Palerang United took on ANU Orange in an entertaining game. Injuries are starting to stretch the depth of the player roster with the men’s team but those that are fit and able are certainly playing well. ANU had a better passing game throughout the game but the patience shown in defence from Palerang United made it hard work for ANU to have too much quality ball. Troy Clark and Keith Acheson were strong in the middle of the backline upsetting plenty of ANU attacking raids on goal. Surya Bajracharya filled in for an absent Andrew Crisp in goals for Palerang United and was inspirational between the posts making several great saves in the first half. 

Mitch Moon and Johnny Milner were creating havoc up front with Mitch having a couple of good chances on goal. Tristan Neate and Mitch Roberts were determined in defence in the centre of midfield and made sure ANU had to work hard to move the ball forward in attack. Tim Corcoran, Josh Collier, Ian Rayner and Ricky McCurley made some important tackles at times and relished the challenges of the ANU attack. Nil all was the score at halftime and Palerang United were confident that with some more positive play they would have a chance of getting some points.

The second half was just as intense with both teams creating some excellent chances on goal. Tristan Neate Mitch Moon and Mitch Roberts were all unlucky with attempts on the ANU goal however a defensive error saw the left winger from ANU take full advantage of the half chance created from a throw in and squeezed his shot past Surya’s outstretched hand to give ANU the lead. Palerang United lifted but unfortunately the pressure applied to the ANU defence was unsuccessful and the game ended as a 1-0 loss. Next week the Men head to Duncan near Googong to take on the Monaro Panthers to complete the halfway mark of the season. Good luck fellas!

Palerang United Women Rue Missed Chances

Palerang United Div 3 women took on Gungahlin United in an exciting game. Gungahlin United controlled the first 10 minutes of the game with some good width of play but Palerang United were finding their way in the game and before long an even contest was played out. Courtney Doyle was reading the Gungahlin attacking plays with ease in defence and put through some excellent balls for the forwards to run onto. Georgia Garcia Taylor Dudley and Tamara Roberts certainly had the measure of the Gungahlin attack defending the Palerang goal with ease at times. Emily Malone and Tamika Murphy were terrorising the Gungahlin United defence with their speed and agility with several good chances going wide as halftime drew near. 

Maccie Whittick pulled off a great save in goal when Gungahlin United managed to string a series of passes together that opened up the Palerang defence and exposed an excellent chance on goal. Halftime came and went with confidence riding high with Palerang United knowing they would have the speed to be threatening in the back end of the game. Gungahlin to their credit though managed to get on the scoresheet first when a failed clearance landed in front of their striker and she weaved passed two defenders to poke the ball in to the goal. 

Palerang United cranked up the pace of the game and almost immediately hit back straight away but the shot went wide. Gungahlin started committing a few fouls as they struggled with the pace of the game and Emily Malone latched onto a brilliant free kick from Matilda Corby to get the equaliser and send the final 5 minutes of the game into a frenzy of rough tackles and tough calls from a linesman. All part of the game I suppose, you must take the good with the bad and the missed opportunities can come back to haunt you at times. The game finished a draw but I am sure the ladies know that they could get the result they want with a bit more composure in front of goal. Next week the Ladies take on Belsouth at Wanniassa. Good luck!

Palerang United Women Get First Win 

Palerang United Div 4 Have had a tough start to the season with a new squad and injuries playing a part of some tough results. The ladies took on Gungahlin United in a battle that saw plenty of entertainment as the game went from end to end. Palerang United’s midfield was everywhere initiating some excellent attack and playing some quality ball for the forward line. Palerang United hit the lead early with a scrappy goal and were relentless in attack for most of the first half with a further two more goals coming their way. 

A tiring team let in a goal midway through the second half but the ladies held on for a first win of the season 3-1. It’s great to see the progress of the team and a deserved victory will lift their spirits as they take on UC Pumas next week at Wanniassa. Good Luck Ladies