A local derby awaited the Green Gully youngsters on a sunny afternoon at Green Gully Reserve. With several more experienced players still out injured, there was opportunity for more Under 18 players to step up and make their mark. Nicholas Giarizzo was again captain to lead the youngsters in their quest for 3 points. Making their first starts of the season were Jacob Kitanovski-Groba and Alex Cepiveroski, who has been performing well in the Under 18’s of late.
After an intense week of training and a top-quality warm-up, the coaching staff, led by Ted Latomanski were expecting a positive showing. Unfortunately, this wasn’t to be, with the Knights midfield on top from the off.
The opening goal of the game came with Gully deep in attack. A cross to the near post was intercepted and the counterattack from Melbourne Knights was effective. Before long it was 2-0 to the visitors and the Gully boys were heading back into the rooms with their heads down.
HALF TIME 0 – 2
Coming out after half time, the Gully youngsters were under no illusions that the coaching staff were expecting a lift. Two changes were made at the break, to revitalise the home side. After the first 15 minutes of pressure and a much better showing, Gully gave the ball away at the back and the Knights looked to have secured the points.
Gully continued to make changes and introduce more youth from the bench. This time it was the turn of Simon Zammit to make his senior debut for the club. The home team continued to push to try and get back into the game but were struggling to deal with the physical approach of Melbourne Knights, who scored another goal in the closing stages.
A disappointing result which saw all 3 points going back to Sunshine.
FINAL SCORE 0 – 4
Report by Asst. Coach Ian Burke
