Macleay Valley Rangers completed arguably the club's best ever year when they won a rare third consecutive first grade premiership at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium on Saturday.
Rangers won both the minor and major premiership for the third time since 2006, when they defeated Port Panthers one-nil in a match that could have gone either way.
An early strike to Sam Potter was enough for the Macleay team in the end, but the team was forced to battle tooth and nail against a Port side keen on exacting revenge for a semi final thrashing. It was end to end stuff early as first Panthers keeper Tim Grey-Thompson and then Rangers custodian Col Willis were both forced to make crucial saves. When Potter's strike found the back of the net 20 minutes in, things looked grim for Panthers, but the side regrouped.
"They played as if they were on top - possession football," Rangers coach Dean Riordan said of Panthers tactics. "That's good when you're winning, not so good if you're behind."
Rangers counter attacking style was stifled somewhat by a lack of match fitness and the heat, but they still managed to have more shots on target than their opposition and should have gone ahead just before the break when Paul Clarke was bought down in the goal square. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and up stepped defender Paul Thurlow in a bid to slot home his first goal of the season.
Coach Riordan was beside himself on the sideline, screaming at usual penalty taker Matt Johnstone to pull rank and take Thurlow's place, but his cries went unheeded. So it was Thurlow who stepped up to the plate to end his goal drought. Alas fairy tales are the stuff of legend and his shot was easily parried by the keeper. "I went off my brain at him during the break," Riordan said. "But to his credit he came back and played well in the second half."
A contentious decision just before the whistle was the talking point of the second period. With time rapidly running out for Panthers, Rangers were forced to repel wave after wave of attack. Eventually the Port side found a breakthrough, crossing the ball into the danger area where it was met by a Panthers head. The ball flew onto the cross bar and dropped straight down, before Thurlow cleared from the line. Port claimed the ball had crossed the line but the referee was having none of it and Rangers maintained the slenderest of leads.
At last the full time whistle sounded to signal the end of another season and the beginning of a new era of dominance for the Macleay club. After a sluggish start to the year, Rangers triumphed at the Champion of Champions tourney in Coffs Harbour and maintained a near perfect record in the run home to the finals. They secured top spot from Panthers and beat Port in the major semi to reach their fourth straight decider. Midfield stalwart Darren Morn was named man of the match.
The club celebrates 30 years in 2009 and, barring any retirements, will retain the majority of this season’s premiership winning side.
Rangers' junior presentation will be held at Kempsey Pool on October 17. Rangers YD1s were beaten 3-2 by Cundletown Jets in the zone championship decider played at the regional stadium prior to the premier league fixtures.
The Macleay Valley Rangers completed their Football Mid-North Coast Premier League hat-trick against the Commonwealth Bank Port Panthers at the Regional Sports Stadium on Saturday.
The defending champions secured the crown, on the back of a 1-0 result, in a match that was not without controversy.
On at least two occasions, the Panthers had a team member taken out within shooting range, only to be denied certain penalties. The second, on midfielder Troy Mountain, late in the game was a crucial decision that upset the Port Macquarie spectators and players alike.
"I'm disappointed, however that's the way it goes," Panthers coach Phil Cook admitted afterwards. "I was pleased with our effort - the boys put in for the full 90 minutes. But, we didn't play quality football. Maybe we played our grand final a week too early. Full credit to the Rangers though, they were a worthy opponent."
Both sides had chances in the opening minutes with Panthers goalkeeper Tim Grey-Thompson pulling off a brilliant save, and Macleay Valley counterpart Col Willis denying striker Brad Spokes when one-one-one.
The Rangers then converted an opportunity in the 20th minute to take a 1-0 lead.
And, despite "hanging in there", according to Cook, the Panthers could not grab the equaliser. "There were plenty of near-misses," he lamented. "Club captain Matt Ramm made a strong break to set up Dylan Baker, but his strike hit the post. That seemed to sum up our day. In the last 15-20 minutes, we put a ton of pressure on them, however the guys could not level up. If we had scored one goal, I'm sure we would've made it two."
For the Rangers, coach Dean Riordan was well pleased with his troops. "Our greatest hurdle was overcoming a lack of match fitness," he said. "We'd only played two matches in the past five weeks. I knew motivation wouldn't be a problem but the little amount of game time was a concern. The boys were tiring towards the end, however they refused to surrender - it was a real team effort that got us home."
A goal in extra time has handed Camden Haven Redbacks the Mid North Coast reserve grade football premiership over the Old Bar Barbarians.
It was another grand final heartbreak for the Barbarians, who squandered a 2-0 halftime lead to see the Redbacks score three unanswered goals in a victory typified by hard tackles and spectacular attacking raids.
A fiery opening exchange saw the Redbacks start the brighter of the two sides at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium. But the young Barbarians rolled with the knocks and dominated the midfield through the dynamic trio of Daniel Plevey, Rye Gollan and Dominic Hough.
Old Bar's wide men, Harry Bell and David Wicks, were a constant threat down the flanks and Shaun Plevey was a rock at the heart of defence as the tempo of the match reached boiling point.
It was Bell who opened the scoring for the Seasiders with a spectacular left-footed thunderbolt from 25 metres. Bell latched onto a beautifully weighted through ball and cut inside his man before unleashing an unstoppable rocket into the back of the net. It was 1-0 to Old Bar.
The Barbarians doubled their lead within 10 minutes through a calamitous piece of Camden Haven defending.
A seemingly harmless ball was left to trickle over for a goal kick when David Wicks nipped in and stole possession in the six-yard box. Wicks teed up captain Daniel Plevey who made no mistake from close range to make it 2-0.
The halftime whistle met with rapturous applause from the Old Bar faithful. Their side had put on a mesmerising first-half display and they entered the dressing sheds with one hand wrapped firmly around the trophy.
How things can change in one half of football.
The second stanza belonged solely to Camden Haven. The Redbacks re-entered the arena possessed with an unmatched hunger for the ball and were soon swarming over the Barbarians' defence. A brilliant piece of individual skill from veteran striker Al Williams handed the Redbacks an inevitable first goal.
A throw-in deep in Old Bar's half saw Williams turn his marker and surge into Old Bar's penalty area. Williams calmly slotted past onrushing keeper Jake Gilson to reduce the deficit to one, and tip the momentum firmly in favour of his side.
Williams turned architect for Camden Haven's equaliser, the robust number 12 holding the ball strongly and squaring for his onrushing midfield to take the ball into the box. The ensuing shot trickled into the bottom left corner of the Old Bar goal, and ensured the match would enter extra time.
The Redbacks only needed five minutes to seal the match. The winner came once again from that man Williams after he was put through one-on-one with keeper Jake Gilson. Williams controlled well and made no mistake to make the score 3-2 and hand his side the premiership.
Report by Mick McDonald, courtesy of Manning River Times 26th September 2008
Grand Final Preview
PORT MACQUARIE REGIONAL STADIUM
SATURDAY 27th SEPTEMBER 2008
FIRST GRADE at 2.30pm
Macleay Valley Rangers -v- Port Panthers
RES GRADE AT 12.30pm
Old Bar -v- Camden Haven
YD1 ZONE CHAMPIONSHIP at 10.30am
Macleay Valley Rangers -v- Cundletown Jets
Rangers aiming for three straight
Macleay Valley Rangers coach Dean Riordan says the greatest hurdle for his side to overcome ahead of this Saturday's grand final will be a lack of match fitness. Rangers have played just two games in the past five weeks, winning both, but they come up against an in form Panthers side intent on exacting revenge for a three-nil shellacking a fortnight ago.
"Motivation won't be a problem," Riordan said. "But the lack of match time is a concern."
