New LNJSA rules allowed only 17 players in the squad, so Kane Duggan, Dan Raymond, Jacob Connell and Mishka Marzohl were asked to step aside for this game.

Just two weeks ago, United narrowly lost to this opponent after a thrilling match. During the week, the team analysed that game and focussed on tight marking, midfield pressing and playing over the wings.

As anticipated, this was a very intense and tight encounter. There was a frantic pace to this game.

[Left: Skipper Matt Kevill clears.]

Bunbury was more dangerous and dominant in the first half, United enjoyed greater possession and had better opportunities in the second half.

Bunbury ran hard at Margaret River’s defence early on, forcing Alex Williams between United’s posts for a great save in the first minute.

In the 8th minute, Bunbury nearly took the lead after a beautiful combination. The final shot went wide.

Alex showed the save of the game in the 19th minute when he deflected a header past the goal.

Benjamin Smith started in a central defensive position. After 15 minutes, changes were made with Aaron Locke switching to the left and Benjamin to the right wing. This brought new dynamics into the team and United suddenly appeared in front of Dynamos’ goal.

Harry Hick dropped back and played a superb game; complete neutralising the very tall No 13 forward.

The players were reminded to press for the ball and use the wings during the half-time break.

Scott Guthrie-Phelps had lots of space in central midfield. The second half saw greater use of the central midfielder.

The left and right backs had a very successful game and Mat Kevill was the reliable back stop.

Margaret River played the best game of the season. Fast combinations caused confusion in Bunbury’s backline.

In the 41st minute, Mehdi Balkhi was fouled just outside the box. His superbly crafted free-kick was just averted by Bunbury’s keeper to the crossbar. The resulting corner kick was headed by Scott Guthrie-Phelps next to the goal.

Bunbury nearly got the lead in the 49th minute. The resulting shot missed United’s goal by millimetres. The longer the game continued, the more United took control of the proceedings. In the dying minute, Harry Hick, Benjamin Smith, Henry Rogers, Mehdi Balkhi, Aaron Locke and Scott Guthrie-Phelps all had scoring opportunities – to no avail.

The game was over. It was a draw and a penalty shoot-out had to determine the winner. This is a cruel way to end a season, and unfortunately, Margaret River United succumbed to the pressure.

In front of a 150 people strong gasping crowd, eight players from both teams had to step up to the spot and kick until the Bunbury keeper saved a shot.

This brutally terminated this very successful season for Margaret River United.

The player-of-the-match award went to Harry Hick for an impeccable performance. I would like to thank the players, their parents and our supporters for these wonderful moments this year.

We will receive the League Champions medals and trophy at the LNJSA presentation on September 17th.

Bye for now!

In a seesawing battle the Stingers took the lead early courtesy of a searing run and strike from Quinn ‘steam train’ Cargill Fletcher, but the Magpies struck back late in the half to level the score.

The second half played much the same script with Oscar ‘stretch’ Armstrong finding the back of the net to put the Stingers back in front and the Magpies responding strongly.

Late in the game Noah ‘x-files’ Mulder executed a great reflex save and Anj ‘kung fu’ Kupfer-Hollis made a crucial clearance from the goal line to keep their noses in front by the final siren – 2 goals to 1 the final score.

Taj ‘the rock’ Spencer and Hugo ‘boss’ Smith ran tirelessly swinging well from offence into defence when required. Asha and Chloe Altmann and Noemie Merill all played their role in keeping pressure on the Magpie ball carriers.

Saturday’s win sees the Stingers’ (formerly the under 6 Bumble Bees) unbeaten run extend to two seasons.

All players continue to develop in confidence and skills and these young charges have been an absolute pleasure to coach.

Many thanks to the support and organisation of the players’ parents which has made the coaching role that much easier.

Watch this space for Stingers 2011.

Tim Moore’s Under 11 Raiders put up a spirited fight but were unlucky not to progress when beaten 5-3 in a tough match by their more fancied opposition in the Vasse Hawks.

The 13 and Under Gladiators went into their match against Busselton Angels with a new found confidence on the back of recent great performances, but the half time score of 2-0 against them remained until the final whistle. Well done Gladiators on a solid performance against a robust opposition.

Our Under 13 Premier team (the Tigers) have qualified through to the semi-finals on the back of a strong win against League Runners Up- SJMSC Stingers. At times an untidy and pressure packed game the Tigers settled when they needed to and put away the much needed chances to come from behind and take the game 4-3.

Paul Browns Under 15 United got off to a blinding start to set up a convincing lead at the break. Their Dunsborough opposition fought back hard but United played a great team game to continue into the semi finals with a 6-3 win.

