The match between SFC Navy’s and Next Generation Nitros was always going to be a tough game for the Navy’s, but one they were all looking forward to. And it didn’t disappoint in a thrilling encounter, with both teams putting on a great display of football skills. However, it was the Nitros who started quickest testing Archie early on with a powerful shot from just inside the area which Arch did amazingly well to catch and hold.
The first half saw the Nitros take control of the game, with their attacking prowess on full display but good defending from Elijah and Poulters reduced them to shooting from range. In quick succession goals came, finding the top corners each time. The score could have been more but thanks to Archie with some inspired saves kept the score down. The Navy’s kept their chins up and got a goal back through a lovely run from Elijah who passed to George, who turned and fired home for the away side. Brookesy, Dunners and Pricey came on halfway through the half with both Brookesy and Pricey being tough in the challenge and always looking to play the ball forwards. A good passage of play saw Dunners get the ball on the edge of the area, but having beaten two Nitro’s players just couldn’t get his shot off. The Nitro’s were impressive in the first half with some clinical finishing from their forwards, but without great teamwork and effort from the Navy’s the score could have been far higher. HT X-X
The second half saw SFC Navy’s come out with renewed energy, determined to make a comeback, optimised by some fierce tackles from Brookesy and Pricey.. However, the Nitros were in no mood to let their lead slip and continued to score from range. The Navy Coaching team were encouraging the boys to shoot from range also, so when the ball game to Dunners, just inside the Nitro’s half he let rip with the ball coming off the cross bar and over the line. X-X.
The Navy’s started to find their passing game, starting from the back with Elijah and James combining well to create openings, but could not quite find away through the strong Nitro’s defensive unit. Poulters, now in goal, distributed well and some good work by George saw an opening for the Navy’s which James stayed cool to finish. X-X.
As the minutes went on you could sense the boys were starting to believe with all the subs, Coaches and a partisan away crowd willing them on. But the final whistle was blown. FT X-X
Overall, it was a great game of football, with the Nitros showcasing their talent and skill. But the Navy’s were no push overs, played some lovely football, show team determination and made the Nitro’s work as hard as they have had to all season and on another day the result would have been much closer.
Well done boys. We’re all super proud of you all 👏👏👏