A mid year resurgence saw Rangers regain the form that has made them the dominant side in the Football Mid North Coast premier league for the past three seasons and Riordan attributes that success to the emergence of a number of young stars, most notably 16 year-old Sam Walker and born again striker Sam Browne.
Both have been in scintillating form since cementing positions in the top flight and together with old heads Col Willis, Paul Clarke and Darren Morn they make a formidable outfit. While Riordan was quick to praise his stars, he also reinforced the team's ability to overcome adversity and play as a single cohesive unit.
"We've had quite a few changes this year, but everyone's clicked," he said. "We're not just relying on one player like a Ronaldinho to do all the work for us. It's a real team effort. If someone has been off song someone else has stepped up to fill the void."
Skipper Clarke along with brothers Darren and Stevie Morn will be crucial to Rangers chances of snaring a third straight premiership flag according to Riordan. The three have a wealth of grand final experience between them and control of the midfield will largely fall on their shoulders.
Livewires Sam Potter and Walker are the other two players who could do most damage in the centre of the field. Potter snared a goal in last season's decider and will be keen to do so again in 2008.
At the back Matt Johnstone returns from suspension, with Danny Debono slipping onto the bench. Johnstone will slot into the sweepers role while Rangers flanks will be protected by the ever reliable duo of Ash Dean and Paul Thurlow. The indefatigable Willis slots into goal while Browne and Andrew Potter will be the Rangers go to men up front.
Joining Debono on the bench will be leading reserve grade striker Steven Smailes, defender Ben Riddell, versatile midfielder Jarrad Smith, reserve keeper Shaun Glover and utility Josh Tynan.
Riordan said early goals would be crucial for Rangers, to be played at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium. "The longer the game goes without a goal, the more it will suit them," he said. "In saying that, the ground should suit us. It's wider than a lot of others we play on, more like Dangar St, and we should be able to use that width to our advantage, particularly with the likes of Sam Potter and Sam Walker out on the flanks."
Rangers will be hiring a bus to take supporters down for the match. It will leave the Railway Hotel at 11am on Saturday and costs $5 a head. And don't miss Rangers YD1s in action as they take on the Football Mid North Coast southern regional winners in a Champions of Champions match from 10.30am at the stadium.
The Commonwealth Bank Port Panthers are determined to send club stalwart Craig Donaldson out on a winning note in tomorrow's Football Mid-North Coast Premier League grand final at the Regional Sports Stadium.
While the 35-year-old has served a number of roles in past seasons, from coach to captain, he will line-up against the Macleay Valley Rangers in his most familiar position - fullback.
"Craig's the real quiet achiever in the side, but a vital component," Panthers coach Phil Cook told the Port News. "It would be nice for him to bow out with another premiership under his belt. In fact, a couple of other players might also take the field for the last time in Panthers' colours. So, there is plenty to play for tomorrow."
Another factor weighing heavily on the Panthers' minds is revenge, according to Cook. "The motivation is definitely there," he admitted. The boys would love to avenge last year's grand final loss. And, playing at the Regional Sports Stadium, could work in our favour too. It's a bigger ground, which will provide more width in our game."
The Panthers returned to form last weekend with a resounding drubbing of the Camden Haven Redbacks. With Brad Spokes (two), Stephen Ford, Matt Ramm and Jonathon Toombs hitting the back of the net, the side registered an impressive 5-0 triumph.
"We're looking good," Cook said. I was very pleased with the win. After being trounced by the Rangers the week before, we made a few changes and it paid off. Youngster Craig Campbell had a fantastic game. And, apart from Michael Ford, who's still injured, everyone is on deck tomorrow."
"Troy Mountain and Nick Bale return to the side, which is a major boost. Craig (Donaldson) will marshal the troops at the back, Troy (Mountain), Jonathon (Toombs) and Adam Demarkis will control the midfield and Stephen (Ford) and Lane Dekker will lead the attack. If we can give Stephen and Lance extra room, and more ball, it will certainly go a long way towards victory."
The Rangers grabbed the minor premiership by the barest of margins, and stunned the Panthers in the major semi-final, but Cook is comfortable with the 'underdog' tag this weekend.
"I guess they’re our bogey team - and that means we have nothing to lose," he explained. "All the pressure is on the Rangers. However, I don't take much notice of them as individuals - I do know that Macleay Valley is a good defensive side. We both boast strong attacks and midfields, so whoever defends best tomorrow will win."
The match kicks off at 2.30pm, after the Camden Haven v Old Bar reserve grade encounter.
Port Panthers squad:
Tim Grey-Thompson, Craig Donaldson, Jonathon Toombs, Adam Demarkis, Nathaniel Glavurdic, Troy Mountain, Matt Ramm, Craig Campbell, Stephen Ford, Brad Spokes, Lance Dekker; Josh Neville, Toby Glover, Nick Bale, Ian Morton, Luke Folley, Jordan Morris, Dylan Baker.
Old Bar will field one of the youngest sides to contest a Football Mid North Coast Premier League grand final in tomorrow's reserve grade showdown against Camden Haven at the Regional Stadium, Port Macquarie.
But coach Paul Berg doesn't see this as a liability. In fact, he is confident it will be an asset. Nine of the Old Bar squad of 15 are still in their teens with the rest in their early 20s. Berg believes this youthful exuberance will be just what is required to deliver the Barbarians their first premier league trophy in any grade.
"The pressure doesn't seem to bother them," Berg explained. "It's not like two seasons ago when we went up there as undefeated minor premiers and were beaten. These blokes seem to be taking everything in their stride and enjoying the moment."
Old Bar gained the saloon passage into the grand final by beating Camden Haven 2-1 in the major semi at Old Bar a fortnight ago. The Redbacks earned the replay by accounting for Taree 2-1 in the final last weekend. The two matches between tomorrow's sides in the competition proper were drawn.
"So obviously there's not much between us," Berg said. The first weekend of the playoffs was washed out meaning Old Bar go into the grand final with one game in three weeks. Again, Berg doesn't see this as a liability. ""We had a solid run against the first grade on Monday night and that was good preparation,'' he said. "And the break has done us good. We had a few blokes suffering with the flu but they're alright now. We don't have any fitness problems at all."
Berg believes the performances of his halves - Dominic Hough, Daniel Plevey and Rye Gollan will go a long way to deciding the match. He believes if they dominate the Barbarians will be well on their way to the title.
He also has the luxury of keeping striker Ricky Campbell on the bench. Campbell has been a frequent goal scorer in both grades this season but missed the major semi as he was under suspension.
Berg said he's happy to keep Campbell on the sideline but assures he'll play a role in the game. Berg added that Nathan Zombori up front is playing good football at the right end of the season.
Berg noted that a premiership will be a fitting end to what has been a slightly unrewarding campaign for the Barbarians this year. Old Bar's over 35s went down in the grand final while the club's first grade side made an earlier-than-expected exit when beaten in the minor semi-final.
"The club hasn't won a senior premiership for a while, so this weekend would be good," he said.
Old Bar's squad for tomorrow:
Jake Gilson, James Sommerfield, Ryan Ebling, Shaun Plevey, Alex Druce, Rye Gollan, Dominic Hough, Daniel Plevey, David Wicks, Nathan Zombori, Harry Bell, Nick Brunton, Greg Rayment, Brock Campbell, Ricky Campbell.
Stage one of Port Panthers' Operation Grand Final was accomplished at Wayne Richards Park on Saturday when Panthers defeated Camden Haven 5-0.
Stage two will take place at Port Macquarie's Regional Sports Stadium on Saturday when the 2008 Football Mid North Coast Premier League grand final pits Panthers against Macleay Valley Rangers.
