Palerang United took on ANU Orange last Saturday with a full squad on hand for the first time this season. Johnny Milner and Troy Clarke returned from injuries sustained in the first couple of rounds and Palerang United were full of confidence after a great win in their last game. The game started fairly evenly with both teams setting up some controlled passages of play. Palerang United looked to have the speed in attack and defence to worry ANU at times.
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Scott Birkett put plenty of pressure on the ANU defence which almost lead to the first goal but the shot went wide. Keith Acheson and Karuna Bajracharya were controlling the midfield well when a ball went wide to Joe Maloney and then forward to Dan Ison who chipped the ANU keeper only to have the ball hit the outside of the left upright and out for a goal kick. Another attacking raid only a few minutes later saw Scott Birkett cut down illegally just outside the goal box and the free kick was awarded. Surya Bajracharya calmly stepped up to take the free kick and with a clinical strike on goal the shot squeezed past the ANU defensive wall and hit the inside of the left upright and into the goal. Palerang United were ecstatic that they finally were rewarded with a goal after a strong period of play and the confidence of the team grew.
Half time came and went and the chances on goal were becoming less frequent as a tiring midfield saw less quality ball delivered to the forwards. ANU managed to score and level the game after a prolonged period of possession but Palerang United lifted the intensity of the game in the final 15 minutes with some serious but legal challenges on the ball and an ANU player went off with a broken nose.
Both Mitchell Moon and Jai Gulia played with a commitment that frustrated the ANU attack. Ben Pritchard and Adam Fussell displayed composure on the ball when needed and this helped keep possession of the ball through midfield. Dan Ison made another strong run forward after a neat pass from midfield and he was brought down about 20 metres from goal. The free kick was awarded and this time Ben Pritchard stepped up and took the free kick. His shot penetrated the defensive wall at an awkward angle for the ANU keeper and the keeper fumbled the ball. Both Scott Birkett and Dan Ison swarmed the keeper and Dan managed to slot the ball into the back of the net to hand back the lead to Palerang United.
The final stages of the game seesawed with good chances from both teams to increase the score but Andrew Crisp was solid in goals for Palerang United and the game finished triumphant for Palerang United to make it two wins in a row! This was a very committed performance from the men who have now risen to third on the ladder and with the second best defence in the competition.
If their form continues then maybe a finals berth will be realised by the end of the season. Next week will test the boys as they take on the ladder leaders ANU Blue who are averaging over 7 goals a game in attack. Last time these two teams met the game was abandoned due to a hail storm late in the game with ANU in front 1-0. Should be a cracker!! Good luck!!
Palerang United Women enjoyed the long weekend off and will next week take on Gungahlin United at Dickson. Let’s hope they perform well and take their winning streak to 4 in a row! Good luck Ladies!
