Yoogali SC came back from a two-goal deficit in their Billabong Cup match to down Griffith City 5-2 at Exies Oval on Sunday.
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Griffith City were the first ones to strike after Nathan Battocchio weaved his way through a mass of Yoogali SC defenders before laying it off for Andrea Rossi, who drilled it into the top of the net from 20 yards out.
YSC keeper Michael Depaoli looked to be playing the role of sweeper-keeper as his willingness to leave his box helped shut down the long ball game that Griffith City were trying to implement.
After YSC had spent the majority of the first half attacking, it was another counter-attack that saw them fall behind 2-0 after 35 minutes.
A good run and some fancy footwork by City’s Rossi saw his tally double for the day as he cleanly slotted one home from the top of the box.
Not five minutes later, YSC were awarded a penalty.
Ryan Spencer stepped up to take it but couldn’t convert, the shot saved by City keeper Daniel Lico.
On the stroke of halftime, YSC were awarded their second penalty in just a matter of minutes. This time Spencer made no mistake, slotting it home to reduce the deficit to one goal.
With pressure mounting on the City defence, a goal looked on the cards for YSC, and 15 minutes into the second half, the scores were level.
A cross from the right landed perfectly on Spencer’s head, and from 10 yards out he made no mistake.
A contentious free kick was awarded on the edge of the box when City keeper Lico was deemed to have handled the ball outside the area.
The initial free kick failed, but before the ball could be cleared, Joe Crisafulli pounced, sending it into the back of the net for a 3-2 lead.
A third penalty was given for YSC, though Spencer was unable to get his hat-trick, as his attempt was again saved by Lico.
Two identical crosses from YSC’s Grant Davidson allowed Luke Santolin and Isaac Brooker to both get on the scoreboard for their side.
YSC coach Anthony Martinello was pleased that his team made the most of their second-half chances.
“We created heaps in the first half. We could’ve at least been on level terms, if not in front, at halftime,” he said.
“Second half was day and night.
“We tightened up, did all the basics right, and the rest speaks for itself.”
