18th May 2019
U7 Red
Doveton 6 v 0 Mt Eliza Red
Jack started in goal and again it looked like a hard match for Mt Eliza. Doveton knew were to position themselves in the game and pressed
the Mt Eliza team who struggled against a better team. Doveton score 4 goals in the first half won a miskick that flew up and over Jack.The
2nd half started with Jack out of goal, Zane in goal Callum defending well and Zac, Marlon, Josh, Ryan and James pressing well. A
deflection off Zac diverted the ball into Mt Eliza’s goal. Callum made important intercepted passes to the forwards. With Doveton having 2
strikers always near the goal a pass found them, and they scored into the corner. Late in the game Mt Eliza had chances from James and Jack
who hit the post.
U8 Green
U8 Red
The Mt Eliza U8 Reds played out an exciting 2-0 win away to Mornington.
‘The Reds’ once again got off to a super start - forcing a corner from the first action of the day to set the tone from ‘the get go’. The team had its passing game going and they strung together some of the best sets that we have seen from the group.
The team went in again with a strong defense which saw the ball continually repelled to feed the star studded upfront combination of Christian Bethune and Austen Bettess. These attackers continually threatened the Mornington goal as they weaved and passed their way through the defense to create numerous chances.
Ultimately, it was Christian, who seemed to glide effortlessly through the Mornington defense before casually flicking home a fine goal with the outside of his right boot in a manner that Messi himself would have been proud. This was Christian’s best goal (out of many) for the team and the Coach was also super proud of him for passing the ball well and playing with a great team spirit.
The substitution of these attackers did see some additional pressure come on the Reds’ defense, which had struggled to hold its nice shape of previous weeks. However, this only led to a string of stunning saves from the athleticAngus Goodinson in goal, which thrilled the onlookers from both sides and kept the scores in our advantage at the break. It also further highlighted the great individual and team work of Thomas Allison, who once again starred in defense.
The second half saw the game turn into an exciting end-to-end arm wrestle with neither team in full control. Austen and Christian were again dominant in more defensive roles, while Elliot Melder was a constant threat upfront as the defense fed the ball through well and he was able to display some of his fine skills. Angus continued his great game moving into defense teaming up with an ever improving Luke Batey, while Thomas Allison again starred with some key saves as the goal mouth again came under pressure. Ewan Barnes, Alfie Siveyer-Main and Lewis Jedynak also contributed well, while the substitution of Max Silk into defense was a key stabilizer.
However, the final decisive moment of the game came from the run of Callum Helmore, who was finally given a role in attack after a few form finding weeks in defense. He then released his pent up attacking frustration with some fine runs, nice first touches and a shot that deflected off a defender and ultimately resulted in an own goal and the 2-0 score line.
The ‘Player of the Game’ award could have been a tough one as the whole team played well again. Angus Goodinson was awarded a well-earned sausage sizzle voucher for the next home game given his outstanding defensive efforts. Thomas or Christian could also consider themselves unlucky after great games. However, it was ultimately the classy display of Austen Bettess that won the day. He looked dangerous every time he touched the ball, played key roles in both defense and attack – including some glorious through balls for his synced-in team mate Elliot – and looked the best player on the ground. Well done Aussie! Go Reds!
U8 Yellow
U8 Blues
U8 Girls
After an away match last week to Glen Eira, this week saw a second Glen Eira side visit Emil Madsen park,
and a chance to get our season back on track after a couple of recent losses which has slowed down our excellent start to the season.
A last-minute fixture change from 10:15am to 9am meant we started with only 6 players but thankfully, Glen Eira were happy to even things
out and play with 6 also.
Grace started in goal, a position she is very much enjoying with a defence of Giselle and Gabi and a forward line of Tessa, Charlotte and
Annika signalled we were ready to attack from the off and try and get an early goal.
We started brightly and the training focus on running with the ball into space before finding a teammate with a pass was evident and
pleasing to see.
