Bunbury United 1 v Margaret River 2

Men’s South West Premier League
By Coach Gary Leigh
You know what you are up against when you enter the Bunbury Club rooms and see all the championship flags upon the walls. Its impressive if not to say a bit intimidating for the away club.

With the wind behind us the River started the stronger and quickly got into their free flowing passing game and looked the more likely to score.

We deserved a goal and we got it after 15 minutes from a set play, when Jon Richards curled a corner kick straight into the Bunbury goal, with a Bunbury defender back tracking, he could only help the ball over the line, heading up onto his crossbar but the ball had already crossed the line, 1-0.

The River was hungry for more goals and took the game further to United.

Lee Gaynor and Alex Costa where combining well, dissecting the Bunbury defence on many occasions giving Glenn Skyrme and Danny Kaleta goal scoring chances to extend our advantage.

A cross into the Bunbury penalty area was only cleared 20 meters out from goal, which Redar Saber latched onto first time and smashed the ball into Bunbury net to put the River two goals up at the break.

As I told the team in my half time talk, a two goal lead can often give a team a false sense of security, we have either got to extend our lead further or soak up the pressure early on and hit them on the counter attack.

We took to the field and attempted to continue has we had played the first half, but United had stepped up a gear and where winning most midfield battles.

A couple of positional changes were introduced in the attempt to keep our two goal lead and hit them on the break, which nearly came off when both Ned Allington and Richards went close to extending our lead.

Johnny Malpas was called upon to make a couple of saves but could do nothing about a shot that rebounded off the goal post back into the path of an oncoming Bunbury attacker, who made no mistake from 6 meters out, with 10 minutes remaining, 2-1.

The River defence held firm with both full backs Sam Parrott and Gordon Becker defusing any further Bunbury forays into the River’s half.

Brad Tweddle put his 65 kg –ringing wet- body on the line with a crunching tackle in the dying moments of this game that summed up the attitude of the entire FMR squad this day.

I could not separate Lee or Redar who both had great games and share the Player of the Match Award.

A special mention must be made to all the reserves team players for the River; with out whom this league win could not have been possible.

Thursday night after training our squad looked to have no more than 16 players for both teams, meaning a least 6 players having to play two games.

The likes of Harrison Wilson playing with an injury and Scott Guthie-Phelps playing on his way home from the airport all helped to secure this win and does not go unnoticed.

The reserves went down 4-2 in a closely contended game, Ned Allington winning the Player of the Match.

Next Sunday we are away again this time in Balingup, playing Blackwood in the second round of the Pioneer Cup.

Margaret River 2 v Bunbury Dynamos 4

Men’s South West Premier League
By coach Gary Leigh
Margaret River’s unbeaten run of 5 games was brought to an end by third placed Bunbury Dynamos at the weekend.

Margaret River started brightly and took a deserved lead after 10 minutes, when Danny Kaleta met a cross from Brad Tweddle on the right wing, 1-0.

The game took an abrupt ‘U’ turn when Woody Hangartner was shown a straight red card for pushing, prior to a corner kick, meaning that Margaret River had to play out the remaining 80 minutes with only 10 players.

Margaret River were punished further when Dynamos equalized within 2 minutes of the sending off, 1-1.

Lee Gaynor and Brad were brought back into midfield and Alex Costa left up front as our loan striker.

Margaret River settled back into a good rhythm of play, but succumbed to second goal shortly before the interval, 1-2.

A couple of fine adjustments were made at the break, Margaret River took to the pitch with more belief and it showed in our possession of the ball. It was hard to distinguish which team had the ten men.

This possession brought about our equalizer, when Alex held the ball up well and made space for himself on the edge of the Dynamos penalty area and fired the ball into the bottom right hand corner, 2-2.

The 10 men began to tire, 4 of which had already played half a game in the reserve grade due to lack of players.

Dynamo got their third goal with 15 minutes remaining and scored again shortly afterwards through an “own goal” that gave them a 2 goal advantage with only minutes left.

The River were thrown a life line when a Dynamo defender was penalised for hand ball and a penalty awarded, their keeper made a great save from Glenn Skyrme spot kick and the game finished 4-2 to Dynamo.