It's a replay of last season's premiership decider which Rangers won 1-0 and Panthers' boss Phil Cook believes his troops are well-placed to exact revenge. The basis for that theory stems from Panthers' glorious victory in Saturday's sudden-death final.
"Macleay Valley Rangers and Camden Haven are very similar," Cook said. "They have similar backlines, are very well structured and are difficult to break down. Winning as we did on Saturday should give the boys a huge confidence boost for the grand final."
Having stumbled to a 3-0 semi-final loss to Rangers, Cook decided it was time to mix things up. With the season on the line, the coach took the bold move of changing Panthers formation against Camden Haven. It paid spectacular dividends.
While a little coy about the changes before the season decider, Cook said the transformation within his squad was sensational. "Last week seven blokes didn't turn up to play. They were there but their minds were just somewhere else. That all changed against Camden Haven."
The game could not have started in a more positive vein for Panthers as Brad Spokes tucked away the first goal before the clock ticked into double figures. Stephen Ford added another for Panthers at the 25th minute, leaving Cook a happy man going into the halftime break.
"But it wasn't finished," he said. "At 2-0 ahead it only takes one goal for them to be back in it so I was even happier when Spokes made it 3-0," Cook told the Port News yesterday. Not too far in the back of the coach's mind was the second round clash between the teams which Panthers led 3-0. The physical Redbacks roared back with three goals to claim a share of the points and it was a performance Cook did not want repeated. It wasn't.
Skipper Matt Ramm and the ever-influential Jonathan Toombes found the back of the net to launch the Panthers into their second successive grand final. Panthers' defensive structure resisted all that was thrown at it while teenage midfielder Craig Campbell was named man of the match.
With no cards or injuries from Saturday’s match, the Port Macquarie club goes into grand final week in a strong position. The return of in-form Troy Mountain for the grand final will further add to Cook's squad.
Camden Haven will have a presence on grand final day as the Redbacks tackle Old Bar in the reserve grade grand final.
Report courtesy of Port Macquarie News 16th September 2008
Finals Results/Reports
PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS SAT 13.9.08
MINOR SEMIS RES GRADE:- Taree Wildcats def MVR 4-3 on penalties after being locked at 1 all at the end of extra time.
FIRST GRADE:- Camden Haven 3 def Old Bar 2
MAJOR SEMIS RES GRADE:- Old Bar 2 def Camden Haven 1
FIRST GRADE:- MVR 3 def Panthers 0
FINAL TO BE PLAYED AT KOALA St. 20.9.08 RES GRADE at 12.30pm
Camden Haven v Taree Wildcats
FIRST GRADE at 2.30pm
Panthers vs Camden Haven
Barbarians bow out
Old Bar Barbarians first grade side crashed out of premiership contention when beaten 3-2 by Camden Haven in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League minor semi-final played at Old Bar.
In front of a 700 strong crowd the Barbarians started on fire and could have lead 2-0 after 20 minutes if not for the heroics of Camden Haven keeper Wayne Smith.
Running into a stiffening breeze, the home side then lost their way as the Redbacks looked to capitalise on their good fortune. The next 25 minutes belonged exclusively to the visitors as they pressured with long searching balls that kept the Barbarians on the back foot. Eventually the home side's defence cracked in the 26th minute when a long ball from well inside their own half found Haven’s Ryan Squires in a race with Mitchell Vane and an advancing keeper Luke Bramble. Squires won the race to the ball chipping in for a 1-0 lead.
After a series of spectacular saves by Luke Bramble, eight minutes later the visitors doubled their lead when another long speculating ball down the right saw the ball crossed and found Levi Tomasone. His initial shot was brilliantly saved only to see the ball spiral into the air and into the net. At this stage the home were under huge pressure and playing poorly however they managed to repel the attacking Redbacks.
Just five minutes before halftime the Barbarians were awarded a penalty when Daniel Ramage was bought down, however the resulting shot was disappointing and was easily saved by the keeper and the sides went to the break with the visitors leading 2-0.
Whatever was said at halftime by Barbarians coach Paul Ivers had an obvious effect from the start of the second stanza. Within five minutes Nathan Barden produced an amazing effort and when Courtney Perrin levelled the scores at 2-2 with a cracking right foot volley just five minutes later the game really came to life. Within 60 seconds of the kick off the Barbarians stole the ball and with keeper Smith advancing Braden's wide long range effort slammed into the right hand upright rebounding away.
The turning point of the game came 25 minutes into the second half. A long ball into Old Bar territory looked to be covered by Vane and Bramble. Bramble saved easily from an oncoming Haven player only to see the referee award an indirect free kick for an alleged shepherd, a decision that stunned even the most ardent Camden Haven supporters.
From the resulting short range shot, Bramble once again made a great save only to see the ball ricochet off the post into the path a Camden Haven player for them to lead 3-2.
The next 20 minutes was typical semi final football as both sides traded blows with the Barbarians having a series of well directed corners saved off the line with desperate defence. A free kick was awarded to the Barbarians with just five minutes remaining with Ramage's resulting effort cannoning off the junction of the cross bar and upright and rebounding away. At full time, with just one minute injury time played, the Redbacks celebrated a fine 3-2 victory.
Taree scored a stunning 4-3 penalty shootout win to upset Macleay Valley in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League minor semi-final played at Kempsey. This is the first time the Wildcats have defeated Macleay this season.
The game was a real marathon after the scores were locked at 1-1 at fulltime. The teams played two 10 minute periods of golden goal extra time before the penalty shoot out was applied with the scores still tied.
Taree captain Adam Ferris won the toss and elected to take the first of the five penalty kicks, which he converted.
Rangers scored the next and keeper Josh Ferris then scored Taree's second. Dean Wilkinson made it three for Taree before Josh Ferris saved the Kempsey shot and this put the pressure on Rangers with the score at 3-2. Jackson Witts scored Taree's fourth.
Rangers had a chance to again level the score but their last player hit the shot wide and Taree lived to advance into next weekend's final against Camden Haven.
Earlier the match was a real arm wrestle played in heat wave conditions. Several shots early were saved by both keepers but Taree slowly started to dominate field position and Josh Alley made a great run down the right wing, beating two defenders but his shot went wide.
Alley missed another a minute later with the keeper well beaten. Taree received a corner on the left with Witts hitting the cross bar and the ball rebounded just wide. Macleay then took play downfield and this resulted in Taree giving away a soft corner.
Keeper Ferris made a great save only for Macleay to receive another corner. Taree failed to clear and the Kempsey striker scored from close range to give the home side a 1-0 lead. Taree again had several shots at goal before halftime but poor finishing proved costly.
The second half started with Taree again dominating play but again couldn't get the much needed goal. In the 60th minute Jesse Gould was fouled in the Macleay penalty box resulting in a direct penalty which Wilkinson calmly placed in the right hand corner.
From here both sides threw everything at each other in an attempt to break the deadlock although neither side was successful. Taree's best were the Ferris brothers, Adam and Josh, Paul Martin, Rhys Christensen and Peter Crossman.
Taree now meets Camden Haven in the final next Saturday.
The Settlers Inn Port United first graders travelled to Kempsey on Saturday to take on Football Mid-North Coast Premier League pacesetters Macleay Valley Rangers in a match that could determine their semi-final chances. United required a win but was in the unfortunate position of also relying on other results to go its way.
With a 'nothing to lose' attitude, the local outfit displayed their best football of the year, outplaying the Rangers for much of the encounter - and was unlucky to only come away with a point from a 1-all draw.
The Macleay Valley keeper was the star of the day, making several finger tips saves that denied United the victory. Coach Greg Baldwin was disappointed not to get the points after dominating the Rangers for most of the match.