Unfortunately, we fell behind to 2 quick goals and from then on, it became a defence verse attack exercise as Glen Eira had some very tall
girls who powered past us and kept the ball in our half and the pressure against us.
After a rally cry at half time, we started the second half well, with Juliette and Tahlia adding some much-needed depth and a chance to
rotate our players.
We have also been working on our build-up play from goal kicks, with the ball going wide initially and then down the line into space to run
on to and with the ball camped in our half, we had lots of opportunities to practice this. On a few occasions, Gabi came wide to receive
Tessa's goal kick, controlled the ball and played it down the line to Skye or Charlotte who sprinted into space. Although we lost heavily,
this is pleasing and something we'll continue to work on.
Another loss but again, the girls came off smiling and excited to get back to the training ground this week.
Next week, a home game against Dandenong Thunder!
Go Fire Lions!
U9 Orange
Another amazing game, we won kicked 5 or 6 goals. Our goal keepers stopped all goals not one through. Our opponents were a very rough team
lots of pushing but our boys kept going and played extremely well as a team. Players of the match Noah Sheen, Sebastian and Felipe.
U9 Yellow
A very hard fought game against Brighton. Both evenly matched teams.
The boys tried hard in the first half but were outplayed in parts. Oihan was the standout and played a terrific game in defence.
The 2nd half showed how well the team can play with some excellent positioning & passing and pressure on the ball.
Well done team on another great performance!
U9 Gold
U9 Blue
U9 Green
U10 Reds
U10 Kangaroos Red v Chelsea
This weeks match started with lots of good play from our boys and Sam and Nigel did well in defence to create a chance for Paul that went
over the crossbar. A free kick for Chelsea after a Mount Eliza handball was well handled and we regained possession in the midfield leading
to saved shots by both Lewis and Kourosh. When the ball came back at us from Chelsea Lachlan M made a save before an amazing run up forward
by Paul was rewarded with an excellent goal to make it 1-0. For the next five minutes the ball went back and forth between the teams until
Lachlan M dived well to save another effort by Chelsea, however, they converted their next shot to make it 1-1. A shot from Sam was then
saved and the boys did well to keep up the pressure with Toby’s throw in leading to another great strike and goal for Paul.The second half
started with a quick goal for Chelsea making it 2-2 and a tense start to the half. There was lots of possession for us and good play from
Woody, Sammy and Lachlan T who all had chances saved by the Chelsea keeper. As time was running out the Chelsea players had the ball and
managed to get through our defence for a goal and the score remained 3-2 to Chelsea when the FT whistle blew. Great effort boys and special
mention to Ryan who did a great job showing us his skills having returned to the side after breaking his arm at the start of the season.
U10 Yellow
Great game against The Destroyers in Mount Martha today. Our boys dominated from the beginning. Special mention to Flynn Turner whose ball
control has improved so much this year. Flynn Baker and Xander Pearce scored a hat trick each, and Thomas added 2 goals to give us 8.
Mount Martha kicked 2 superb goals. Super game in the sunshine. We’ll done team!
U10 Green
The U10 Greens played Noble Park away in Springvale. It was a high level game and the boys did us all proud. We were 1:0 up thanks to a
cracking goal from Ethan. After their equaliser Riley also scored a cracker to put us up 2:1. The end score was 3:2 to NP which did reflect
on a very close game. The highlights being the defence, and especially Finn ‘The brick wall’.
