Palerang United Men Win In Style

Palerang United Men took on Tuggeranong United in Kambah and it was an entertaining game that was played in great spirit. Palerang United played with better composure from the midfield which led to some excellent chances on goal early in the game. Scott Birkett’s speed terrorised the Tuggeranong defence and after some awesome passing phases from defence to attack Karuna Bajracharya went close to scoring with a stunning strike on goal but the Tuggeranong keeper managed to save the shot. Joe Maloney was having a terrific game in defence and thwarted several attacking raids from the Tuggeranong United striker. Mitch Moon and Jai Gulia played with patience in defence and made some intelligent runs on the wings. Joe Moraga and Thomas Roberts had some great moments on the field with plenty of running from midfield. Scott Birkett opened the scoring two thirds of the way through the first half after Andrew Crisp sent a long ball from the goal box and Scott’s speed and tenacity saw him get to the ball first and poke it neatly into the goal. Tuggeranong were a little shell shocked and several good chances were created in the final stages of the half with Surya Bajracharya and Ian Rayner going close to scoring. Half time came and went with Palerang United feeling positive after a great half of football. Tuggeranong United came out stronger in the second half dominating the early stages of play but Andrew Drake had the Palerang United defence totally organised and shutting down each attack. Keith Acheson relished his role in the centre of midfield and was setting up some excellent attacks on goal for the forwards but after a break against the run of play, Tuggeranong United were given a penalty when one of their forwards went down in the goal box from what looked like a good tackle. Andrew Crisp was outstanding saving the penalty by pushing the ball away from goals and then again when the penalty taker had a second shot after getting to the ball first and a third consecutive save from another attempt on goal only seconds later. Palerang United were buoyed from Andrew Crisp’s heroics in goal and an attacking assault followed which saw Ricky McCurley almost score a headed goal from a stunning cross from Jai Gulia. Scott Birkett scored his second goal not long before full time and completed a well deserved win for a team that is starting to show its true potential. Final score Palerang United 2 Tuggeranong United 0 Next week the Men have a bye so rest up boys

Grand Final Rematch As Palerang United Women Take On Belwest

The rivalry continued between Palerang United and Belwest, two teams that have played in the last two Grand Finals, with a premiership each. However both teams were going through a rebuilding phase and it was hard to know which way the game would go. Palerang United started well with Lauren Campbell getting some great shots on goal early after some quality ball from Neridah McMinn and Callie Bolitho in midfield. Lauren Turner also had some early shots on goal with no luck as the Belwest defence and keeper managed to keep the score 0-0. Belwest played some good passing football which created some chances on goal of their own but Phoebe Lang read each play well in goals and stopped each attack. A kick that came from Phoebe helped open the scoring when the ball came back into the midfield for Belwest .  As they started their attack from around halfway a fifty fifty challenge saw Matilda Corby get to the ball first and drive a clearance shot from halfway and it managed to clear the Belwest defence and bounce over the head of the Belwest keeper to score. Palerang United hit the lead and gained confidence as Leith Collard shifted to the forward line and although Leith hadn’t played for 6 years she gave the Belwest defence a hard time with some neat footwork and determined running on the ball. Matilda Corby scored again just before half time as she drove a head high ball in from a corner kick. The Belwest keeper had no time to think as she tried to catch the ball and protect her face at the same time and in her panic the ball hit her left hand onto the goal post and into the goal. A dream start for Palerang United with 2 exceptional goals to hand a comfortable lead at half time. Belwest changed keepers in the second half and the game saw both teams have some excellent chances on goal with an even and tough contest being played out. Julie Oserak and Lauren Bullman were excellent in defence and Jo Park covered a lot of ground in midfield in both defence and attack. With 15 minutes to go Belwest scored a cracking goal from a long shot the sailed over the outstretched fingertips of Jaye Coble in goal and the game was certainly back in the balance. Belwest finished the game strong as Palerang United’s bench resembled a hospital ward with Cheyanne Whitmore Kirsty Mendham and Tamara Roberts all suffering injuries. Palerang United held on though to take a hard fought victory over a very competitive opponent and the ladies were ecstatic with their committed performance. Great win and two wins in a row now for Palerang United. Final score Palerang United 2 Belwest 1.

Next week the Ladies take on second placed Belnorth who are averaging over 4 goals a game in attack. Good Luck Ladies it should be a cracker!   

Great Weekend Of Results for Palerang United

Palerang United have six teams in the Capital Football competitions and last weekend was possibly our best weekend of results with 5 wins and a draw. Our under 10s won 6-0, Under 13 girls won 9-0, under 15 boys drew 4-4, under 16 girls won 7-0, men won 2-0 and women won 2-0.

These results have our under 10s undefeated and without a goal scored against them.  Under 13 girls on top of the ladder and without a goal scored against them, under 15boys in second place, under 16girls in fifth place, men in third place and women in fourth place. Congratulations to all the coaching staff and team managers, players and parents for your commitment to your respective teams! May the winning ways continue!