"Wouldn't you know it, we finally get a lot of shots on target and you get a goalie like that stopping everything," he said. "Although we didn't get the result we wanted, it was a pleasing effort and the guys realised they can more than match the leading teams in this league. If only they had played like that every week, we'd be in a much better position at this point of the season."
United elected to run with a strong wind at their back in the first stanza and spent a lot of time in the Macleay Valley half with a number of early chances being created. Tom Adams found himself in space early in game but his shot sailed wide. Only minutes later, Earl Hicks forced the first MVR save and then a Tim Yule cross evaded everyone. A great passing interchange move down the right flank between Ben Mailer and Yule saw a cross put into Adams, who brought another save from the keeper.
The Rangers seemed content to sit back and put numbers behind the ball and hit United on quick counter-attacks. This tactic worked for them when, at the 35-minute mark and against the run of play, a through ball was misjudged. In the resulting race for the ball, a Rangers striker managed to chip the United goalie.
Matt Baldwin had the ball on a string and was a constant danger to Macleay Valley, beating his marker regularly and getting shots on goal or playing others in. Five minutes into the second half, a Mailer bicycle kick caused another save.
But, soon after, United was finally rewarded when the Rangers' goalie made his one mistake and was unable to control a hard shot from Mailer, which Baldwin followed up and banged in to level the score at 1-all.
Even into the strong wind, United continued to have the bulk of possession and had Macleay Valley on the back foot for long periods. A Matt Lacey cross to Adams brought out another fingertip save.
All players put in and left no effort on the field with Baldwin deservedly the player of the match for United. United now plays for pride as they take on Taree in their last match of the season this weekend.
Report courtesy of Port Macquarie News 28th August 2008
Saints capture Wildcats
The Port Saints are still a chance to contest this year's Football Mid-North Coast Premier League play-offs following the side's 4-1 win over Taree Wildcats on Saturday.
There was a lone change to the local outfit, with Nathan Attard being suspended for one match after receiving two yellow cards, and the subsequent red, in the previous round. This forced a structural reshuffle with regular striker Sam Taylor dropping back to the right wing - and, in an unexpected move, the promotion of reserve grade defender Edward Gillroy to striker.
With barely 10 minutes on the clock, Saints' Jarrod Hartman beat the keeper, only to be denied by the up right. However, the deflection fell to the feet of Gillroy, who blasted it into the back of the net to give the visitors an early 1-0 advantage.
The Saints had multiple chances throughout the half, courtesy of James Alexander, Matt Williams, Sam Taylor and Gillroy. Despite that, the sides went to the break without a change in the score.
The second period unleashed a revitalised Taree unit, who managed to find space in attack and levelled up at 1-all. The Wildcats continued their assault and, on multiple occasions, found them selves with potential shot opportunities. These were countered, however, by fullbacks David Bruce, Trent Harrison and Craig Woodcock as well as keeper Terrance Stafford, who diffused several dangerous through balls.
The Saints lifted another gear and began to dominate their southern counterparts. Peter Goonan and Alexander made strong runs and delivered balls to the attack but the front men were unable to capitalise on this supply of quality possession.
The next goal was an end-to-end affair. A long clearing kick by Stafford skimmed off a Taree defender and into the path of Williams, who was able to chip the ball into the net. This marked the end for the Wildcats with the Saints delivering quality ball to their wingers and strikers.
When a Williams cross found Hartman in front, only for him to be taken down in a heavy challenge, the Saints were in the box seat to take an important two-goal lead. The free kick failed to find its mark, but the resulting goal mouth scramble allowed Gillroy to swoop in and poach an unlikely second.
The encounter was rounded out minutes later when a high ball was punched into the face of Williams by the keeper, only for the deflection to hit the back of the net for a 4-1 victory.
Man of the match for Saints was the unlikely source of two of their goals, Gillroy.
The Saints were scheduled to play host to Old Bar in the final round this weekend but a forced swap in venue will see them travel south again.
Report courtesy of Port Macquarie News 13th August 2008
Local derby deadlock
Port United and the Andrew Miedecke Motors-sponsored Port Saints fought out a 2-2 draw in the Football Mid-North Coast Premier League on Saturday.
In a result that saw both teams pick up a point which may yet prove crucial in the race for the top four, United twice took the lead but couldn't hold on against a determined Saints outfit.
The home side were gifted their opener on 19 minutes, with Saints penalised for handball in the penalty area. Goalkeeper Terrance Stafford dived the right way from the resulting spot-kick, but couldn't get his hand on the ball as United went 1-0 ahead. It was no more than United deserved after having two earlier efforts on goal, with Tim Yule chipping over Stafford and Tom Adams firing just wide of the mark.
United coach Greg Baldwin was disappointed, however philosophical about the result. "We only have ourselves to blame, but it has been our problem all year not putting away chances," he lamented. "You would have thought they were playing a different sport with the number of shots going high."
The Saints hit back within two minutes as Jared Hartman produced a wonderful finish, chipping the ball over the stranded United keeper to level things at 1-1 in some style.
Both sides again exchanged missed chances, United nearly capitalising on a poor Stafford clearance before Hartman smacked a wonderful left-foot effort just inches over. Yule went close on the 23rd minute, followed by two uncharacteristic misses from Ben Mailer, one of which saw him skilfully bring a long ball onto his foot, tap inside the goalie but then somehow manage to put it high. Yule was delivering some excellent balls from the right flank, one finding a charging Michael Kruettgen but he too put it over the top instead of into the open goal.
Ten minutes into the second half United again took the lead, with Craig Woodcock being dispossessed on the left by a United player. From there it was clinical, with both Yule's resulting cross and Mailer's thumping headed finish out of the top drawer.
Again the Saints hit back though, and it took just seven minutes for James Alexander to turn well after receiving a throw-in, and then slotting the ball home for a fine finish. In the context of such a hard-fought game however, Alexander's goal all seemed rather too easy.
The teams tried hard to grab a winner, with United having the better of the chances. With eight minutes remaining, it looked like the hosts would grab the winner only for Nathan Attard to clear the danger right on the goal-line. In the end, the sides had to settle for a point, with Saints maintaining a good run of recent form going into Saturday's home clash with high-flying Macleay Valley Rangers.
While still mathematically possible to make the final four, United must now rely on unlikely other results going their way and win their remaining two matches.
"It was a very frustrating game," Baldwin admitted. "To see so many chances squandered with our season on the line and then concede the two goals the way we did, it was a very sombre dressing room afterwards. Our stats showed nine clear misses from in front of goal, but the scoreboard shows a different result and that is all that matters."
Port Saints played itself back into Football Mid-North Coast Premier League play-off contention with a thumping 7-1 win over the Wauchope Axemen on Saturday.
The Saints, coming off the bye, were also hoping to carry the form on from their 6-0 victory over Great Lakes in round 13. Due to their weekend triumph, the side is now just two points behind the fourth-placed Camden Haven Redbacks.
The Saints were at full strength for only the second time in 2008, while Wauchope missed a few first graders. And, even though the opening 10 minuets went by without a goal, the Saints looked to have the wood on their opposition. They closed down their rivals quickly and played the ball around with confidence and precision.
The Saints landed the initial blow when a Sam Taylor header was followed through by Jared Hartman and he scored with a fairly simple shot. An attacking raid down the eastern sideline by Trent Harrison ended in a cross to the far post. Matt Williams was then able to show amazing strength in the air to get over the top of a Wauchope defender for a 2-0 lead.
With the beginning of the second half came more of the same but with better finishing. The Saints looked the goods and managed to put another five goals in the back of the net, not to mention Nathan Attard's own goal.
Williams went on to score another two, taking his tally to seven, in the past two games. Hartman grabbed another from a powerful half volley and James Alexander netted two.
