NPL Boys and Community Girls update 17/07

U14’s Boys 2 South Melbourne 1

An awesome win for the boys, beating first placed South Melbourne in a great contest. Coach Kosta told the boys that they’ll win if they dig deep and go in hard for every ball. A balanced first half swung to South’s favour, scoring from a free kick early on. A late equaliser had Bentleigh back in the game before halftime. During the break, Kosta told the boys to keep fighting and going in hard, even to take a yellow card for the team. The match winning goal was sealed off a quick counter, to secure a great win for Bentleigh. Great win lads!

U14’s Girls 8  Brighton United 2

Another massive win for the girls, who are improving leaps and bounds. Throughout the week, the girls worked on winning the ball back in training, and it paid off with a dominant first half. Scoring four goals in the first half, the girls were cruising into halftime. At half time, Coach Jasmine instructed the girls to keep firing and always look to pass quickly. Brighton fired back with the first two goals of the second half, but that woke up Bentleigh who proceeded to score four more. A fantastic result for the girls who continue to improve.

U15’s Boys 2 Whittlsea 1

A great win for the boys, who had unfortunate luck before the ball was even kicked. A player had an accident getting ready for the game and broke their toe before leaving. This left coach Pasq with the tough choice to call up an under 14’s player to fill in. With no players on the bench for rotations, the boys were already backs against the wall. Whittlsea pushed early on, knowing Bentleigh would tire in the second half without subs. Scores levelled at halftime, Bentleigh found their winning goal through the under 14’s player who filled in. A great turn around for Coach Pasq’s team, who are continuing to improve on their results.

U16’s Boys 1 Melbourne City 2

An unlucky loss for the boys who were up against the powerhouse of Melbourne City. A poor start gave City an early lead, after capitalising from a wayward Bentleigh back pass. Wrestling control back in their favour, Bentleigh’s pressure made City resort to using longballs to attack. Scores locked at one each, Coach Sait told the boys that City will be most dangerous when they are dragging players out of position. His prediction came to fruition, as City’s attack separated the defence at the back post, giving the winning goal to City.

U18’s Girls  0 Sandringham 5

A tough result for the girls, who had a great first half, only to concede quickly in the second half. The first portion of the game saw Bentleigh running all over Sandy, taking majority of the chances. In the weeks prior, the girls have been working on marking and defending with coach Philip. The defence was tight in the back, yet unfortunately an own goal set Bentleigh back 1-0. Coach Philip told the girls to keep their effort up, as they are not out of the game yet. Sandy came out and capitalised on their chances, scoring four goals in quick succession. Afterwards the Sandringham coach praised the girls, who showed great fight during the game.

U18’s Boys 1 Melbourne City 1

An unfortunate loss for the boys, who fought hard against City, yet left their run too late. A balanced first half, Coach Chris instructed the boys on working hard and focus on defence without the ball, as they expected City to hold most of possession. The boys’ fight in the game was strong, with scores stuck at nil all going into the first break. City came out firing to open the scoring, two minutes into the second half. From here City controlled the tempo, and panic started to set in for Bentleigh. Reluctant to close down a player, Bentleigh left a hole in defence which was capitalised on, giving City a two goal lead. The boys showed great fight to get them selves on the scoresheet, controlling majority of play in the last fifteen, yet weren’t able to equalise.

 

Written by Aiden Zeccola