Regional Challenge match: WBSA vs RIVERLAND
The WBSA Senior Select Team was invited to play the Riverland in a game that would feature as a curtain raiser for the friendly A-League game between Adel United & Perth Glory, played at Hindmarsh Stadium..the home of Adel United.
The game started in favour of the WBSA team, as the movement of the ball was impressive, and play makers like Adam Osman and Joel Redfern controlling the midfield for WBSA team.Quite a few forward moves involved Adam Hodge, Christian Cella, Marcus Morony and Matt Gregetic were unlucky not to get the first score on the board in the first minutes of the game.The first goal (10m)came from a corner that was awarded to WBSA, with Christian Cella striking a perfectly timed kick finding the head of Joel Redfern who made no mistake scoring the first goal for WBSA .The defensive line of Luke Odgers, Robbie Manfrin and Jessie Whenam kept working together and kept the Riverland team from scoring.The second goal was scored (20m), when Christian Cella made a run up the right wing, when he saw the keeper was out of the goal, he chipped the ball only to hit the crossbar, but fortunately Adam Hodge was in the right position to head the deflection in for WBSA second goal. WBSA were dominating much of the play, with Adam Osman and Joel Redfern taking control of the midfield. Plenty of through balls to Cella and Gregetic both playing wingers, and with the assistance of Morony and Hodge looking dangerous. Ensuring the Riverland keeper was earning his place, pulling of some good saves.The third goal (34min), was scored from the edge of the 6 yard box, when Cella lunged towards the ball striking it perfectly to find the top right hand corner. Score 3-0.Players were starting to feel the jet lag kicking in, when No 11 Riverland, showing his silky skills, got through the WBSA defence and managed to shoot the ball past Koop the WBSA GK .(41m)The referee blew his whistle for half time, the scoreline 3-1 in favour of the WBSA, however some late challenges from the Riverland forwards in the last 10 mins of the half, were of a concern for the WBSA Coach Tony D’Agostino.The second half started with Riverland demanding more of the ball, and were looking very dangerous unlucky not score very early in the second half.The first double substitution was made by Riverland, and shortly followed the first for WBSA.Young Matthew Weistra was substituted on for Adam Hodge,to play upfront striker and had an immediate impact showing his speed and skill with the ball.The Inter trio of Morony, Bonner & Osman were combining well using one touching passing trying to give Gregetic or Weistra an opportunity for a one on one with the keeper.Another substitution was made with Robert Manfrin coming off, for another talented youngster Callum Ferguson who took up the position of right wing back.Coach D’Agostino was now starting to move the team around, which caused a panic with players unsure of positions and the structure of the team was severely affected as result, Riverland scored their second goal, the score line now 3-2.Adam Osman who covered alot of ground, was being switched from defence to midfield, but no matter where he played, he gave plenty of positive possession, and at times calmed things down a bit, keeping possession.Cella who was outstanding kept pushing forward and was willing to take on the defenders. At the (75m),Cella again was charging forward and found some space and crossed the ball towards the penalty spot which found young Weistra in perfect position leaping high over the 2 defenders and keeper to head home a superb goal .The scoreline now 4-2 and victory was almost a sniff away.Shortly afterwards Cella was on the run again, this time he holds the ball up and puts in a well timed cross looking for the flying Gregetic who almost headed home another superb goal, but unfortunately missed.The giant leap from Gregetic caused him to land on his shoulder awkwardly, and left the field as a result of the injury, which gave the opportunity for the third youngster Cameron Saint to replace the injured Gregetic.The last 20 mins of the second half, gave the substitutes Weistra, Ferguson and Saint plenty of opportunities to show all, why they were chosen in this select side.Ferguson combing down the line with Weistra, and Morony causing plenty of panic with the Riverland defence, and Saint went back to playing a defensive role which assisted Odgers, Wenham who started looking tired towards the end of the game.The WBSA regained composure and D’Agostino settled his team, when the final whistle blew the scoreline 4-2, WBSA ran out the victors, in what was an exciting and crowd pleasing game to watch.Dante Bonner showed his brilliance especially in the second half, controlling the play and keeping possession.
Goal Scorers Hodge 1, Redfern 1, Cella 1, Weistra 1
WESTERN BORDER SOCCER ASSOCIATION
PO Box 2112
Mount Gambier SA 5290
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Tentative plans at this point would be to leave Mt Gambier at 12.30pm Friday 26th June via Air Charter, returning on Saturday 27th mid morning. This return time should mean minimal disruption to our Sunday WBSA competition. It is envisaged that 15/16 players with myself and 2 board members who will have team duties as well. The Senior WBSA select coach for 2009 is Tony D’Agastino who will have control of the team proceedings. I see this as another opportunity for the WBSA to form closer relationships with AUFC/FFSA.
Regards
Bob Sandow
CEO
Western Border Soccer Association
FFSA Launch Regional Challenge
Football Federation SA is proud to announce a Regional Challenge where Western Border Soccer Association will take on the Riverland Soccer Association in Adelaide at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday the 26th of June, 2009. The game will be a curtain raiser to the preseason friendly match between Adelaide United FC and Perth Glory FC.
“Regional football in South Australia is a key focus of Football Federation SA. In conjunction with Adelaide United FC we are pleased to invite both the Riverland and Western Border senior representative sides to Adelaide to play at Hindmarsh Stadium”. FFSA CEO, Michael Carter said.
The game will form part of the selection process for the official Football Federation SA Senior Amateur State Side. Players from the Collegiate League and Masters Leagues and regional associations will be eligible for selection.
Western Border Soccer Association CEO Bob Sandow said today he is delighted for their association to be invited to participate in the 2009 Regional Challenge.
“This will give our Senior Select Side an opportunity to compete against another Major Association outside of our immediate area enabling us to gain a yardstick in our senior development program, with the additional benefit of our players being assessed for their selection in the State Amateur Team,” said Sandow
In 1998, Western Border defeated Riverland 6-1 at Hindmarsh Stadium, while in 2000 Riverland defeated Western Border in Renmark, with Western Border winning the return leg later in the year in Mount Gambier.
WESTERNBORDER SOCCER ASSOCIATION
POBox2112
Mount Gambier SA5290
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
WBSA Board
Presidents
I also share your concerns in regard to the perception/belief that our local paper The Border Watch at times does not meet its community obligations towards soccer.
Whether the sports editor believes it or not there is a percentage of the community that has an interest in this sport and would like to read about it.
We seldom get match previews, let alone match outcomes, even though some of our clubs say that regular material is electronically fed to the sports section.
Could I suggest to continue sending material to The Border Watch, would you send it as well to Les at financewbsa@internode.on.net Les will then set up a web page so that at least the soccer community or others who wish to preview the WBSA website are aware officially of the game outcome/s.
We are always seeking photos to put on the website.
All the board asks is that the reports continue to be balanced, giving credit to the opponent team. Clearly mark on top of any story etc, round number/score.
Les will also open a page on the site for the rule book that Linda presents to each club, i.e. WBSA local guidelines; this will be a PDF file so that any information can be downloaded at any time as required.
Your clubs meritorious members have been asked for a photo of themselves as well as a small 100/150 words about why their club chose to honor them. This will be also added to the website, rather than at present with just a single on line giving their names.
I will send a copy of this to The Border Watch manager Tim Lewis, if in your opinions “things” are not on the improve we will call our sponsors together who also support The Border Watch and seek a meeting with them. Bear in mind WIN TVs Kristy Kenny will support soccer, so give her a try as well.
Regards
Bob Sandow
CEO
Western Border Soccer Association
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