It was a strong showing by the Saints' attack but even the scoreline failed to represent the true number of real chances they had, with two shots going agonizingly close over the top bar, a one-on-one chance bombed from directly in front and an open goal missed. Wauchope could only keep fighting and hope for a change of fortune, a change that never eventuated.
The match ended 7-1 and will stand as a warning for any teams set to face the Saints in the upcoming rounds, as their form continues to improve.
There are no matches in the Premier League this weekend but the Saints' next assignment is at Dixie Park against local rivals Port United on August 9.
Report courtesy of Port Macquarie News 31st July 2008
United keeps hopes alive
The Settlers Inn Port United first grade outfit kept its faint Football Mid-North Coast Premier League semi-final chances alive with a strong second half performance against the Great Lakes Vikings on Saturday.
The hosts recorded a decisive 3-1 victory at Dixie Park.
United welcomed back Michael Kruttgen from a few weeks suspension and had, for the first time in several matches, an injury-free squad.
The game was fairly balanced for the opening half hour with both teams having a couple of scoring chances, with Alex Gillespie (11th minute) and Earl Hicks (25th) forcing the Lakes keeper to make desperation saves. However, an unfortunate hand ball decision allowed the Vikings to take a 1-0 lead from a penalty. Despite keeper Nathan Attwells diving the right way and getting his hand to the ball, he was unable to deflect it away.
The goal spurred United into action and they began to keep possession and open up the Great Lakes defence.
From the second half whistle, the home side took control of the game with the ball spending much of the time at the Vikings' end of the field. The introduction of Tim Yule paid dividends as United continually stretched Great Lakes and had them under pressure with a number of shots whizzing wide of the mark or off the crossbar.
It wasn't until defender Tony Raymond decided to show the forwards how to do it, when he hit a long-range shot from the just outside the centre circle that lobbed the goalie to put United on level terms at 1-all. Debate will rage for some time as to the true intention of Raymond's shot but he has already claimed it as the goal of the year.
United completely dominated the game from then on and had the Lakes defence on the back foot. Yule whipped in a perfect cross for a charging Gillespie to meet with a glancing header to give United the lead 2-1. United's third goal came when replacement Adam Woonton was hacked down in the box and had to be carried off. Matt Lacey put the ensuing penalty away and the result beyond doubt.
Coach Greg Baldwin was pleased with the way the team remained composed after going down a goal - and kept to the game plan. "The best thing for me was they didn't fall into the trap of playing panic catch-up football," he said. "Instead, they kept their composure and maintained possession for long periods and built the play up. I think our goalie was hardly called upon in the second half."
Tom Adams gave his usual strong performance and he was well supported by Damian Cross and Gillespie.
Report courtesy of Port Macquarie News 23rd July 2008
Barbarians at their best
In what coach Paul Ivers has described as 'probably one of the better games' and 'the best 45 minutes of team football' from his side this year, Old Bar Barbarians first grade premier league side completely blew apart Camden Haven with a destructive 4-0 victory in Laurieton.
Those who witnessed the previous week's lacklustre performance against Taree could easily have been excused for thinking that another side had taken the park. The Barbarians came out full of energy and determine to silence what can be the most parochial home crowd in the league, and they did it with style.
Not for the first time this year, Daniel Ramage opened the scoring following a magical ball from youngster Reyne Black. Black faked a turn to the left in the box mesmerising the Redbacks' defence before delivering off to Ramage, who as has been the case for most of the year made no mistake for a 1-0 lead. Minutes later the Barbarians charged forward again and a cross from the right caught the home defence in two minds again resulting in an own goal and a 2-0 lead.
As coach Ivers put it, "if they hadn't scored it, we had three guys waiting who would have."
The lead of two looked to be headed for three when the Barbarians were awarded a penalty, however this was brilliantly saved by the keeper. But he didn't have to wait long before being in the action again when the ultra consistent Nathan Barden was end the end of some great team play and put Seasiders up 3-0 approaching the break.
The Redbacks had chances of their own early however stout defence and, also not for the first time this year, keeper Luke Bramble was outstanding between the sticks.
The second half was more of a dogfight as the home battled to repel numerous Barbarian raids, however half way through, young forward Ricky Campbell who had replaced the injured Chris Moore, made a searching run into Redbacks territory and was rewarded with a sensational goal that stunned the home side and produced a 4-0 lead, and ultimate victory for the Barbarians.
Ivers was a beaming sight after the performance. "We played some really good football today in one of our better performances. I thought our midfield paved the way with a dominant performance," he said. "It's really hard to come up here (Laurieton) with their crowd and atmosphere, but we lifted big time today and I can't think of one player who didn’t do their job."
In a superb performance, Club Old Bar players' player went to Reyne Black.
- Report courtesy of the Manning River Times 17th July 2008
Panthers plunder Premier League points
This second round local Saturday's Football Mid-North Coast Premier League clash was a vastly different affair to the scoreless first round draw.
Panthers didn't take long in getting their passing game together moving the ball across their back line and finding midfield support and linking up with Steven Ford and Lance Dekker up front who immediately started causing problems for the United defence.
Panthers made a number of chances in the opening 20 minutes and were starting to control the tempo of the game. At the 25 minute mark Craig Donaldson provided a perfect through-ball for Ford. His shot hit the post but Dekker finished off to put Panthers ahead 1-0.
Panthers' dominance began to tell as just three minutes later a move down the left flank produced results.
Donaldson linked with Mathew Ramm to find Ford who then played a perfect ball to an unmarked Dekker who clinically finished off to put the Panthers ahead 2-0. Dekker was unlucky not to have his third after some more great team play five minutes later only to see his shot saved with a great dive up in the top right hand side of the goal by the United goalkeeper.
United pushed forward in the first 15 minutes of the second term but the Panthers absorbed the pressure and moved on the counter attack when the opportunity arrived. Panthers were awarded a free kick 65 minutes into the game, 30 metres out to the right of the United goal mouth. It was left to Dekker to curl the ball around the keeper and find the inside of the far post for Panthers to extend their advanatge.
Panthers' wide midfield players, Dylan Baker and Nathaniel Glavurdic, worked hard down the flanks all game.
Ten minutes from time Troy Mountain found Donaldson who set up a neat header for Ford to finish the scoring.
"I couldn't be happier we went out there today to play our game and not get caught up with the physical side of things," the Commonwealth Bank-sponsored Panthers' coach Phil Cook said. "The guys delivered in all aspects. Our passing game, while at times was not all quality, was allowing us to control the tempo. We had support all over the park so our movement off the ball is getting better, the guys are really starting to gel as a team."
Cook said the centre midfield of Toombs, Demarkis and Mountain played strongly as did Ford and Dekker up front. "Our back three of Donalson, Ramm and Michael Ford set the platform in a dominant display for a great win," the coach said.
The Panthers face Taree at home on Saturday.
Report courtesy of Port Macquarie News 17th July 2008
Barbarians secure semi-final spot
Old Bar Barbarians first grade football side all but cemented a place in the Football Mid North Coast semi finals when they easily accounted for Taree 2-0 at a breezy Old Bar Reserve.
Following the weekend's results the Barbarians sit in third position, seven points ahead of the fourth placed Camden Haven. Taree is out of the semi-final equation.
The Barbarians were never really troubled and should have opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Courtney Perrin put Mitchell Vane into a yawning gap however Ryan Thompson produced a great save to deny the opening score of the match. However, just five minutes later, a deft ball from Barbarians' skipper Nathan Towle put Daniel Ramage in the clear. His thumping volley was almost well saved again by Thompson, but such was the force of the shot that the ball made it to the back of the net for the Barbarians to lead 1-0.
