Date Sunday 22nd May 2016
Teams Westvale SC vs Castlemaine Goldfields FC
Location Westvale / St Albans
Half time score 0 – 0
Full time score 0 – 1
League position 2nd
Report Tony Cormack
The Men were back on the road for the second consecutive week and looking to make amends for the previous weekends 2-1 loss to Trinity. Again the game was to be played in strong winds but Castlemaine were determined to keep the ball down and play their preferred passing game, mixing up attacks out wide and through middle. With the wind behind them most of the first half was played in Westvale’s half but for all of their dominance The Maine just couldn’t find a breakthrough.
A number of testing corners and free kicks were sent over from the left by Angus Doyle, but the Westvale defence protecting their shaky goalkeeper kept up the resistance, that saw them start the game with the meanest defence in the league. The break through finally looked on when Angus swung over an early diagonal cross field ball picking out Tony Cormack on the opposite wing who had lost his marker to surge towards the box looking to lay off a pass for the on running Rainer Canobie-Harris. Once again though Westvale’s defence managed a desperately frustrating block on the final ball.
A couple of late breaks and a corner from Westvale kept everyone honest at the back, but at half-time the 0-0 scoreline felt like a missed opportunity, especially with the wind beginning to get stronger ahead of the restart.
Despite now playing into the wind The Maine started the second half where they had left off taking the share of the early possession and on the 50th minute Westvale finally buckled. Jono Burris’ through ball found Mikael Alexis, who seeing the Westvale keeper rushing out from his box looked to chip the ball towards goal where the on rushing Alex Larm picked up the ball for a comfortable finish.
Far from our best when in possession, but our effort & commitment off the ball got us all 3 points – Happy days! – Senior Player Coach Jim
With the wind blowing stronger as the half progressed, it was a case of digging in and fending off Westvale as they upped their pressure and pushed players forward, hitting a number of testing crosses, looking for an equaliser. Castlemaine weren’t without their chances with a couple of late breaks seeing Mikael almost closing in on goal, the last of which forced a strong save from Westvale’s keeper that Taro Muller just couldn’t turn in at the back post.
David Richardson was fantastic leading our defence under increasing pressure timing some crucial challenges to perfection, while Joe Gingell, alongside hime, got his head under just about every high ball played in by Westvale. Having missed the previous game the squad were happy to have Jono back to boss Westvale’s entire midfield single-handedly.
Other standouts came from Aaron Shooter, playing a disciplined holding role, putting his body on the line for the team, and keeping their wingers quiet. Again last but not least, Jules Whitcroft-McGalde put in another commanding shift in goal, and with 5 minutes to go, kept out an almost certain goal, at full stretch – pushing it outside the post to secure maximum points!
The win takes the men to 10 points and 2nd on the ladder behind local rivals Kyneton on goal difference.
Next Game Home to Sydenham Park Sunday 29th 1pm – Chewton
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Scorers
Alex Larm 1
Assists
Mikael Alexis 1
