1st Grade Report
Magic met Toronto this week and needed a win to keep some momentum
rolling.
it was going to be a tough ask as the Toronto lineup had strengthened
considerably since our last meeting in round 1. The likes of Halpin and
the player coach Scott Thomas bring fear to coaches as they are only too
well aware of the punishment they can inflict on your team. Up until
today Toronto also have one of the best goalscoring records for this
years league putting away 21 goals to Magic's total of 10. Magic
started well and controlled the game with slick passing and movement off
the ball. Toronto were found out very early in the game with our pace up
front being too much for the slow Toronto defence to handle but our
early chances went astray.
16 minutes into the game and a seemingly harmless cross from the right
saw Scotty misjudge a catch and the result saw Toronto take the lead
against the run of play. Magic regrouped and continued to hit Toronto
with gritty determination and it was a Kevin Helmers run into the box
that saw him brought down by the Toronto defender. The resulting penalty
was put away by Johnny Majurovski. 1-1.
Constant fouling by the Toronto defence was set to ruin what was an
entertaining game. Firstly Ibi was brought down heavily from behind by
the last defender but the referee seemed reluctantly to pull out his
cards.
Peter Haynes found himself in some space and was crudely challenged by
Scott Thomas as he struck the ball. The result saw Haynsey stretchered
off and a trip to the hospital by ambulance with a suspected broken
ankle.
Here's hoping Peter has a speedy recovery.... John Bennis also got
himself in the wars with a sickening headclash that saw both players
leave the field for treatment to cuts. The rest of the half saw us
create many scoring opportunities but the struggling Toronto defence
were constantly let off the hook.
Magic returned to the field more determined than ever to win this game
and continued to frustrate the Toronto team with some gruelling defence
and constant winning of the ball in the midfield. It was a quickly taken
free kick by John Bennis that saw Johnny Maj pull the ball down and make
no mistake with a well placed shot to put Magic into the lead, it was
great vision by Bennis who completely caught the Toronto defence off
guard.
Toronto kept picking up referee cards for fouls showing the frustration
they were suffering at the hands of a rampant Magic team. A chase down
by Ibi saw the young inexperienced Toronto keeper bring him down in the
box for another Magic penalty. Maj stepped up to deliver a carbon copy
of his first penalty to put us ahead 3-1. With a bit more luck to day's
scoreline could have been much more but it's just great to get a few
wins under our belts. The team has started to gel really well both
defensively and going forward with them also showing greater patience in
their play. Is it possible we can make the top four? Well only the
players can guarantee that and given the last two performances it could
certainly be a possibility. Go Magic
Thank you to Ian Milne for the 1st grade report
Reserve Grade Report
Magic met Toronto Stags at home keen to score some goals and keep pace with
the competition front runners. It was clear from the start that Magic were
the dominant side but the worry was whether we could score goals after a few
weeks when we have not converted our chances.
After 20 minutes the slick Magic midfield unlocked Torontos defence and Ben
Martin scored his first goal for the day. What followed was a goal avalanche
as Ben Kantarovski scored four goals in 11 minutes and Jack O'toole also
scored to see the halftime score at 6-0. Kantarovski should have purchased a
lottery ticket after the game because everything he did turned to gold in a
man of the match performance.
Magics first half goals came from a strong effort across the park with our
midfield working hard for each other and showing some slick skills along the
way including a delightful dummy by striker Dowdell and some clever turns by
Afful. Ben Sweetman and Jack O'toole were very tidy and the loss of Sweetman
to injury was a worry for the team.
Mooney and Ellenbacher continued to impress out wide with Evan forced into a
defender role but still coming forward when the flow of the game allowed it.
Goalkeeper Alex Madigan was confident in goals with Sullini and Jones at the
back apparently untroubled by the Stags attack.
While the second half did not produce the same fireworks as the first half
O'toole and Martin both scored their second to take the score to 8-0 . The
pleasing aspects of the game were the clean sheet in goals and the reward for
effort enjoyed by all players.
Meanwhile Ashley Tressider’s injury is responding slowly but hopefully he
will be fit in a few more weeks. The next three rounds will be vital in the
race for a semi final place as the points score at the top is very
congested.
Thank you to Chris Turner for his Reserve Grade report.