The team played extremely well, our passing out of defence was brilliant on occasions.

One move, started by Shogo Maida and Redar Saber involved 6 players straight up the middle of the pitch and nearly eventuated in a goal, it was one of the seasons best passages of play.

Player of the Match Award was presented to Gordon Becker for his solid game in defence as right back, he was also one of the players required to play for the reserves.

Our next game is away to Bunbury United this coming Sunday, training as usual Tuesdays and Thursdays on Gloucester Park at 6.00 pm.

MR robbed in dying minutes for a draw

By Stuart McKay
The skies clear for another glorious day of football on Sunday. Margaret River hosted Dalyellup in a clash in 5th versed 6th spot on the SW Times on the men’s premier league table.

The game was always going to be a test of depth for the Margaret River players, as two players from Margaret Rivers back line were absent.

With MR’s usual keeper John Malpas injured Stuart McKay limped into goals for the second week intent on keeping a clean sheet.

Shogo Maida replaced Jon (the butcher) Richards as sweeper and Danny Kaleta became our number one (hit man and man marker) on Dalyellup 6’8”inches center forward that left Gordon Becker and Ned Allington right and left backs. Only one element was missing from the back line and that was height.

Any doubts the MR keeper may have being out done in the air were short lived. The whole back line played out of their boots and grew 6inches from their toes.

The midfield engine room needed its tappets topping up after the first half. A creative flair and composure of the midfield was pure quality. Combined with the wingers of Jay Allington and Woody Hangartner both making great runs up and down the mark.

Now much of this MR hype was reflected back at them by pump and pressure on the ball by Dalyellup.

Dalyellup’s forward line was switching all over the park; it took a few minutes for the new back line to get settled Dalyellup were unable to capitalise on these lapses in the defence, especially when a midfielder was crossed the ball to his feet directly in front in goal only to launch it over the crossbar, much to the relief of the bellowing crowd and MR keeper.

That was probably the best chance of a goal in first half for both teams with both keepers kept keenly on their toes in many occasions.

Some controversy occurred 30 minutes into the game when Lee Gaynor was one on one with the last man in defence and was chopped down just outside the 18yard box. Mandatory red card was bill boarded amongst the crowd as the ref reached for his yellow pocket.

The free kick by Alex Costa went wide. The score at half time reflected a very close contest and anyone’s game for the second half. Half time score 0 – 0.

The intensity of the game somehow jumped up to another level as the coach’s half time talk injected fresh adrenelin into all 22 players on the park. The crowd was loving it! It was Dalyellup that had early chances with goalkeeper mistakes in the air. Fortunately for FMR cleaned up by the ever-reliable sweeper Shogo Maida.

FMR hit back with rebound football that allowed several corners, the first was the old combo or Woody Hagartner and Danny Kaleta, with the latter just missing the header home.

The game was drifting like a lost ship at sea. Uncertainty wafted in the doldrums of a nil all draw. From nowhere the crowd witnessed a cannonball emerge from the MR keeper to find a screaming Alex Costa who ran onto it and chipped over the Dalyellup keeper. The crowd erupted in bellows of joy as MR took the lead.

With 20 mins still remaining Dalyellup had plenty of time to peg one back. It seemed however that Dalyellup was sinking because MR dominated the play only to be denied by the keeper or woodwork several times.

With 2 mins to go Dalyellup was rewarded a corner kick. The ball floats across a four set wave of MR heads only to be hit by a double up ‘that rockets the ball past the keeper and man on the back post. Final score 1 all.

Brilliant game to watch, play and write about MR. Thanks to Mattinson Plumbing for sponsoring best player, its always hard to pick and I will share it with the players!
Bring that competitive spirit next week lads!

River swamps Hay Park

With World Cup fever well under way Margaret River’s multinational team took to the field on Sunday afternoon intent on progressing to the next round of the SWSA Pioneer Cup.

Standing in their way, Hay Park United, a team that recently won the their last 3 games convincingly.

From kickoff River looked sharp, passing and running with the ball with the confidence of a team that has played together for years.

It was obvious our Brazilian import Alex Costa was surely missed last week in Collie because combined with Sam Parrot and one of our British lads Simon Corke in the midfield River was flowing full strength with confidence and possession.

