Wests SC 1
Hanwood FC 0
AFTER going through the first seven rounds of the competition winless, Wests Soccer Club has earned itself back-to-back victories after hanging on for dear life against a desperate Hanwood Football Club at Coro Club Oval yesterday.
The single goal came in the blink of an eye in the first two minutes of the game, which left Wests' defenders having to defend grimly at times as Hanwood looked to create chances whenever they were within range of goal.
Wests coach Bryan Salvestro paid tribute to his back men, saying they limited a Hanwood side that is renowned for being one of the best at finishing off opportunities on goal.
"The defence held very well because they (Hanwood) had that clear chance towards the end, they had a lot of the ball but they weren't doing anything with it," Salvestro said.
"The game plan was always try to hold out in the first 15 to 20 minutes because we knew they would come out hard at the start of each half, so we let themselves wear themselves out and then we'd look to counter-attack.
"We got the goal early, but we should have had at least one more goal with Ali (Rasouli), but we sort of had to go into a defensive mode in the second half, but it was still a hard slog.
"I keep telling the boys they can do it, and I think today was the day they realised they can take it to the top sides, and they didn't do it easily, but they did it easier than what they thought they would have."
Magpie Ben Phillips was outstanding in his side's win as he threw himself into the contest and appeared to have several clones on the field with him, such was his work ethic off the ball.
"He was one of the blokes that made a difference between the two teams, he just didn't stop all game and he won balls he shouldn't have won and pressured all of their players," Salvestro said of Phillips.
Bad news seems to come in groups of 10
for Hanwood FC currently, with coach Joe Catanzariti hoping his side can pull together during what is a tough time for the club.
"Before the game I knew if we went down a goal because I knew they would drop players back and stack the backline, and they've got some tall boys back there, so once we conceded that early goal I knew we were going to be up against it," Catanzariti said.
"We pretty much gifted that early goal and we were fortunate enough they didn't capitalise on another couple of opportunities they had."
Heading into the game without star striker Jason bertacco, Hanwood's injury woes worsened yesterday with Ryan Spencer picking up a serious groin injury, while Matt Bugno also field to finish the game after picking up a painful elbow complaint.
Wests' Andrew Cowper, who scored the only goal for the game, picked up a knee injury with officials unsure when cartilage damage or deep brushings is the diagnosis.
After Cowper's counter-attacking goal, Hanwood were able to to pas to feet more often and retain possession, but they were constantly hampered by Phillips and Brian Sibanda.
Wests took their slender lead into the break, but an excellent through ball from Daniel Quarisa to Andrew Quarisa looked to get Hanwood back on the board, but the weak finish did not threaten Wests goalkeeper Mitchell Woods.
In the 90th minute Hanwood was given one last chance to steal a draw, with a free kick resulting in a scramble in the box, with several Hanwood players claiming a handball, but their pleas were waved away as the Magpies hung on to win.
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