Margaret River continue to impress

Written by Patrick Marzohl Thursday, 29 July 2010 11:40

Match Reports - Youth League Boys

MR United 2 def Busselton United 0 

Margaret River United eagerly anticipated this show-down with the only team that has beaten them this season, however absences to seven key players and injury to three (including Jake Graebner-Bond, the keeper) made the game plan difficult to organise. It was decided to play a 5-4-1 with Mehdi Balkhi the lone striker, supported by Benjamin Smith and Dylan Johnson-Swainston on the wings. The focus was to neutralise Busselton’s midfield. Sam Connell and Henry Rogers did a fabulous job of this.

The game started frantic on this cool but dry Saturday morning. Balls were kicked all around the places and it took the teams some time to find a rhythm. Margaret River had the better of the first ten minutes, but Busselton kept pushing and hit the upright in the 13th minute. Busselton then pushed strongly; however the home team began to settle down towards the end of the first half, now enjoying great possession and control.

Unmarked Benjamin Smith hit the ball over the crossbar in the 28th minute after a precise Mehdi corner. In the 32nd minute a quick passing sequence saw Margaret River taking the lead. The ball was played by sweeper Mat Kevill to Sam Connell. He flanked to Mehdi Blkhi, who outran his marker. Mishka Marzohl darted forwards and booted the ball into the back of the net after an accurate through ball by Mehdi. A clever and stunning goal!

At half time the team was reminded to keep the game simple and controlled. Changes include the positioning of Benjamin in defence with right back Kane Duggan taking a rest. Only six minutes into the second half, fast winger Aaron Locke collided with an opponent and had to be substituted. The injury looked serious and Aaron could no longer take part in the game.

The game was a very tight affair with Busselton and Margaret River closing down the space effectively. In the 48th minute, a Busselton shot flew just over the bar. Four minutes later, Henry Rogers got away on the right flank. His pass found Mishka who laid the ball on for Mehdi. The swift forward ran unhindered onto the keeper to score the second Margaret River goal. Busselton however did not give up and kept pressuring Margaret River’s defence. The backline consisting of captain Mat Kevill, Benjamin Smith, Oscar Howse, Kane Duggan and Lewis Hayes held firm. In the 57th minute, keeper Jake Graebner-Bond saved a dangerous high ball. On the other side, Mehdi and Mishka both missed some good opportunities. In the dying minutes, Busselton hit the upright after Jake struggled to contain the ball.

This win was impressive considering the absence of so many key players. The player-of-the-match award went to Henry Rogers, with the encouragement awards going to Kane Duggan and Mishka Marzohl. The team also wishes to thank referee Bruno Hangartner and assistant coach Simon Deuring. Hopefully we will have the full squad available for this Saturday’s game.