The home side continued to pressure the Wildcats with good ball security and some enterprising football that frustrated Taree. That frustration led to a mistake from Taree's defence when Perrin, who had just returned from a month on the sideline with injury, stalked his way into the 18 yard box. Sensing the pending danger Ben Sedlen took down Perrin and the referee had no choice but to point to the penalty spot. Nathan Towle calmly slotted the goal for the Barbarians to lead 2-0. Earlier Taree was awarded a free kick but Justin Atkins was denied a goal after a great save by keeper Luke Bramble.
The only danger the Barbarians encountered in the first half was a series of corners, and with a brisk north east breeze at their back the home side had to hold off three instances of near misses, but great goal keeping by Bramble held them at bay. Just on halftime further pressure from the Seasiders resulted in an open goal opportunity that once again went begging as the match official ended the first half.
The second half saw the home side start brightly again, however it was soon evident that controlling the ball in difficult seaside conditions was going to be a tough assignment for both sides. To their credit Taree fought well however were repelled by some stout defence, a pleasing factor of the Barbarians play in the second term. The only real chance came for Taree in the closing stages when they were awarded a free kick 20 metres from goal.
Troy Moderno, recognised as one of the best set piece exponents stepped up, however once again Bramble, who has really been in superb form for the Barbarians, was equally up to the task with a great save. When the referee finally called full time the home side had prevailed with a 2-0 victory.
Old Bar coach Paul Ivers, once again, was well relieved to take the three points, "Our games against Taree are always tough, no matter where they are placed on the ladder, or how they are playing, they always lift against us, that's why it's nice to come away with a win," he said. "Last week (against Macleay Valley) wasn't as bad a result as it seemed on paper and I was always confident that we would bounce back today. They were tough conditions for football.
We had some fine performers for us today. I thought Nathan Towle was outstanding along with Reyne Black, Courtney (Perrin) and Luke (Bramble). The zero score line against us was also another pleasing factor."
The Saltwater Wine player of the match, in a great return went to Courtney Perrin. James Thomas was Taree's man of the match while he was well supported by Brad Thompson, Modderno and Andrew Horsefield.
The Barbarians now take on Camden Haven next Saturday in Laurieton. This game is a round 14 match that has been rescheduled from August 2 due to the A-League fixture between Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victory at Port Regional Stadium.
- Report courtesy of the Manning River Times 3rd July 2008
Second half blitz for Bar
Old Bar Barbarians first grade side continued their recent good form with dominant yet frustrating 5-3 win over Port United in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League at a soft and sticky Old Bar Reserve last Saturday.
The win was on the back of a four goal haul by the talented Mitchell "Cub" Vane, who recovered sensationally from a vicious head butt he received from United's number 11 who was sent off five minutes before half time.
The game was played in two distinct halves, the first 45 minutes a tight affair with both sides having limited opportunities, with the Barbarians probably having more than the visitors. However United forced the Barbarians 'keeper Luke Bramble to make two brilliant saves that kept the score line even.
Already without the injured midfielder Courtney Perrin, 15 minutes into the game the Barbarians lost their other mainstay in skipper Steve Atchison to what looks to be a serious knee injury. This forced a reshuffle with Daniel Ramage moving into the midfield with Atchison replaced by David Wicks.
The second half saw a very open affair with Vane scoring the first of his four goals when he sliced through Port United's defence just three minutes in to put the home side ahead 1-0. When he did the same 10 minutes later to make it 2-0 the home side looked to be cruising to victory.
However within 40 seconds of the kick off while the Barbarians seemed to be still celebrating, the 10 man United, who never seem to say die, pulled a goal back through Tony Adams to make it 2-1.
Seven minutes later, after several near misses against them, the visitors drew level when a shot from Ben Mailer scraped over the line and all of a sudden it was 2-2 and United were looking good.
Urged on by a parochial home crowd, Vane bagged his third goal just three minutes later after some great lead up work from Daniel Ramage put him in the clear for a 3-2 lead. This was extended to a 4-2 lead four minutes later when a corner was flicked on and once again Vane was on the spot with a crisp header that thundered into the back of the net and when Nathan Barden crunched home for his weekly goal with just eight minutes remaining the Barbarians extended to 5-2.
But once gain, straight from the kick off United pulled another goal back through Matt Lacey to make it 5-3.
Barbarians coach Paul Ivers was relieved after the game. "United play a spirited brand of football and always trouble us," Ivers said. "It's good to come away with the three points."
Asked to comment on his side's defence he noted: "I suppose it's a bit of a worrying trend, we tend to let teams back into the contest once we have them on the ropes, but all we can do is keep scoring more goals than them and keep winning".
The Saltwater Wine player of the day award went to the obvious choice in Mitchell Vane in probably his best performance for the Barbarians.
Next Saturday the Barbarians travel to Kempsey to take on Macleay Valley Rangers.
- Report courtesy of the Manning River Times 3rd July 2008
Rangers too good for shuffled Wildcats
Taree Wildcats first grade football side went down two-nil to the recently crowned North Coast Premier League champion of champions, Macleay Valley Rangers on a heavy surface at Omaru Park on Saturday.
Taree had to reshuffle their team before kick off with Josh Ferris unable to take his position due to injury. This resulted in Justin Atkins dropping back into the mid field, which seemed to unsettle Taree early.
Rangers looked very sharp on the ball and in the 16th minute they scored from a mix up at the back to take the lead one nil. From here they had several more chances but were denied by strong defence and there was no change to the score at half time.
The Wildcats were very positive in the dressing sheds during the break and felt they could get back in the game, Taree started the second half better than Macleay and were unlucky not to score in the 68th minute but from here Macleay swept down field on the right with a cross which saw the left half head into the net to take a two nil lead.
This lifted the Wildcats and they dominated field position, which resulted in several free kicks only to see the Rangers 'keeper save on each occasion. Troy Modderno blasted a free kick across the face of goals with the 'keeper beaten only to see it just go wide.
The last two weeks have seen the Wildcats game improve but they just can't seem to find the back of the net. James Thomas received the man of the match, well supported by Ben Sedlen, Andrew Horsefield and Troy Modderno, who never stopped trying.
Taree reserves also went down two nil to Macleay with both goals being scored in the second half. Again Taree had plenty of chances but couldn't put them away.
Man of the match Paul Martin never gave up trying with Adam Lydiatte, Mark Mahalium and Adam Ferris playing strongly.
- Report courtesy of the Manning River Times 3rd July 2008
Saints miss golden opportunity
The Camden Haven Redbacks got their Football Mid-North Coast Premier League campaign back on track on Saturday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Port Saints.
The Saints started strongly with midfielders Matt Williams, Simon Hitchcock, James Alexander and Edward Gillroy looking dangerous in broken play. The team's first real chance came off a free kick that was placed perfectly on the edge of the six-yard box for what should have been a Gillroy header. But the Camden Haven goalkeeper rushed out and punched the ball clear.
The Saints continued to attack the Redbacks goal with Williams putting a shot just wide. The Redbacks appeared sharp every time they went wide but the cover defence of David Bruce was consistent and effective, continually defusing the threat.
Camden Haven took the lead midway through the opening half when a break down the line led to a cross that found the head of a diving attacker. It proved impossible for 'keeper Terrance Stafford to save. A free kick for Camden Haven, in a dangerous position, resulted in another goal. Saints' 'keeper Stafford was exposed slightly out of position and the pin-point shot found the top corner and put the Redbacks 2-0 up in the second half.
The Saints refused to give in and the inclusion of Sam Trembath in the midfield gave them much-needed speed in the centre of the park. With continual assaults on goal the Saints became frustrated and it showed in their inability to finish their chances.