U10 Blue
U10 Gold
U10 Girls
Hampton Dreamers 8 - 2 Mt U10 Girls
The girls were city bound again this week to play in Hampton at 9.00 am on a chilly morning against another new team into our division, the
Hampton Dreamers The teams met on a slightly smaller pitch which cramped up the play a bit for both sides, not ideal, but the same for both
teams. In the first half, once again, the girls struggled to find our feet early on and we let in 2 goals a bit too easily before steadying
to attack ourselves. Alex Ewart did a great job as goalie in the first half. Gemma Gilchrist showed some FIFA skills with the first
deliberate header of the season! Indi Bryant was quick in front of goal as usual and Leyla Ay was tenacious as ever beating several players
with her dribbling skills. Jessica Baird was in great touch with some great kicks and tackles and our first goal of the game with a great
shot in the first half. Jess would go on to win player of the match for our side. The Hampton Dreamers managed to find the goal more times
on the day than us with some big kickers taking advantage of the smaller pitch from further out and hammering the ball home. In the second
half Alex Ewart scored a great goal and we had several more shots but couldn’t convert Our second half was stronger once again with more
attack, more playing into space and stronger, more confident kicks. Overall, the higher score doesn’t really reflect the competitive
nature of play but it was a day when we couldn’t quite get our game going consistently enough but showed signs of the team we can be when
we put it all together. Here’s to next week at home!
U11 Green
Playing away at Aspendale with three defenders down (no subs) was a challenge, but the Greens rose
to the occasion, played their hearts out and a 1-0 loss did not reflect the game. An early break by Aspendale caught us off guard in the
first half but that was the last time Benji let them off. Safe hands!!!!
Tom Rich held a strong back line with Louie and Davo playing well out of their normal positions (great job guys!!!).
It was fantastic to see defenders passing down the flanks to Will, Harrison and Kian who made great runs and played solid balls into the
centre-forward. The incredible efforts in the midfield by Riley and Harry allowed us to dominate the second half. With so many shots on
goal (Riley, Harrison, Will and Kian to name but a few) how did one not go in!?!
The message before this game was win or lose for every player to give 100% for each other and they did just that!
The hunger and skill is there and momentum is building. Kudos to Steve who did an awesome job with the team today in Neil’s absence.
U11 Yellow
U11 Red
U11 Orange
U12 Blue
U12 Green
U12 Green vs U12 Mt Eliza Orange 6-3
This is a team I knew we couldn't
afford to underestimate and boys were forewarned that this wasn't going to be easy and
to have respect towards our opponents.
As with the Orange team, key area we also worked on was headers and to bring ball down rather throwing our limbs out at it.
Too many times, in past games we engaged the ball and gave it up to our opponents by simply poking at the ball.
The Orange team opened up the scoring 1st with a one on one drive from our left side which caught the Greens defence guilty of ball
watching
and not watching the players running off the ball.
Wasn't long before had our equalizer and got our wits back. Not long after we struck home again to make it 2-1. This only helped fire up
the Orange team
and some poor clearing on our part allowed the Orange team to regain the ball right in front of goal to make it 2-2 before 1/2 time.
2nd 1/2 started out with both teams fighting hard to gain the upper hand. The Greens were determined to take this game and wasn't long
before
the score was 4-2 in our favor.
A brilliant link up from Malik and Surik found them cutting through the centre of the Orange Mids and Defence with
simple 1-2's passing that caught Orange team by surprise and unable to respond to the pinball passing and Malik calmly finished it off to
make it 5-2.
Orange weren't done by far, and responded back by making it 5-3. Not long before the final whistle, Yonny made an excellent diagonal run
and smashed the ball
hard at goal, the Orange Keeper managed to intercept the ball but was very unlucky as the well struck ball drilled through his arms to drop
into the goal.
In all, all credit to the Orange team to whom I believe to be a very good side and I agree with their coach Matt that their defence was in
top form.
Well done to both sides.
U12 Red
Mt Eliza reds 2- Berwick 6
Another Excellent all round performance by the boys V a very, very strong Berwick team. After dominating the first 10 mins & going 1-0
up with a wonderful free kick from Mali, Berwick scored 4 first half goals in a 15 min period.
With a couple of tactical changes & a battling 2nd half the reds gave Berwick a very competitive match. With Merch ( James Merchant)
putting in a MOM performance all over the park with wonderful support from each & every player. Mathew scored his 6th goal of the season
from a nice cross from Merch to bring the reds back into the game until 2 further goals from Berwick ended the match in their favour.The
reds would have learnt a lot from this game, particularly against a team who in certain areas were twice as big & strong.
