Despite an early goal to West Pymble’s Charlie Cox, the NSFA Men’s Select were unfortunately beaten 3-2 in an entertaining match against the Manly Warringah FA Men’s Select at Cromer Park #2 last Wednesday.
NSFA Select coach Jason Eagar started the game with an attack-minded 4-4-2, fielding an imposing strike duo of Brad Fiedler (Berowra) and Sam Young (Willoughby Dalleys).
The two strikers played their part in opening the scoring, Young playing the ball into Fiedler before the Berowra man picked out the run of Charlie Cox on the right. The West Pymble player then picked out the top left corner from just inside the box after three minutes.
MWFA worked themselves into the game after going behind, leaning on the experience of previous Select teammates Luke Curnow (CC Strikers) and Aaron Peters (St Augustines) combining for the latter to level the scores in the 17th minute.
As the game headed towards half time the action ramped up as the home side were awarded a penalty for a hand ball in the box. Luke Curnow produced an emphatic penalty to give MWFA the lead, but five minutes later NSFA were level.
A pinpoint diagonal pass from defence found the run of Fergus Worrall on the left flank and the North Sydney United representative showcased his impressive speed to evade the defensive line and finish past the goalkeeper. Cox looked to have secured his second and the lead for NSFA just moments before half time, but the goal was chalked off due to offside.
A cagey start to the second half underlined the intensity of the match – despite being early in pre-season for local football both sets of players weren’t holding back in each aerial contest and 50-50 challenge.
With 20 minutes remaining it was MWFA who found the breakthrough, a defence-splitting through ball releasing Ryan Chambers (Beacon Hill) for a composed finish.
NSFA pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages, Charlie Cox nearly scoring his second with an impressive half volley and Berowra duo Fiedler and Jake Harris also enjoying good chances. Ultimately the hosts were able to hold on for the win.
Focus now shifts to the NSFA Women’s Select, who will look to make it three wins in a row against MWFA after a nailbiting win in a penalty shootout at Charles Bean Oval last year.
Match Details: NSFA Women’s Select vs MWFA Women’s Select, 7:30pm Thursday February 24th, Cromer Park #2.
Men’s Select Squad
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NSFA Women’s Select Squad
