1st Grade Report
Magic went to Ulinga Oval knowing nothing short of a win against South Cardiff was required to keep our semi final hopes alive. Ulinga is a small oval and it started out as an arm wrestle in the middle of the park.
John Bennis was his usual work horse in the middle of the park ably supported by Glen Cooper. They kicked and tackled for every ball and did not give the Southy midfield any room to move.
The game seemed to be evenly poised until Ibi Kohdary fired a cannon from a free kick about 30 yards out from goal. His shot cannoned into the right hand corner of the net. From there Magic took control of the game and created many chances and shots on goal only to be denied by some great saves by the Southy keeper.
The second half started the same as the first half ended. Magic were on top and in control. Bailey and his charges in defence took no prisoners and cleared everything that came near them.
Some excellent play by Ibi down the right hand side saw him beat his man and cross the ball to a waiting John Majurovski who had work to do but slotted the ball so delicately into the net. Ibi again showed his skill to slot the ball into the net, then Southy pegged one back which was quickly responded by John Maja who displayed some individual brilliance when he beat 3 or 4 players down the right hand side and had the composure to take the ball toward goal and slot it past the Southy keeper at an acute angle. John’s tally for the season stands at 13 and is in the running to take out the golden boot award.
Ibi scored another which silenced the Southy crowd, ending the day with 3 goals and Magic wining 5-1.
Magic are getting stronger with every game and need to keep up the same intensity when we face Lake Macquarie in the last game for the regular season next Sunday. That should be a cracker with Magic playing for a semi spot and Lakes playing for the premiership.