The crowd could sense it was only moments away from a River goal. What started from the backline with Jon Richards clearing to Woody Hangartner on the wing who gives to Glenn Skyrme (at left) outside the 18 yrd box.

Glenn seems to just rush past two defenders like a breeze on water and fire in a low shot to the corner of the goal. Score is 1-0.

Hay Park were determined to peg the difference back even but the defence of Margaret River was rock solid.

In fact the defensive attack of Shogo Maida overlapping with Jay Allington on the right wing to cross the ball from deep in Hay Park’s defensive half was nothing short of the play of the day.

It was met by Sam Parrott who calmly slotted the second for River.

With the rules of this cup game allowing for both teams to have rolling interchange MRiver was making the most of its 5 substitutes.

Our super sub Danny Kaleta made a huge impact in the midfield as soon as he went on and resulting in the second goal from his tough and strong play. MRiver went to the half time break knowing the game was far from over.

The second half saw little change to the intensity that was being played by both teams.

However Hay Park to its credit had more chances than the first half and kept Jon Malpas on his toes in goals.

At one point in the game a powerful shot from just outside the box having to be deflected over the crossbar.

Lee Gaynor (at left) from Ireland was stitching potato sacks from his oppostion with boundless runs in the forward line.

Our third goal came when what seemed to be a bad tackle on Alex Costa turned out to be hand ball in the penalty area. Simon Corke stepped up to kick an unconvincing penalty goal and a comfortable 3-0 scoreline.

Several injuries allowed more subs in Gordo and Harrison to come on. Gordo replacing Woody who was sublime in defence until forced off with injury.

Harrison was unlucky not to score a fourth goal after lobbing the keeper only to hit the crossbar and bounce back to the keeper. The final score was 3-0 to MRiver. Best on ground for River was Sam Parrott.

This week we play Hay Park again in Bunbury. All spectators welcome. Bus leaves 11.00am front of Aquatic Centre.

Margaret River 3 Vs Eaton Town 1

Men’s South/West Premier League
By coach Gary Leigh
Don’t rub your eyes; yes Margs had a home win, after trailing 1-0 a great fight back earned them a well deserved win.

Canadian Ted Brander captained the Margaret River team in his last appearance for the club after his two-year spell with us before heading home, he will always be a part of this club and I think Margaret River will always be part of him.

As in most of our previous league games this season we dominated from the kick-off and created several good chances to open the scoring.

The Eaton keeper made a couple of great saves from one-on-ones with Sam Parott and Alex Costa to keep the game scoreless to the disbelief of the vocal crowd at the break.

Eaton scored from a direct free-kick shortly after the re-start when the ball was allowed to bounce in our penalty area and we were punished, 0-1.

A change in formation, when River’s prolific goal scorer Glenn Skyrme was introduced into the game to give our attack three forwards in an attempt to claw our way back into the game.

This formation also gave Lee Gaynor, in his first game back for the River since last season, more room on the right wing to attack the Eaton defence.

But the equalizer came from another source, when Simon Corke in midfield hit a wonderful strike along the ground from all of 25 metres out from goal, leaving the Eaton keeper sprawling on the ground in a vain attempt to stop the shot, 1-1.

River were now back in control of the game and a second goal seemed likely, what we hadn’t bargained for was a double sending off, when Alex and an Eaton defender got their marching orders, in what, up until then had been a fairly incident free and fair game.

This setback only spurred the River on, with 20 minutes remaining Lee controlled and turned, his shot finding the back of Eaton’s net form the edge of the penalty area, 2-1.

It was now Eaton’s turn to pile on the pressure, Redar Saber and Kel Murray both tackled like their lives depended upon it, but unlike previous weeks our defence held strong.

Our keeper John Malpas was required to make a couple of saves near the end.

But with the game just about over Sam and substitute Gordon Becker combined well, which produced a fine chip over a defender for that man Glenn to notch another goal for the River and seal a long awaited win at home, 3-1.

It’s great to get that monkey off our backs, maybe now we can go on with this and finish teams off, which we have deserved to, on so many past occasions.

Player of the match was a close run thing again, with Simon just edging out Ted and Josiah Allington for the award.

The reserves went down fighting in another high scoring game this season 5-4.

