Comets
‘Offside’Cranbourne Comets 0 v Springvale White Eagles 0
The Comets had to settle for a draw in the Vodafone State League Division Two South East after a titanic top of table clash with Springvale White Eagles on Saturday at Comets Stadium.
Trailing Springvale by three points it meant the Comets had to win this game to keep in contention for the vital top spot which means automatic promotion to the 1st division.
The Springvale team brought a big crowd of supporters with them which added to the atmosphere befitting such a clash. It was a very tight opening 15 min with both teams trying to get the opening goal. A great chance fell to Anthony Ciccarelli after he was put through by a touch of magic from ace striker Fikret Korkaric but his attempt was brilliantly saved by Dusan Janjic who pushed it on to the post and away for a corner kick. Late in the first half Frankie Bove outwitted his tagger and only a great block by Janjic again stopped a certain goal. Springvale had a chance themselves right in the last seconds but Stuart Borgonha got his angles right and Juan Sestres’ effort just slipped by the far post.
In the second half the Comets stepped up a gear and had the opposition pinned in their own half for long periods. Fikret Korkaric had a great free-kick pushed away by Jajic who was in great form. Mid way through the second half Korkaric thought he had scored when Dario Simunic put him through at the far post but the celebrations were short lived as assistant Noutso had his flag up for offside which earn him the wrath of the home support.
With the introduction of Colin Stewart the Comets were really stretching the Springvale defence as they played the offside trap to perfection. Steven Bellirini had the ball in the net after being put through by Stewart but assistant Noutso had his flag up again for Stewart being offside which confused the home supporters again.
After a succession of corners the Comets had one cleared off the line by Leo Trebbia.
The game ended 0-0 but the Comets deserved more. Coach Dale White accepted the result which was better than a loss. He could not fault the teams effort but again the decisions made by the officials had cost the team full points. Springvale came for a point and their whole game strategy was to keep nine men behind the ball at all times to secure a draw. Best on ground was Troy Williams who mopped everything up at the back and Again the efforts of midfielders Bellrini,Rudzki and Demirkol were outstanding.With 5 games to go its all very tight at the top and bottom of this league.
The ressies went down 0-1 in an frenetic game played at 100 miles per hour. Playing with only ten men after only 30 minutes was very hard. Joey Bucello earned man of the match when he was pushed up front to play against three men was an outstanding effort from the Comets midfielder.
On a sad note Captain Gareth Ellison would like to thank the club for having a minutes silence for his Uncle Neol Mulready who passed away during the week.
Senior Sergeant Mulready will be sadly missed by the people of Warnambool and the club would like to pass on their best wishes to Gareth Ellison and his family at this sad time.
Next week the Comets are away to cellar dwellers South Springvale who will hard to beat on their home ground and with Adam Rudzki back from suspension Coach Dale White has selection headaches again.