Well done U12s, Looking forward to Chelsea away next Saturday.
U12 Orange
U12 Mt. Eliza Orange 3 U12 Mt. Eliza Green 6
The Orange team was up against one of our own today, the Green team.It was a great contest throughout the game, particularly a very tight
first half where we came off 2-2 at half time.
There were great performances all around the ground and most pleasing was the boys taking to heart a couple of areas we wanted to improve on
from last week, primarily using headers and chest downs as a more advantageous way to control and direct the ball our way instead of letting
the ball drop in dangerous areas. I'd lost count of amount of headers the boys had pulled out before half-time.
Some small mistakes are still letting our opposition through for some easy goals, but I am very happy on how we construct our goals. They
are a real team effort that starts from the back with the eventual goal just being the end result of the hard work being put in.
Special mention to Nate and Josh W-E playing down back who had excellent defensive games and MOTM Josh W who at times seems to be playing 3
positions at once!
U12 Navy
U12 Gold
Mt Eliza U12 Gold 2 - Peninsula Strikers JFC Rattlesnakes 1
Today was hard fought match that was very close and either team could’ve won. The first half was a scrappy one with each team playing to
win. Terrific effort by defence in the first half especially to Innes for keeping a first half clean sheet.Fortunately Danny rose to the
occasion in the second half scoring 2 goals after being subbed on, giving us a 2-0 lead. Then an unfortunate penalty gave Peninsula Strikers
hope with 5 minutes left in the game. Everybody was running on empty for the last 5 minutes but were still putting in 100 percent effort to
keep us the lead. Great job to Lincoln for MOTM and making terrific tackles to keep us in the game. Also good job Olly and Ernie for very
good defence and creating opportunities.
Brilliant effort all, see you at Training.
U12 Girls
U13
U13 Red vs Noble Hurricanes 7-1
With Noble Hurricanes only 2 points behind us and fighting for the top spot on the ladder and Casey Panther right behind them, this was
always going to
on the minds of the Red as a must win.
Both teams arrived early and started their warmup preparations, constantly sizing each other up.
From the start of the whistle the game was fully on, and wasn't long before Malik found the back of the Noble Hurricanes net.
With the Hurricanes realizing what they were up against, they fired back straight away only narrowly missing their mark.
This only spurred the Reds to lift their game up another notch and wasn't long before Malik again broke free and coolly finished a 2nd.
3rd, 4th, and 5th time, Malik broke through the center of the Hurricanes notching up the Reds 5 nil going into 1/2 time.
Entering the 2nd 1/2, the Hurricanes had sorted a few defensive errors out and contested a lot more and for 15mins neither team had clear
advantage.
Malik & Sabry both came off the sideline refreshed and instantly added more flair to the attacks and few mins latter Malik made it 6
nil.
Hurricanes weren't spent and done yet and managed to get 1 back to make it 6-1. The Reds weren't done either and our Center Back Alex B
calmly
picked the ball up from a cleared corner and drove the ball in at goal, the Keeper initially saved it, but spilled it and it bounced into
back of the net to bring the game
to a close at 7-1. Great effort Reds, now sitting 5 points clear of 2nd on the ladder and 8 points clear of Casey Panthers.
Very Proud.
U14
Mt Eliza U14 0 - Mornington 1,
What a tight game, with only 1 goal the difference between the teams.
An under strength U14's team (injuries and illness) were really fortunate to be supported by Mike and his U13's as they took on Mornington
at Emil Madsen.
Mt Eliza were pretty unlucky not to get on the score sheet early on - with a couple of chances kept out by their goal keeper.
With the game at nil nil, it became end to end stuff. A superb save by Ben in goal for Mt Eliza kept things even. Eventually a break away
by Mornington resulted in the only goal of the game.
Mt Eliza continued to create multiple chance, and played some great one touch football, but were unable to beat the Mornington keeper, who
made multiple saves and kept them in the game despite MT Eliza carving out lots of chances.
A great game and a great effort by all.
U15
