Go For Your Life: Semi : Young Warriors Penalty Pain
Under 21 North Geelong Warriors who fielded 3 senior members as they have all Go For Your Life Cup, were beaten 6 -7 on sudden death penalties by Surfcoast FC. Both teams had their chances to win the match during normal time, however a combination of nerves and inexperience forced the teams to the penalty spot. In the first half it was Surfcoast who settled early and pressured in build up and physical presence. The young North Geelong side were pushing up in defence a little too much and got caught out by Matt Roberts. That woke up the Warriors and they went on to combine some well worked passages. An Adrian Cervinski free kick which would be a goal 99% of the time was brilliantly saved by Schroster who along with Tom Dunn in North’s goals had to be the best on the park. Just before half time the workrate of the young Warriors was rewarded by a Cervinski through ball to Anderson who worm burned his shot under Schroster to earn a deserved 1 all score line.
The second half saw both sides have bursts of domination but the reward wouldn’t fall, a coupe of goal line clearances including an awkward clearance which nearly went into their own goal by Surfcoast were the closest both sides came to notching up a winner. Some desperate surges by D’Antino, Boyar and Davey to put added pressure by the Warriors as well as Billy Bunce for Surfcoast but that didn’t work either and off to the penalty spot they went. Expectations for the Warriors were high as Dunn saved the first shot and after three shots it was 2 – 3 for the Warriors. Juan Taravillo was next and his spot kick was stopped by Schroster, Surfcoast equalised and sudden death prevailed. Jonathon Davey tried a stuttered approach to put Schroster off his game but he was in fine form and read it well, Nunez from Surfcoast finished his shot well and put his side into the grand final. Congratulations to Surfcoast and Corio for reaching the final and we wish you all the best. The young Warriors will take on Rangers for 3rd and 4th honours, no doubt The Warriors will be looking to avenge the 1 nil group match loss from a fortnight ago.