In the YL Girls fixture it was unfortunate that our 2 sides were drawn to play against each other and it was the Breakers who ran out winners 2-0 in a skilful and entertaining game. Good luck to the Breakers and commiserations to the Jedis.

A tough game in the YL Boys saw League Champions FMR United face off against Bunbury Dynamos. End to end football fought out in the best spirit saw the teams locked at full time 0-0. This meant it now was put to a penalty shootout with Bunbury taking the prize 8-7. Bad luck to Patrick’s boys.

Margaret River is proud to announce that it will be hosting the association finals on September 18.

Six games are scheduled, the first commencing at 9am. A full canteen will be running so if you are keen to witness what is sure to be a great final day with a carnival atmosphere get yourself down to the soccer grounds. On completion of the finals the association presentations will take place.

For Margaret River club players and supporters your presentation dates are as follows. Ages 6, up to and including the 10 age groups (i.e. SSG teams); your presentation will be held this Saturday, September 11 commencing at 4pm. All FIFA age group teams your presentation will take place after the association presentation on September 18, commencing at 4pm.

Good luck to all teams remaining in the Knock Out Cup.

Saturday was a great day of junior football with a record eleven Munchkins running out for Margaret River to play three games against the Busselton Possums.

It’s a credit to coach Brad Deighton how much the Munchkins have improved throughout the season while clearly enjoying themselves along the way.

Mini Matilda Munchettes (Ashley Jarvis, Lily Mondy, Lizy Wilkie and new recruit Lana Spencer) fielded a full side and were a classy force to be reckoned with.

Another new recruit Sonny Moroney impressed everyone for what was his first game.

Max Douglas, Jack ‘Hammer’ Holzer and Huon House arguably played some of their best football of the season.

While the Engine Room men Casey Castle, Jaxon Deighton and Mikey Jeffs worked hard all day and really took the game up to the Possums.

Everyone played brilliantly well, but Lily Mondy was deservedly awarded Munchkin of the Match. Congratulations Munchkins, a fantastic effort.

The Hammers were out of the blocks first and built a 3 goal lead in the opening 15 minutes of the match.

Sam Leigh’s goal was the pick of the bunch when he broke down the left wing, beating 3 players and drilled a fierce shot across the Storm’s keeper into the top right hand corner.

The Dunsborough Storm were starting to get back into the game. Sam Lane made two great saves, hanging onto 2 powerful high shots.

But the Storm would not be denied. Another long shot found its way into the net, then a great solo effort from a Storm attacker, reduced the deficit to only one goal at the break.

The Hammers were in real trouble of losing its first game of the season but for some great defence from Jasper Harvey and Jace Narva-Farrow.

The Hammers began to gain control; Brodey Deighton and Nakita Harvey both went close to scoring.

Hugo Douglas and Alana Clark defended well and with Mia Mondy in goals they all helped to keep our slender goal advantage.

The game was on a knife-edge until Eagle Player of the Match winner Kilburn Booth hit a superb half volley shot into the bottom corner and also showed some brilliant play with his left foot, ”see It’s not just for standing on”.

Goal scorer Michael Andros won the Yallingup Maze voucher, displaying some great teamwork play.

Every week the Munchkin talent shines brighter. Some may think Munchkin means small, but after this weekend’s effort spectators will realise the team’s name is derived from them munching up the opposition.

Girl power Lily Mondy, Lizy Wilkie and Ashley Jarvis showed their natural talent playing football while doing the “Dance like an Egyptian”.

Girls just want to have fun!

Jaxon Deighton and Huon House were strong and persistent in attack.

While Jack Hammer Holzer and Casey Castle were unflinching in defence. Thank you to Dunsborough for supplying the extra players.

It goes to prove there is no I in TEAM.
Photos: (L-R): Casey Castle with Jaxon Deighton and Jack Holzer; Lily Mondy; Lizy Wilkie. Click for bigger ones.

The opinions before the game whether to play defensively or offensively were divided. The coach decided to play a strong midfield, pressing early and trying to play over the wings.

[Right: Ben Smith slides in to intercept.]

This strategy worked well early in the game. Margaret River settled down and put pressure on Vasse’s backline, recording three shots on target in the first six minutes.

Vasse however had the best scoring opportunity in the 7th minute just missing the goal. In the 9th minute, Benjamin Smith ran away from his marker on the right wing and scored a goal that was disallowed due to off-side.

