30th January 2009

MATCH REPORT: FOOTBALL WEST NIGHT SERIES.
FRIDAY, 30 JANUARY 2009.

SORRENTO 2
(C Hughes 68, T Harnwell 73)

v

ECU JOONDALUP 0

HT: 0-0

Sorrento (4-3-3): 1 N Young, 3 S Banks, 13 S McDonald, 2 D Cain, 6 D Platten, 18 G Thomas, 22 S Porter, 8 B Martin (11 L Flatt 84), 30 G Collins (16 L Harman 84), 9 T Harnwell, 12 C Hughes (25 S Woodward 84). Subs not used: 54 M Lawson, 17 D McNally. Cautions: Nil.

ECU Joondalup (4-3-3): 1 B Korama, 6 Z Vrteski, 5 D Quinncroft, 8 S Blackmore, 3 A Jones, 4 J Clisby, 15 D Broxton, 10 J Higgins, 13 T Amphlett, 7 T Jones, 9 I McMurray (16 J Cann 84). Subs not used: 2 J Walasley, 11 M Donlevy, 14 M Tebgutt, 12 J Genson-Cooper. Cautions: S Blackmore.

Referee: Stephen Gregory

“SORRENTO GULLS GET GOOD START ”

Sorrento Gulls secured a victory against northern rivals, ECU Joondalup in the opening fixture of Football West’s 2009 Night Series at E & D Litis Stadium on the evening of Friday, 30 January. The Gulls winning 2-0 with just a bit more composure in the final third of the field.

The Gulls gave starting debuts to their new signings in Ciaran Hughes, Garin Collins & Daryl Platten as Michael Ord, Stuart Montgomery & Shaun Kilkelly being under match suspensions, which carried over from 2008.

An even opening period with neither keeper threatened unduly, but with plenty of activity as both set of players looked positive. The Gulls just shaded possession whereas ECU Joondalup had more attempts at goal, but all shoots were either wide of the target or comfortably handled by keepers, Neil Young and Bobson Korama of Sorrento & Joondalup respectively.

The last action of the half almost produced a goal for the team in white as McMurray got to a low cross from the left, but he poked onto the Sorrento cross bar and the rebound was cleared by the Gulls defense. Enough entertainment to keep the supporters eager for the 2nd half.

And so it was that the action continued after the break. Both coaches wouldn’t have been happy with the amount of loss of possession, but it made exciting expectation. As the half progress the Gulls seemingly were looking the more likely to score.

However, it wasn’t until the 68th minute that the game had its first goal and it came to the Gulls from an unexpected source. Joondalup’s central defender Scott Blackmore angled a strong pass back to his keeper, Bobson Korama. Korama miskicked his attempted first time clearance with the outside of his right foot causing the ball to travel directly to Ciaran Highes of the Gulls. Hughes from just inside the area promptly dispatched the ball into the unguarded net much to Korama’s embarrassment.

Five minutes later the Gulls doubled their lead. Danny Cain crossed high into the penalty area where Ciaran Hughes out jumped his marker to head down and across Korama. The ball struck the foot of the left post and rebound outwards to Gull’s Captain Todd Harnwell who fired truly pass Korama’s left to put the ball inside the right post.

On 84 minutes Coach, Steve Neville introduced 3 fresh players into the Gull’s line up to ensure the Gulls had momentum to secure the 3 points.

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Danny Cain

Sorrento’s are continuing their junior registrations for 8 to 18 year olds players on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm throughout February and March at their club premises, Beddi Road, Duncraig.

Sorrento’s next Football West match against Swan on Saturday, 7th February at E&D Litis Stadium, Britannia Road, Mt Hawthorn. Kick off is at 6.30pm.