Player of the match was Jack Constantine.

River’s next home match is next week against top of the table Busselton in a league match.

We exit the Cup with 10 goal thriller

Men’s South/West Cup
By coach Gary Leigh
For the second week on the trot Football Margaret River were involved in another 10 goal thriller, only this time we were on the receiving end of a 7-3 score line.

Playing away in Busselton against our local rivals, with them placed firmly at the top of the South/West Premier League ladder was always going to be a difficult encounter.

What made my job and the team chances of winning even harder was not being made aware of players not being available only minutes before kick-off and a couple of players thinking the start time was 3pm as per league games.

Subsequently we started the game with 3 players that had already played full games in the reserves match with no substitutes on the bench.

These issues threw my plans into disarray and this disorganisation was partly the reason that we conceded four early goals.

Shogo Maida was switched to middle of defence; this gave our back line a more solid look about it and Simon Corke began to weave his magic in midfield.

The River gradually got more and more into the game and at one stage, with the score at 5-3, Alex Costa nearly notched his second of the day at the near post, which would have made the last 30 minutes very interesting.

Tom Panarello hit a superb volley from 30 metres out and Redar Saber’s shot from distance both brought wonderful saves from the young Busselton goalie, but we could not reduce the deficit any further.

A couple of late goals for Busselton, one being a penalty “again”, put paid to any chance of us taking any further part in this cup competition.

Once again the opposition gave us credit for the way we played the game and our skill level, “its nice, but I would like a not-so-thrilling 1-0 or 2-1 victory occasionally”.

Glenn Skyrme took his chances well and scored a couple of goals.

But today there was one guy that stood out from the crowd, Ned Allington one of those players that had already played a great game for the reserves, wins my player of the match award. Even cramping up on a couple of occasions, he had the most remarkable game I have ever seen this young lad play.

The reserves also lost in a close game 2-0. Adrian Nathanieisz and Gordon Becker both had great games and helped out for the league team, thanks.

Goal feast in tied, unusual match

Men’s Premier League South/West
By coach, Gary Leigh
As the score line suggests this was a goal feast; what it doesn’t reflect is the drama that surrounded this match.

The River made all the early running and completely dominated in midfield, the one touch football was a sight to behold.

The defence also were playing well with Jon Richards calling the game from the back.

River took the lead when Glenn Skyme shot stuck the crossbar and rebounded to Sam Parrott to slot home from close range.

Margaret River were awarded a free kick inside their own half. Redar Saber lined up to take the kick and he let fly the most amazing shot I have ever witnessed. The ball flew past their keeper from all of 60 meters, but was ruled out by the referee because he awarded an indirect free kick which required touching by another player for to the goal to stand.

The River made it 2-0 shortly before half time, when Glenn scored also from close range.

Australind pressed hard before the break and forced 3 consecutive corners, but the River held firm to take the 2-0 lead into the break.

River made it 3-0 shortly after the restart of play, when Josiah Allington flicked a header in from a short corner at the near post.

At 3-0 up with 35 minutes remaining the confidence should be sky high, but although we have been scoring regularly we have also been conceding on a regular basis and when Australind reduced the deficit to 3-1 the nerves started to show.

Australind scored again 3-2 and the River looked a completely different team from the first half. We stop passing and were kicking the ball long out of defence, giving up possession.

Then a touch of magic literally from Alex Costa when he deflected a shot from Shogo Maida with a back flick into the corner of Australind’s net, 4-2.

Australind again reduced River’s lead from a free kick which was taken twice because the referee failed to notice the quickly taken kick, which our defence intercepted. This gave Australind a second chance which they took via the crossbar and deflected in, 4-3.

Woody Hangartner looked to have settled the result when he coolly curved a shot into the bottom corner to make it 5-3 with only 10 minutes of normal time remaining.

Australind were then awarded a penalty for tripping their attacker by Johnny Malpas our keeping when both players become entangled on the ground with the ball between the keeper’s legs, Australind converted, 5-4.

The referee added a further 6 extra minutes of injury time from somewhere, this helped Australind again to score and level the game at 5 all in this amazing match.

