Green Gully Endures Heavy Defeat Against Dandenong City
Green Gully suffered a tough night on the road, falling 5-0 to Dandenong City at Green Gully Reserve. The result marks a difficult outing for David Chick’s side, who could not contain a clinical Dandenong City attack.
The match started on the back foot for Gully, with Dandenong City finding the net just six minutes in through Will Bower, who was given space at the edge of the area before driving a low shot past Thomas Favero. The early setback nearly worsened four minutes later when Jamie Latham was in a prime position, but he blazed his effort wide from close range.
Gully responded with moments of promise, as Paul Hodges linked well with Joshua Hope to create a chance in the 12th minute, but Dandenong City goalkeeper Pierce Clark was up to the task. Gianluca Iannucci came agonisingly close to equalising with a curling effort in the 18th minute, only for his shot to drift wide.
Despite Gully’s attempts to settle into the game, Dandenong City struck again in the 22nd minute, with Kenny Athiu converting a well-delivered cross to make it 2-0. The next phase of play saw the home side maintain control, forcing Gully to chase the game. Hallam and Hodges both had half-chances to bring Gully back into the contest, but the visitors lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
A pivotal moment before halftime saw Athiu split the Gully defence with a pinpoint pass, releasing Latham through on goal to make it 3-0 in the 42nd minute, leaving Gully with an uphill battle heading into the break.
Gully showed more composure in possession in the second half, making early adjustments to shift momentum. End-to-end football ensued, with the visitors producing their best chance of the night in the 55th minute, only for the effort from close range to clear the crossbar.
The match took another unfortunate turn in the 79th minute, as a loose ball at the back fell kindly for Athiu, who slotted home his second goal of the night to make it 4-0. Gully attempted to push forward in response, earning consecutive corners but failed to break through Clark’s well-organized defence.
The final blow came with just minutes left to play when Latham found space behind the Gully backline and calmly slotted past Favero to complete the 5-0 scoreline.
The result is a disappointing setback for Gully, who was forced to field their U23 goalkeeper, Thomas Favero for his senior debut following injuries to both Liam Driscoll and Lawrence Caruso.
While the young shot-stopper had a difficult evening, none of the concessions were directly his fault and in moments he produced good saves and showed an assurance beyond his years in dealing with crosses and set pieces.
With the team still searching for its first win of the season, the focus now shifts to regrouping ahead of the next challenge, Melbourne Knights at home this Friday night.
Gully will look to bounce back and put this harsh result behind them as they prepare for their upcoming fixture.
