defensive line particularly Chris Cobb and Matthew Griffiths who did an exceptional job disarming dangerous raids.

After lots of half chances from both sides, frustration started to set in as the half drew to a close with both sides guilty of cautionable offences. With a spot in the Grand Final on the line and end of the season for the other, both sides were not holding back as the first half closed at 0-0.

Throughout the second half, both sides continued to pepper each others goal with both sides guilty of wasted chances. Perhaps the tension of the occasion was getting to some players as their composure seemed wantingat crucial times.

With just 10 minutes remaining, Dandaloo's Michael Rixon found Oak Flats keeper Warby in no mans land however he stabbed at the ball sending it high and wide with the goal effectively at his mercy. One sensed a single goal (if at all) was going to settle this game. 

Oak Flats seemed content to absorb Dandaloo's raids over the last half hour as they tried to catch them on the break.

Just as the game looked destined to go to extra time and with just two minutes left, Dandaloo's Paul Buchanan guided his 25 metre free kick over the wall and past Warby to give his side the lead. The lead which they held on to and claimed an amazing 1-0 win much to the enjoyment of the large crowd that witnessed the match.

Dandaloo now take on Shell Cove next week in the Grand Final in what should be a mouth watering contest.

 

Referee: Stuart Bell

Assistant Referees: Graeme Charker, Rob Sindevski

 

Oak Flats: T. Aragon, S. Belo, R. Bradbury, D. Condello, L. Condello, T. Goodall, M. Heyman, C. Keating, M. Lickiss, C. Nisbet, R. Page, J. Rethman, T. Robbie, J. Terry, S. Warby

 

Dandaloo: L. Blayney, P. Buchanan (89’), C. Cobb, M. Griffiths, M. Gutierrez, T. Hart, J. Hockey, J. Horobin, M. Hughes, D. Hutt, N. Long, S. Marjanovic, B. Rae, J. Rixon, M. Rixon, B. Spina

 

Macedonia Park

 

Saturday 9^th September, 2:30pm

Report by Lauren Ferri

Photo by Noel Wynn