Round 16 saw us play our final away game of the season at Toros. On a windy afternoon and on a tight pitch we played well enough to record our third victory.
Going against the breeze in the first half we battled and defended well for the majority in a scrappy contest. A reinvigorated Jonathon Cook scored a splendid left foot volley after an incisive through ball by Barry Coombs in the 40th minute.
A soft free kick gave Toros the opportunity to equalise two minutes from half time after a left foot cross was headed in off the post to make it 1-1 at the break.
The second half started with Toros kicking off and us scoring within a minute, when Rob Kelly won the ball and good interchange play between Hamish Robbins and Matt Canny, led to the effervescent Robbins to chest down inside the box, and a crude tackle from behind resulted in a clear penalty. Cook confidently struck home to make it 2-1. The goal took pressure off us and allowed us to play some attractive football.
Against the run of play, a ridiculous penalty decision, gave Toros an opportunity to level but as Karma would have it, he blasted the ball over the bar.
As we continued to pressure chances fell to Coombs, who had a one on one opportunity saved by the keeper; Nick Dawes, with a well timed right foot volley which went narrowly wide; and Aaron Philips, after a magical run, struck an 18 yard drive, which again was parried to safety.
In the 70th minute our pressure payed off when a Kelly corner was attacked by Chris Reed resulting in the keeper fumbling the ball and nippy Cook pounced to delicately place his left foot volley into the top corner of the net for the senior team's first hat trick of the season.
It was relatively comfortable to the final whistle as all players were prepared to work hard to not allow the result to slip away.
Outstanding Philips was the best player on the day with some fantastic ball control combined with intelligent possession making him a constant threat; Cook, who is now our top goal scorer with eight, not only scored three goals but provided consistent pressure on the opposition all day; and Kelly, who continues to develop as a holding midfielder, was aggressive and effective.
My promise to our supporters is: we will give a passionate and committed performance every time we take the park.
See you at the game!
Reserves Report by Coach Steve Kitchin
“A Winning Streak”
Round 7 – Having suffered a disappointing loss to Noarlunga the week before, the Reserves needed to bounce back and face a tough test against Toros in round 7.
In a very tight affair we eventually got the winning goal via a superb cross from Eric Laubscher, which found Matt Brockman, who had made a perfectly timed run into the box. The header from Brockman was all class finding the top corner of the net. In a game where defences were very strong our boys showed great patience and discipline and got their just reward with a well earned three points.
Round 8 – One of our most convincing wins of the season came against Playford away in round 8 where we won 6-1. The first half in particular saw us produce some very exciting attacking play.
Tom Foglia in particular caused havoc down the left as we went in at half time 4-1 up with goals from skipper Aaron Watson, Foglia, Cameron Rovina (another away goal!) and a penalty from playmaker Sean Harris.
With the game over as a contest we went about our business in the second half very efficiently. Jordan Hibberd came on and scored two fantastically taken goals, beautifully chipping the oncoming Playford keeper, having broken the offside trap on both occasions.
The most pleasing thing having played every side once was not the fact that we went into the bye in top place, it was the fact that we have had such a great camaraderie and desire to play for each other. Apart from one disappointing half against Noarlunga we have been clearly the best team in our league, with some of the football a joy to watch.
Round 10 – Saw us up against Seaford at home. With derby games always fiercely fought we needed to be at our best. Fortunately we were very good, banging in another five goals and keeping another clean sheet (our sixth clean sheet in nine games).
A strong display from Craig Duffin on the left with Foglia saw them both score with Hibbard, Kent Ransley and super sub Jordan Watson also finding the net.
Round 11 – Long trips are always a concern as often players can give flat performances. The pleasing thing when we played Gawler away was, although we did not play at our best, we still found a way to win 3-0.
An unusual first half goal from Adam Kolar saw us lead 1-0 at half time but we were lucky to be in front. The second half was much the same with a very enthusiastic opponent frustrating us.
A great move down the left finally broke their resistance, with Jimmy Dean finishing emphatically. Super sub Watson finished the job giving us a flattering win but still a valuable three points away from home.
Round 12 – Our longest road trip produced our finest fighting win when we defeated Northern demons 2-1.
Having had Jason Angel taken to hospital, Harris strain his knee and two players sent off leaving us with nine men for the last 15 minutes, we could have been excused for giving up the game. Instead, our young group of men stood up and fought proudly for their club.
Goals from Watson and Ransley saw us take a very gutsy win. Its efforts like this that wins championships.
Played for Para Hills in 1982-83
