Arriving late to Bowman Park after a difficult away trop to North Lakes (IKEA) – I discovered the reserves locked at 0-0 with about 15 minutes to go. By all accounts that score was a fair reflection of the game to that point. On the 86th minute though Yasse gambled on a high looping through ball, fell on top of the ball, probably controlled it with his hand and fired into the net. Whilst the handball wasn’t intentional it definitely gave him an advantage. That goal was enough and the game ended 1-0.
Starting XI: Barber, Johnston, Hamilton, Castillo, A. Powell, Allen, Smart, Pratten (C), Tolson, Bertram, Mavrik – SUBS: Jones, Maloney, Boardman
Bardon Latrobe lined up in 3-5-2 with home debuts for keeper Nicholas Barber and midfielder Brennan Tolson. St George started the game at a menacing pace and began to pressure the home side.
Bardon Latrobe’s first real chance came after Barber had made a smart save and a clearance on the line. Allen whipped a cross to the back post but no one could get on the end of it.
Free kick from Allen. No one can get on the end of it. pic.twitter.com/PnWivkS28y
— Bardon (@BardonLatrobeFC) July 15, 2017
It what would be a reoccurring theme a St George player threw himself to the ground in the box hoping to earn a penalty. Not long after the St George #10 knocked the ball on to #2 in an offside position who finished with a cool chip over the keeper.
If that was bad it was about to get worse. Keeper Barber came to the edge of the box to clear a high ball. Eyes on the ball he made full contact and got great distance on the clearance. A St George player ran into the keeper and both players hit the deck. The referee blew his whistle for what we assumed was a potential head clash. Moments later it appeared St George had been awarded a penalty.
GOAL – St George get a penalty for nothing and convert. BLFC 0 – 2 St George. pic.twitter.com/JOycfsj1dB
— Bardon (@BardonLatrobeFC) July 15, 2017
St George entered the half time break 2-0 up.
Shortly after the restart Bardon Latrobe were then awarded a penalty after the ball struck a St George players hand in the box. Pratten’s penalty was saved but Allen fired home the rebound.
GOAL | Jerome Allen follows in the penalty and scores for Bardon Latrobe. BLFC 1 – 2 St George. pic.twitter.com/6bNTv3sEDM
— Bardon (@BardonLatrobeFC) July 15, 2017
Bardon Latrobe old boy (BLOB) Johnny Black picks up the match report;
“At 2-1 down, Bardon Latrobe had a stone-wall penalty shout denied. It was right in front of the us and the offence must have taken at least 2 yards inside the box.
The referee awarded the free-kick, much to everyone’s surprise on The Hill and after much “constructive criticism” the ref went to his assistant and after a lengthy conversation, the ref moved the free kick to inches outside the box much to everyones disbelief and dismay.
The resulting free-kick, however, was struck sweetly and – just when we thought justice was going to prevail – the keeper pulled off a great save.”
Mavrik brought down in the box and the ref gives a free kick on the edge of the box 🤔 pic.twitter.com/XNkfW2OQJM
— Bardon (@BardonLatrobeFC) July 15, 2017
“Credit where credit is due – they were a decent team but while I’m at it their supporters were great and more vocal than us.”
St George were then able to double their lead with 2 goals that were almost identical.
GOAL for St George as the ball hits off the Bardon defender and the 9 fires home. BLFC 1 – 3 St George.
— Bardon (@BardonLatrobeFC) July 15, 2017
Both sides made changes but it didn’t impact on the final result and St George continue their march to the title.