Match Review: SCC Firsts vs 1TM Latini FC

• GK Martin Lavoo
• MD Anthony Garreau
• MD Tim Walter
• ST Liam Shotton
• -- Matt Hulen
• -- Andrew Hutcheon
• -- Ross Plain
• -- Adam Bowden
• -- Kike Perconig
• -- Marcus Nagle
• -- Dominic O'Shea

• MD Matt Zatto
• -- Sawyer Masuoka
• -- Chris Meyer
• -- Dom Lane

Shotton’s strike snags the silverware

In a tight game - kept that way by a truly outstanding performance in goal by Latini ‘keeper POB - SCC finally prevailed thanks to a neat finish from Liam Shotton after some fine work down the left flank by young Sawyer Masuoka. Both teams started brightly and chances were created at both ends. It took a sharp recovery run and perfectly timed tackle by Adam Bowden to snuff out a Latini attack after they broke the high line of SCC’s back one. The half ended with a fine save from POB after a neat combination on the edge of the box between Liam Shotton and Andrew Hutcheon led to a snapshot from SCC form player Matt Hulen. POB reacted brilliantly and palmed the ball to safety. 0-0 it was at halftime. SCC played very well in the second half. Ross Plain and Kike Perconig are a very dangerous duo on the right flank. Tim Walter ran the game from the middle of the park and distributed the ball with accuracy, variety and speed. Andrew Hutcheon and Dom O’Shea - seemingly developing a growing understanding - combined well and were a constant threat thriving off the creativity and guile of Matt Hulen. Liam Shotton constantly asked questions of the Latini defence with runs from all over the park combining well with the rapidly improving Marcus Nagle. The pressure delivered more chances for SCC but POB was equal to them all, pulling off a string of fine saves. And it wasn’t until the introduction of SCC academy product, Sawyer Masuoka, that the deadlock was broken. Young Sawyer picked up the ball in his own half and began a purposeful drive down the left flank. The marauding Masuoka beat a defender and cut a ball back from the byline onto the advancing instep of Liam Shotton’s right boot. Shotton made no mistake and slotted neatly home to provide SCC with a lead that some thought may never come. SCC’s bench was fully deployed as Chris Meyer, Dom Lane and Matt Zatto were introduced to help see out the game. Latini pressed and won a couple of corners in the final stages of the match. After a quiet game and - despite the presence of POB trying to make a name for himself at the other end of the pitch - SCC’s stand-in stopper - Martin Lavoo - answered the questions asked of him and punched to safety twice in the dying moments. SCC held firm; 1-0 was enough to win the match and to secure the Cosmoleague. Man of the Match for SCC was our Captain, Anthony Garreau for a performance played on the front foot from the centre of defence and for later providing the stability in midfield required to see out the win. TOTD was harshly but unanimously awarded to the manager - Anthony Houlahan - for consuming three-quarters of a carrot cake and all of a cafe latte procured from PS Cafe only moments prior to the team talk. Man of the match for Latini was POB for what must be one of the best displays of shot stopping seen in our league. We thank Latini for a competitive and enjoyable game. And we thank Brad and the 2 assistant referees for ensuring that the game flowed very well.

• Pete O'Brien GK
• Jonathan Baker DF
• Andrew Mollitt DF
• Jonathan Lukito MD
• Ethan Pizano MD
• Jamie Roberts MD
• Jamie Townsend MD
• Rory Anderson ST
• Luke Townsend ST
• Kyle Belcher --
• Abdul Miah --

• Lee Bradshaw DF
• Leo Rocha ST
• Mark Raven --

Close game

For the second time this season, 1TM made their way to Dempsey Field and this time with the intent to make the ‘champions in waiting’ lose their first game of the season. Despite missing some key players, 1TM could boast a strong squad and with Tactical Tally flashing the cash in recent weeks, we were able to include two Ex-SCC players in our starting line up with JR and Pizza slotting into midfield against their former club. 1TM started brightly in the opening exchanges and showed grit and energy when with and without the ball. Our shape was a strong positive to take from the first half performance with Pep and Devon marshaling the back four well with Lego and JR protecting well when called upon. Unfortunately, Duplo was forced off early with a trademark hammy and so on came another mid season signing in the form of ‘Ay Caramba’, Leo. The first half had few chances to note, SCC defended well against the pace of Pizza, Rory and Leo as did 1TM with Tardelli and Bumble deserving special mentions for the way in which they controlled the wide threat from SCC. SCC settled faster in the second half and began controlling the game with some neat passing. 1TM dealt with everything that came their way with great defending. SCC had some chances to note but some fine defending and a decent save from POB kept 1TM in the fight. For us, we continued to work hard and played some decent football it was just the final ball from 1TM that was lacking but the potential for next season was clear to see. The one moment in the game where we switched off was cruelly punished as Pizza took a knock from a tackle inside the SCC half and went down injured. As it wasn’t a head injury, SCC played on and 1TM expecting the ball to be kicked out lowered their concentration levels as the right winger was able to run down the line, then to the bi line and then able to pull back where two SCC players were waiting to finish. Shots slotted the ball in to beat POB at his near post and make it 1-0. 1TM didn’t lower their heads and started to carve out some chances of their own. A spirited fight applied pressure on SCC, who continued to defend well and got the 3 points. Congratulations to SCC for winning another league title. It was a fairly contested game and credit to SCC for the welcoming atmosphere at the end of the match. For 1TM, that is the benchmark for performances for us to complete our season and find that consistency for next year. Lots of positives to take forward and 1TM should be excited for what the future holds. A big thank to Free Willy, Team Pizza and Nick and Leonard for their support. MOM - POB DOD – TARD Kit – JR Balls – Rory A