Finally, after dozens of attempts, the visitors got on the scoreboard, courtesy of Alexander and a display of aerobatic excellence, performing a perfect bicycle kick off a deflected cross and putting the Saints back in the game.
Unfortunately for the Saints, just minutes before the final whistle, a sickening incident marred the game and resulted in a hospitalisation. During a shoulder-to-shoulder tackle between Alexander and a Camden Haven player, the young Saint received an elbow to the face. The foul was pulled up instantly and the Redback offender red-carded appropriately.
But, the concern was for Alexander, who stayed down in pain. An ambulance was called and took Alexander to hospital where X-rays were taken. Suffering severe concussion, the player remained there for observation.
The Saints play host to competition powerhouse and local rival Port Panthers at Findlay Park this weekend, with reserve grade kicking off at 1.15pm and first grade at 3pm.
Report courtesy of Port Macquarie News 3rd July 2008
Panthers continue good form
The Commonwealth Bank Port Panthers built on their performance, after last weekend's 7-1 win against Great Lakes, with a dominating 4-0 victory over the Wauchope Axemen on Saturday.
The Football Mid-North Coast front-runners are starting to gel and looking to support and provide options in attack. The Panthers made numerous chances in the opening 15 minutes but could not find the back of the net until Troy Mountain worked the ball into the Wauchope defensive area. Unfortunately Mountain was fouled in the box, but this allowed Jonathan Toombs to score the opening goal from the penalty spot.
Nathaniel Glavurdic opened up Wauchope, down the right-hand flank on the 30-minute mark, with some great one-two passes. The ball was then crossed to Toombs, who drove in a second goal from 20m out.
"It was one of the best I've seen this season, with great build up and no less than six players being involved - starting from the backline," Panthers coach Phil Cook said.
"Our defence, with Brad Spokes, Matt Ramm and led by Craig Donaldson, maintained control and provided great ball for our midfield and strikers in setting up our attacking moves all game. We lost Spokes due to injury early in the second half and young Matt Bale came on and did a fantastic job. My man of the match, Adam Demarkis, had a great game in the midfield, winning a lot of ball and setting up counter attacks. He was rewarded in the second half with a great goal, driving the ball into the corner from outside the penalty box, which left the Wauchope keeper stranded."
Demarkis was well-supported by Mountain and Toombs. Toombs, in search of a hat-trick, tested the Panthers crowd out behind goals with a number of blistering shots going wide or over the top of the Wauchope goal mouth.
"Our strikers Lance Dekker and Steven Ford created problems for the Axemen all day," Cook said. "In fact, Lance grabbed the fourth goal to seal a dominating win. It was great to see the guys stick to their game plan in the second half and finish off the job. We dominated for big parts of the match, however failed to put away a lot of chances. But, I have to be pleased with the way we moved the ball around. Our passing game and support play was great."
"And, this was made easier with Toombs, Mountain and Demarkis controlling the middle of the park. I was also happy with the young guys who came on during the second half. Matt (Bale), Dylan Baker and Jordan Morris, all only 16 years old, did everything asked of them."
Report courtesy of Port Macquarie News 26th June 2008
United pleased with the points
Port United's Football Mid-North Coast Premier League teams were pleased to take the points in both first and reserve grade against the Taree Wildcats on Saturday.
The matches were scheduled to be played at Taree but the ground was closed due to the earlier wet weather.
Fortunately, the two clubs negotiated a relocation to Dixie Park to avoid a mid-week catch-up game.
United won the first grade encounter 4-2 with the opening 60 minutes being their best performance for the year.
A couple of new faces and positional changes were introduced as the side searched for a much-needed victory.
The showdown was only four minutes old when United took the lead. A speculator cross by Ben Mailer, from the left touchline, sailed over the top of the goalie.
United started to control the play well, keeping possession and building up play. Up front Michael Kluttegen and Matt Denham made the most of their new roles while Tom Adams relished the space out wide, constantly having Taree under pressure as several close chances went begging.
At the 21-minute mark, Taree was awarded a corner from which they were able to level the score at 1-all against the run of play. United continued to create chances and Tim Yule was able to beat two defenders, where he put an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to restore a well-deserved 2-1 lead.
At the break, the team was confident of victory. Matt Baldwin, having his best game since joining the first grade ranks, made a great run in behind the defence to neatly place the ball into the far netting to give United a two-goal cushion. He was unlucky not to score again a little later when a powerful shot across the goal just missed.
Up until the 70th minute, United looked like running away with the match but Taree bounced back when the home side was caught on the counter-attack to reduce the margin to one. The United supporters and coach were dreading the usual drop off of intensity as Nathan Attwells made a couple of crucial saves.
But, they were relieved when Kluttegen was brought down in the box, with five minutes remaining, which saw Matt Lacey calmly score from the penalty spot to wrap up the encounter.
Coach Greg Baldwin was pleased with a much-improved effort that saw less panic soccer and good build up.
Best for United were Mailer, Baldwin, Adams and Tony Raymond.
The win keeps United just one point out of the top four and has provided the players some confidence going into the next game against second-placed Old Bar Barbarians.
Report courtesy of Port Macquarie News 26th June 2008
Panthers hammer Vikings
The Commonwealth Bank Port Panthers resumed their Football Mid-North Coast Premier League campaign in style with a dominant 7-1 win over the Great Lakes Vikings at Wayne Richards Park on Saturday.
The hero of the day was striker Steven Ford, who bagged four goals.
The Panthers started strong and dominated play from the whistle, creating a number of chances in the first 15 minutes with Ford and Dylan Williams shooting wide. Ford soon found his mark, knocking in two quick goals from some great build-up play through the midfield.
However, a forced change in the backline, with Michael Ford leaving the park with a knee injury, allowed Brad Spokes to come into the game. The Panthers continued to control the midfield with Adam Demarkis, Jonathan Toombs and Troy Mountain working well together. This created room for Toombs to have a number of long shots from outside the 18 yard area.
A goal from Williams then gave the Panthers a handy 3-0 lead at the break.
The second half resumed with the Vikings getting one back, courtesy of Darren Willis. The Panthers then turned up the heat in the remaining 30 minutes, with Ford scoring another two. Coach Phil Cook also introduced Lance Dekker into the side, after playing his first game in two years in reserve grade.
Craig Donaldson had a great game controlling the backline and provided quality ball all day for his wide players. He was rewarded with a terrific goal with a driving shot from the 18 yard line. Dekker had a solid 20 minutes too and also bagged a goal in the final 10. He will only improve as he gets more matches under his belt.
"I was really happy with the way we played after three weeks off," Cook admitted. "We came out and dominated all aspects of the game. We were patient in our build-up today and played for the full 90 minutes. It's a great result that leaves us three points clear of Macleay Valley Rangers on top of the table at the half-way mark."
Port United's Football Mid-North Coast Premier League first grade side capitulated in the final minutes to suffer a demoralising 5-0 loss to the Macleay Valley Rangers on Saturday.
Ironically, the Rangers were coming off a long weekend competition where they were crowned the best team north of Newcastle after winning the Northern Champions Cup against other 2007 premiers.
At the 83-minute mark, the score was 2-0 and United coach Greg Baldwin admitted - at that stage - that he wasn't too disappointed in the players' effort against a quality side.
But the final seven minutes turned out to be very eventful as United let in three goals to record an embarrassing defeat.
The game was played at a frantic pace and the hosts found themselves under pressure on the ball and fell into the trap of playing panic soccer and turning possession over too easily. Despite having a brilliant turn and shoot effort by Tim Yule tipped away in the opening minutes, the Rangers used the strong wind at their back to secure a 2-0 lead at the break.
