Rnd 12
Sunday 27 June
Kiama v Russell Vale

Kiama started off determined to make a game of it but from a Hayden Brown corner it was Matt Nelson who came closest to opening the scoring only to see his shot hit the woodwork and in the goalmouth scramble that followed the ball was eventually cleared to safety. The Cobras continued to probe and there were some nice passing moves, one of which led to a Hayden Brown rocket that flew only inches past the post. Despite the pressure Kiama managed a breakaway and the resulting shot had to be pushed over the bar by Gareth Garnon. That should have served as a warning but it went unheeded because a few minutes later a superb long range effort flew into the top corner of the net to give Kiama a 1-0 lead. Back came Russell Vale, first Jordan Woods had an effort pushed round the post, Dylan Andrews had a shot on the half volley saved and then Shae Morgan almost scored on the stroke of HT but the Cobras just couldn’t find the killer touch in front off goal.

The second half started much the same as the first ended with Russell Vale pushing for an equaliser. Jordan Woods saw another effort skim the bar before Nathan Armstrong set up Matt Nelson to make it 1-1. Then it was Hayden Brown’s turn to set up Matt Nelson to give Russell Vale a deserved 2-1 lead. Matt Nelson then had a couple of good chances for a hat-trick, Shae Morgan put him through but his shot same back off the post. A good ball from Jean Paul enabled Matt Nelson once again to steam in on goal but somehow he dragged his shot wide with only the keeper to beat. It was all one way now and only a matter of time before Russell Vale made the game safe and a delicate little chip to the back post from Jean Paul allowed Shae Morgan to sneak in and head number three. Although pleased with the come from behind win, it was the patience the Cobras displayed and the passing that gave me the most satisfaction. Even when we were loosing the team never panicked. The lads kept their cool and many of the attacking moves were started by Coen Mackay, Kurtis Trindall, Joel Dalmonte and Joey Hodges passing their way out of defence.

Regards,

Shaun Hamlet