Before the game Russell Vale had already won the League title and secured top spot in the play offs, so I told the players not to worry about the result, just go out play your football and enjoy it.
By HT they were 4-0 up and the game was already over as a contest. Little Riley Hanlon opened the scoring, followed by a couple of goals from Blair Dunn one of which was a header after a great cross from Hayley Waller. It wasn’t just about goal scorers, Ethan “Speedy” Lanarch had his best game of the season chasing and hassling Balgownie all night and every time he won the ball he found a teammate. Then just on HT Bailey Baade Mortimer set up Tom Curran who from the edge of the box saw his shot fly into the top corner to round off an excellent performance.
The second half continued pretty much as the first half ended with Russell Vale creating all the chances. In fact I don’t think our goalie Ethan Johnson even touched the ball during the game, such was the Cobras dominance. Top goal scorer Jordan Errington went close several times including one shot that nearly broke the bar. It wasn’t long after before Blair Dunn notched up his third hat-trick of the season with his 19th goal. Midfielder Harrison Benn then got on the score sheet with a trademark goal, his 14th of the campaign to make it 6-0. With the clock running down Christian Baade Mortimer twice went close with only the keeper to beat before his brother Bailey showed him how to do it properly with the final goal of the evening.
At the final whistle the Cobras showed respect to Balgownie before they broke into song and finally left the pitch to a guard of honour courtesy of the U11B team. It was a very nice way to finish the season and especially for me to finish my last home game as a Russell Vale Coach.
“Everywhere we go…….
YNWA
Coach