United changed its formation, and a couple of positions around at half-time, and was unlucky not to get back in the game as Tom Adams just missed cleanly connecting a free header. United more than matched the Rangers for most of the second half and came close to scoring on several occasions. They worked hard to get back in the encounter but, as they pushed forward late in the match in search of a goal, the Rangers pounced on the spaces.
With only seven minutes remaining, the visitors scored again. After that, United appeared to drop their heads and watched on as the Rangers piled on two more.
The club's reserve grade fixture was a much better result for United as they toppled the current competition leaders with a 3-2 victory.
The game was only six minutes old when clever play by Adam Bruest saw United up 1-0. Soon after, a cross was met by Simon Filipek to calmly find the back of the net to double the lead. With only 15 minutes gone, a Rangers' counter-attack saw a well-placed flick beat the United goalie to put them back in the match.
United, again, took a two-goal margin when Matthew Broderick found space and easily beat the Rangers' number one. However, United surrendered its comfortable lead, conceding a goal to a corner right on half-time.
Despite no more goals being scored in the second period, United always looked comfortable in defence and recorded a well-deserved three points. Best for United were Bryson Thomas and Cody Boylon.
Attention now turns to an away trip to Taree this weekend with first grade desperate to keep their fading semi-final chances alive.
Report by Rod Thompson, courtesy of Port Macquarie News 17th June 2008
Old Bar's scoring spree
Old Bar Barbarians first grade Football Mid North Coast Premier League side continued on their winning way with a hard fought 6-2 result over a hapless Wauchope side in the fixture played in arctic conditions at Wauchope.
The Axemen always trouble the Barbarians and this match was no different with the home side ahead 1-0 after only eight minutes when a corner was not cleared properly and a stunning 25 metre volley from the Wauchope number nine crashed into the back of the Old Bar net. Wauchope, the clear outsiders for this match, really took it to the Barbarians in the first 20 minutes and continued to pressure the defence.
Eventually though the Barbarians started to play some good football and after a series of near misses from corners, they drew level when Wauchope also failed to clear from a corner and the lanky figure of Chris Moore levelled the scores at 1-1 with a thumping right foot drive after 22 minutes. Just 12 minutes later, Daniel Ramage beat three defenders to weave his way clear and put the Seasiders ahead 2-1. The next 11 minutes saw some end to end exchanges as both sides played some entertaining football given the harsh conditions with the Barbarians going to the break with a 2-1 advantage.
That advantage only lasted 13 minutes into the second half after a disastrous mix up at the back saw Wauchope's number four beat two defenders including the keeper to bring the sides level at 2-2, with the celebrations that followed earning stern words from the match official.
Those antics actually fired up the Barbarians and their response was almost immediate except for the athletic skills of the home side's goal keeper as the Barbarians continued their attacking raids.
When Nathan Barden broke free on the right hand side after 33 minutes and beat two defenders for a 3-2 lead, the Seasiders were about to go on a scoring spree. Just four minutes later captain Steve Atchison made it 4-2 when a header from a corner thundered into the back of the net and then almost immediately, Mitchell Vane sliced through the Axemen's defence and finished brilliantly for a 5-2 lead. With just four minutes remaining Barden tormented the Axemen defence again with a 30 metre dash down the right. A slashing cross saw the ball actually cannon into a back pedalling defender for a 6-2 win to the Barbarians.
Coach Paul Ivers was satisfied with his side's performance. "I thought this was a pretty good game today considering the conditions," he said. "Wauchope play a good brand of spirited football without a lot of luck. I can honestly say we were never really comfortable until there were only 15 minutes remaining. Having said that we played some very nice football of our own and for the most part I'm quite comfortable with our performance today, taking into account that we haven't trained properly for more than two weeks."
Club Old Bar player of the match went to Mitchell Vane. The Barbarians now take on Port Saints at Old Bar Reserve next Saturday in what is the last game for round one.
- Report courtesy of the Manning River Times 17th June 2008
Late goal dents Taree's top four hopes
A goal seconds from fulltime enabled Port Saints to defeat Taree Wildcats 3-2 in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League clash at Port Macquarie.
This dents Taree's charge at the top four. It was also a game the Wildcats let slip away. They had 90 percent of the play and outshot Saints 45-6. However, Port's keeper produced a brilliant game to deny the Wildcats.
Taree opened the scoring after 20 minutes with a well controlled cross from Josh Bithrey finding Justin Atkins, who made no mistake with a well hit shot into the left hand corner. The Wildcats were unlucky not to have a second goal minutes later from Bithrey but his shot was well saved by the keeper.
Saints hit back from a corner to level the scores then took a 2-1 lead from a goalmouth scramble. This was the halftime score.
The Wildcats looked in control in the second half but were continually denied by some great goalkeeping.
In the 66th minute Dean Wilkins headed home from a corner to make it 2-2. Taree was dominating field position and Josh Ferris looked to have given Taree the lead only to see the ball cleared from the line. A second shot was also cleared.
With a minute remaining Port received a free kick 30 metres out from goal and from here they chipped the ball into the penalty area to head home a winner with time virtually over.
Ferris dominated the midfield and was Taree's man of the match. He was supported by James Thomas and Ben Sedlen.
Taree's reserve grade had a 2-2 draw. The Wildcats struggled in the windy conditions. Josh Alley and Jessie Gould scored for Taree while Adam Lydiatte was the player of the match. Mitch Aitken and Alley both tried hard.
- Report courtesy of the Manning River Times 4th June 2008
Barbarians swamp Lakes
OLD Bar Barbarians first grade side continued their recent good form when they accounted for Great Lakes 4-1 in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League game played at Old Bar Reserve.
Playing their third game in seven days and following a torrid Wednesday encounter against Macleay Valley, the Barbarians were a little weary and took a while to work their way into the game against a Vikings team that were keen to test the Barbarians' metal.
Eventually though the more fancied home side began to get on top, and when captain Steve Atchison headed home from a corner the Barbarians took a 1-0 lead. The Vikings to their credit tried hard and pushed the Seasiders all day, playing some attractive football. However the Barbarians took a 1-0 advantage to the break, once again having squandered what coach Paul Ivers described as 'genuine' chances.
Ivers was keen to get to his team at halftime and, not for the first time this season, reinforce the importance of taking their chances.
This took immediate effect as straight after the break the Barbarians made inroads into the defence that saw Nathan Barden increase the lead to 2-0. Not long after though a defensive lapse allowed the Vikings to claw their way back into the game to 2-1 and once again the home side had a battle on their hands.
This seemed to lift them though and when some great play saw Daniel Ramage convert for a 3-1 lead there was a different attitude to the team. Also sensing a degree of tiredness, Ivers introduced youngsters Rye Gollan and Harry Bell into the game and their enthusiasm was evident as the Seasiders played some attractive football. This finally culminated to a 4-1 lead when another replacement, the speedy Dave Wicks finished off some good lead up work.
Ivers was generally happy with the side's performance. "It's nice to see a few goals on the board, and not many against us," he said. "We created many chances again and finally took a few. I know I've said this time after time, but in some games you might only get two or three chances and you can't afford not to convert them. We took a while to get going today but we've played some tough football in the last seven days and the upcoming break will be good for us. It was also good to see the young guys that I had on the bench perform in first grade, they are really coming along in leaps and bounds. "I also thought that Courtney Perrin was terrific again today, and not that he had much to do, but Luke Bramble was also very good."
The Saltwater Wine player of the day went to captain Steve Atchison.
The Barbarians now have a break over the long weekend before taking on Wauchope at Wauchope.
Stage one of Port Panthers' Operation Grand Final was accomplished at Wayne Richards Park on Saturday when Panthers defeated Camden Haven 5-0.