Only three minutes later, a long goal kick by Jake Graebner-Bond found Mehdi Balkhi in midfield. His immediate pass reached the forward darting Benjamin through the legs of an unfortunate Vasse central defender. Benjamin made no mistake of the opportunity presented to him and securely put the ball into the back of the net to give the jubilant team in yellow the lead.

Margaret River was in a very comfortable position now. In the 21st minute, Mehdi had an exact replica of the situation that led to the goal. This time, Vasse’s keeper showed the save of the game denying the run-away Margaret River forward.

[At left: Eyes set on the ball Jack Hewton poised to take possession.]

This turned the fortunes for the visiting team. Vasse combined well now and put consistent pressure on the Margaret River backline. Several excellent scoring chances were missed until the 28th minute when a superbly struck long distance shot by a Vasse midfielder sailed over everyone and Jake’s outstretched fingers to land in the back of the net.

Vasse pushed on. In the 34th minute, Jake showed an outstanding reflex to deflect a well placed shot. Margaret River managed to just hang on to half-time.

The half-time talk focussed once again on tighter marking and pressing in midfield. Changes were made to the line-up and as in previous games, the changes proved successful. The second half belonged to Margaret River.

Vasse started well though with a near goal in the 38th minute after an early Margaret River defensive blunder. For most of the second half, Margaret River managed to lock Vasse into their own half.

Great runs by Aaron Locke, Harry Hick, Sam Connell and Scott Guthrie-Phelps kept Vasse’s defence occupied. Only towards the end of the game, Vasse emerged once again. Two heart-stopping moments nearly gave Vasse the title, but still Margaret River United held on.

What jubilation! The draw meant that Margaret River won the 2010 Youth League Championship! The players, parents and spectators were overjoyed.

The player-of-the-match award went again to Mehdi Balkhi for keeping up the pressure in midfield and playing clever passes. Encouragement awards were given to Dan Raymond and Mitchell Winstanley. Special thanks went to all players on the sideline for their patience and support.

[Left: Medhi Balkhi shouts encouragement to Sam Connell.]

The team also thanked German exchange student Simon Deuring for his support, enthusiasm and expertise over the past six weeks. It was very much appreciated!

The joy was somewhat short-lived as the draw for the Knock-Out Cup proved very challenging. The quarter final against Bunbury Dynamos who beat Margaret River last week will be a difficult game for the champions.

Kick-off will be this Saturday morning at 10.30 am in Margaret River. It will be a very tight game with the prospect of a cruel penalty shoot-out should there be a draw.

Go United! You are the Champions!

The Hammers found themselves one goal down in only 30 seconds of the start in this match; a Slayer forward latched onto a fine through ball and promptly tucked the ball into the net.

This was the wake-up call we needed, a well-worked one-two in the Slayers’ goal area between Michael Andros and Sam Leigh produced the equalizer for Sam.

The game was now end to end with Hammers goalkeeper Jace Narva-Farrow making three fine saves to keep the Hammers on level terms.

Nakita Harvey playing left wing went close to giving the Hammers the lead at the break.

But it was to be Michael who found the back of the net, giving the Hammers advantage at the break and went onto scoring a hat trick in the second half.

Team play was asked of from the Hammers in the second period; Jasper Harvey and Kilburn Booth were moved into midfield.

This paid dividends when Killy Kilburn scored and Mia Mondy also went close to scoring.

Alana Clark and Hugo Douglas both broke down several Slayers’ attacks with fine tackles.

The Eagle Boys Player of the match Brodey Deighton was everywhere, tackling and making great passes; by far his best game all season, well done.

The Slayers got a late consolation, reducing the deficit to three goals, but it was the Hammers that continued their unbeaten run, well played you Hammers.

To the Stingers’ credit with the Wolves arriving an hour late for the game, no intensity was lost and the Stingers simply outclassed their opposition running away with a 10 goal to nil win.

With Quinn ‘steam train’ Cargill Fletcher back in the side the Stingers’ offence was back to full strength and combining with Oscar ‘stretch’ Armstrong and Bryce ‘jetsetter’ Bennett the Wolves defence was overwhelmed.

Taj ‘the rock’ Spencer and Noah ‘x-files’ Mulder kept goals in the respective halves and nothing looked remotely like getting past them.

Anj ‘kung fu’ Kupfer-Hollis swept across the half back line tackling with intent and sending searing balls well over the midfield into the Stingers’ attacking half.

The female midfield pack of sister act Chloe and Asha Altmann and Noemie Merill is showing signs of developing into a formidable unit, their confidence in winning the ball and delivering effectively to the forwards improves with each game.

The Stingers have their last game of the season next week at home hosting the Vasse Magpies and a win would see them unbeaten for season 2010.