Player of the Match was a most difficult choice; it could have been any of 5 or 6 players that had exceptional games on this day. But I decided to share the award between Ted Brander in defence and Glenn Skyrme in attack.

The reserves also squandered a 2-0 lead to be beaten 3-2 in a closely fought game.

Player of the match went to Gordon Becker in his first game back.

I would also like to give Ned Allington a special mention for his great game in the reserves and his efforts in league match.

Momentary lapses let Dynamos prevail

South/west Men’s Premier League Football
Bunbury Dynamos 4 v Margaret River 3
By coach Gary Leigh
In a frustrating afternoon for River fans we lost to the odd goal in seven after once again dominating large portions of this match away at Bunbury.

We are developing into a fine passing team, which is opening up the opposition defences on many occasions.

River took the lead midway through the first half when a poor clearance by the Dynamos keeper fell to player of the match Alex Costa, who controlled the ball and fired a shot past their keeper, 1-0.

Dynamos then equalized in what seemed a fairly tame attack down the left wing which left both our defender and keeper sprawling on the ground in a vain attempt in stopping the shot, 1-1.

Shogo Maida showed true spirit with his tackling and overlapping from his left back position. I heard one comment which sums up this guy, “he just seems to float across the surface”.

The scores were level at the interval; I didn’t change anything and only had compliments for all team members and thought that we would take all 3 points if we kept playing the way we had first half.

We started slowly after the break and soon conceded a second sloppy goal, 1-2. This once again sparked the River into action with shots from Simon Corke and Josiah Allington both going close.

We then won a direct free kick 20 metres out, this week Glenn Skyme made the diverting run and Alex swung the ball left footed into the Dynamos bottom right hand corner, 2-2 and a great celebration to boot.

The River then switched off, a through ball which should have been dealt with comfortably by our keeper John Malpas eluded him and left a simple goal for the Dynamos to again take the lead, 2-3.

We then completely imploded with an ill-disciplined tackle, when Jon Richards lived up to his nickname “the butcher” gave away a penalty which they converted giving the Dynamos a 4-2 lead.

With only minutes remaining a great jinking run by Tom Pararello dribbled past a couple of Dynamos defenders and chipped the ball over their keeper to reduce the deficit to only one goal.

Losing by only one goal after scoring 3 left me with the feeling of what might have been.

Sam Parrott the youngest member of the first team squad had a superb game once again; he fits in well in the midfield and has the support of many a skillful player around him.

On a day, which produced some beautiful football from all of the River players, we all felt hard done by, but we must remember that this is game of 90-100 minutes and it only takes a moment or two of lost concentration that can destroy it.

The reserves after winning their two opening games of the season came down to earth with a large bump after receiving a football lesson from the Dynamos reserve team 10-0!

I must make a special mention to all the Dynamos players and staff, especially their canteen who always look after us and make us welcome, we thank you.

We have a bye next week but have a home game against Australind the following week May 9th. Training as usual 6.00 pm at Nippers Oval Tuesdays and Thursdays until further notice.

River beaten by a coat of paint

Premier League Football South/West Men’s
Margaret River 0 v Bunbury United 2
By coach Gary Leigh
If a result ever gave a false account of a game, then this was one.

On paper this looks like a fairly comfortable win for Bunbury Utd, but what it doesn’t explain is how many times the River hit the “woodwork” and squandered some great chances of scoring.

In a fast and furious opening stage of this game Margaret River made most of the running in front of one of the biggest home crowds that I seen at our Western Oval footie ground.

The first time we hit the opponent’s crossbar was when Simon Corke (under pressure at right) in his first game back for FMR took a direct free-kick from all of 30 metres out, the ball struck the bar with enormous power, which ricocheted back into play for Bunbury to clear to safety.

Alex Costa then had a couple of shot’s from midfield the second of which struck the Bunbury goal keeper with great force and rebounded to Glenn Skyrme who was following up Alex’s shot, but he could not keep his shot down.

Then against the run of play Bunbury’s right sided midfielder found space on the edge of our penalty area and coolly placed the ball over John Malpas our keeper, to give Bunbury the advantage at half time, 0-1.

My main instruction at the break was to keep the ball on the ground when attacking, because of the height advantage the Bunbury defence had over our forwards.

