In sweltering heat yesterday, Bardon kicked off their FFA Cup campaign against St George Willawong FC at St George’s Park.
With temperatures in excess of 32C at the scheduled 6pm KO time, a 30 minute delay was agreed too.
We’ve got a delayed kick off here at St George’s Park. Now at 6:30pm #FFACUP pic.twitter.com/84lrHdGMMP
— Bardon (@BardonLatrobeFC) February 12, 2017
Bardon started the game with the following team; Andrew McDonald (GK), Tim Good, ‘Chico’ Castillo, Jason Walker (C), Lachlan Johnson, Mitch Smart, Hugo Cretois, Rob Field, Shannon Mavik, Jerome Allen and Julian Bertram. Our bench included Matt Hall (GK), Will McDermott, Austyn Boardman, Jordan Yasse and Alex Hutton.
The game opened at a frenetic pace despite the heat as both teams created early chances.
St George’s formidable strike partnership of Mario Perkic and Aleksa Krkeljas (68 goals in 2016), were linking up well and on the 15th minute, Perkic opened the scoring, after picking the ball up on the right and firing into the top left hand corner. Just 2 minutes later Krkeljas broke through and doubled the lead.
After a quick drinks break, Julian Bertram had Bardon’s best effort of the half which was tipped over by the keeper.
Krkeljas, St George’s #10, then latched on to another through ball and chipped over the advancing keeper. St George took a 3-0 lead into the half time break.
33′ | #10 latches onto the through ball and it’s 3 – 0. #FFACUP #BLFCvSTGFC pic.twitter.com/4R1CXHar8w
— Bardon (@BardonLatrobeFC) February 12, 2017
Jordan Yasse came on for Mitch Smart at half time and swapped positions with Tim Good. Bardon then had another great chance to open their account when livewire Mavik latched onto a Yasse pass but he fired just over the bar.
The temperature must have been getting to the players as late tackles flew in on both sides and a few players went into the referee’s notebook.
Whilst the second half lacked the verve of the first, both teams created chances. St George fired just wide, from inside the box, when it looked easier to score before Tim Good saw a volley whizz past the far post.
Captain Jason Walker was replaced with Will McDermott coming on and Rob Field switching to centre back and Matt Hall replaced McDonald in goal on 73’.
On 75’ Hall ran out of his box to meet the advancing #10 and brought the striker down. A free-kick and a red card were dished out. Striker Jerome Allen getting the nod to be the third Bardon player in the nets.
75′ | Reserve keeper Matt Hall is sent off 2′ after being subbed on. Bringing down #10 outside the box. #FFACUP #BLFCvSTGFC
— Bardon (@BardonLatrobeFC) February 12, 2017
10 men Bardon then put in a heroic team performance to hold off St George but couldn’t find a goal. Allen looked comfortable in goal, even making a great save from a close range header before full time.
Thanks again to St George Willawong for graciously hosting the game. We look forward to visiting again, and hosting them, later in the Capital Three regular season.