Calm – that’s how Yoogali SC coach Luke Santolin described his side following its 4-2 win over Hanwood FC in the Griffith District Football Association first grade competition on Wednesday.
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And none showed that calmness more than YSC captain Michael Depaoli.
The goalkeeper was called upon in the 82nd minute of the match following a YSC handball.
Hanwood FC Daniel Andreazza stepped up to take the penalty that would bring things level 3-3.
Andreazza drove the ball towards goal but Depaoli predicted the direction of the shot and made the save diving to his right.
The save came on the back of a five-minute period where Hanwood FC dominated possession and territory.
Santolin said the resilience showed by his side throughout the match went a long way towards the win.
“We kept calm for 90 minutes, we were hard in the challenge but calm off it and I was happy with the way we rode out the game,” Santolin said.
“We spoke about this being a brick in what we’re trying to build. We didn't want to let all our emotion out in this 90 minutes and to win with that mentality is brilliant.”
Earlier, it took Yoogali SC eight minutes to strike when Hanwood FC stand-in goalkeeper Daniel Johnson couldn’t handle a cross.
Sean Bremner – who Santolin named as one of his side’s best – knocked in the rebound to give YSC the lead.
Hanwood FC toiled away with a few free-kicks in scoring range before Andrew Quarisa levelled things up.
Just two minutes later a Bremner free-kick found the feet of Joe Preece in the 18-yard box who guided the ball home to give YSC a 2-1 lead at half-time.
It took the side a little longer in the second half but YSC was first to score again.
Mitch Bagiante controlled a long ball before dribbling across the field and took an off-balance shot.
Johnson had no chance as the ball sailed into the top right corner.
The goal clicked Hanwood FC into gear and returned serve a minute later.
Brad Clark drilled a free kick from just outside the 18 yard box along the ground, past the wall, hitting the left post before it went in.
Hanwood FC almost drew level when an audacious shot from Sevi Tropea just missed before Depaoli saved the penalty. A Matthew Cappello-headed goal sealed the Yoogali SC win late.