Shogo Maida and Josiah Allington worked well down the left hand side of the pitch for River and opened the Bunbury defence on several occasions.

Then River were awarded another direct free-kick, Alex made deceptive run for Glenn (at right) to strike a beautiful curved shot which had all the crowd jumping for joy, but somehow the ball hit the inside of post where it meets the bar and deflected along the line to safety once again for Bunbury. “I think we need to put one less coat of paint on the goals next season”.

Bunbury where out of energy and River mounted wave attack after attack, Redar Saber made a scintillating run up the middle of the pitch leaving 4 or 5 Bunbury players in his wake, but River could still not find that equalizer they so deserved.

Kel Murray was having a fine game in River defence his speed and courageousness in his tackling is amazing, he wins our player of the match award, thanks to Neil Mattinson for sponsorship.

With only minutes of play left Bunbury broke free and beat our off side trap, their forward rounded John and placed the ball into net and broke the hearts of River and gave Bunbury an unassailable lead, 0-2.

The River can take a lot of positives away from this game; we competed in every area with last season league champions and can hold our heads high.

Our Reserves had a great 3-1 victory over Bunbury Utd. With Brad Tweedle grabbing 2 superb goals and Simon Corke netting from the penalty spot after Trevor Arenmer was failed.

[At left: Alex Costa.}

Harrison Wilson wins the Eagle Boys Pizza player of the match in his first game back the River; he is maturing into a wonderful player.

A special mention goes to Jack Constantine also one of our younger players for a great game in defence for the reserves. Jack received a facial injury in the previous game, he showed great courage in this match, well played.

Click images for bigger views. Images courtesy Ikon Design.

River reveals promise in season opener

Men’s Premier League Football South/West
Dalyellup 3 v Margaret River 3
By coach, Gary Leigh
If Margaret River were offered one point for a draw before this, our opening game of the season in Bunbury, I would have taken it with both hands. But with the amount of possession the River had and chances we made I feel its 2 points dropped.

River dominated the opening stages of play with chances for Ned Allington and Glenn Skyrme both going close to scoring.

Against the run of play Dalyellup where awarded a penalty to the surprise of both teams, when a River player was penalised for pushing in a pack of at least 6 players attempting to met the cross from a corner.

Dalyellup converted the penalty 0–1.

River continued to play flowing football with Alex Costa in the midst of everything in midfield.

Tom Panarello shot from outside the 18 yard box the ball took a massive deflection off a Dalyellup defender which spun over their keeper to level the score at 1-1.

Redar Saber was having a solid game in the heart of our defence and had his work cut out containing Dalyellup’s man mountain of a forward, which he did successfully.

As half time neared what seemed to be a simple stop for our keeper found its way into our net to give Dalyellup a 2-1 advantage at the break.

Nine times out of ten mistakes by outfield players go unnoticed but when a keeper makes one there’s nowhere to hide, that’s the pressure of being the last line of defence.

Margaret River still made most of the running at the start of the second half and Glenn scored from close range to once again level the score, 2-2.

Although River where controlling most of the midfield exchanges Dalyellup’s forwards still posed a threat, Kel Murray now had the job of containing their centre forward, which he did well through his pace.

Tom Pararello beat 4 Dalyellup players in the opponent’s 18 yard box only to see his shot rebound off their crossbar to safety.

But once again with only 5 minutes remaining a goalmouth mix up and lack of talk allowed Dalyellup to take the lead for the third time, 2-3.

Most teams with only a couple of minutes left would have thrown the “towel in” but as with our reserves game, including myself who came back from 5-3 down to win 7-5 in the last 15 minutes, we equalised again, 3-3 through Glenn Skyrme with his second goal of the day.

With the size of squad and the amount of injuries we suffered, including 3 facial injuries in the reserves game, you should all be very proud of yourself for the commitment shown by all.

Eagle Boy’s man of the match awards go to both Adrian Nathanielsz and Nick Versteegen -for his 2 goals- in the reserves and Glenn Skyrme for the league game.

I would also like to thank the likes of Sam Parrott Brad Tweedel and Ned Allington, all younger members of our squad for playing almost 2 games this day.

Training is at 6.00pm every Tuesday and Thursday at Gloucester Park Oval, all welcome.