Round 8 - Narooma FC (5) def Bodalla Bulls SC (0)
Narooma FC's All Age Men marked the midway point of the 2019 season on Friday night with a decisive victory over Bodalla, scoring five unanswered goals in an entertaining encounter at Dalmeny Oval.
The late withdrawal of Narooma's usual goalkeeper forced a raft of changes to the line-up minutes before kick-off. However, you were hard pressed to notice as the Reds heaped first-half attacking pressure on a youthful Bodalla team.
Several early Narooma chances ultimately culminated in a cheeky back-heel goal to Kyle Dixon, who found himself with time and space on the Bodalla six yard box after Sid Smith headed down a deep cross. Narooma were fortunate to extend their advantage minutes later when a relatively tame shot from Dixon was fumbled by the Bodalla keeper and trickled over the line. With Narooma taking control of the game, Mark Anderson came off the bench to nod in his first goal of the season and Narooma's third for the night.
As the first half drew on, Bodalla pushed to get back into the game with several pacey runs at the Narooma defence. However, the combination of Adam Dixon, Callum Annand, Ben Ritchie and Alex Saines has proven a formidable defensive line in the past, and Friday night was no different. With Ben Hay pulling on the goalkeeper gloves in an assured display between the sticks, and Ethan Anderson and Bill Adams screening in front, it seemed a frustrated Bodalla team was always destined to go to the sheds with nothing to show for their first-half efforts.
The late withdrawal of Narooma's usual goalkeeper forced a raft of changes to the line-up minutes before kick-off. However, you were hard pressed to notice as the Reds heaped first-half attacking pressure on a youthful Bodalla team.
Several early Narooma chances ultimately culminated in a cheeky back-heel goal to Kyle Dixon, who found himself with time and space on the Bodalla six yard box after Sid Smith headed down a deep cross. Narooma were fortunate to extend their advantage minutes later when a relatively tame shot from Dixon was fumbled by the Bodalla keeper and trickled over the line. With Narooma taking control of the game, Mark Anderson came off the bench to nod in his first goal of the season and Narooma's third for the night.
As the first half drew on, Bodalla pushed to get back into the game with several pacey runs at the Narooma defence. However, the combination of Adam Dixon, Callum Annand, Ben Ritchie and Alex Saines has proven a formidable defensive line in the past, and Friday night was no different. With Ben Hay pulling on the goalkeeper gloves in an assured display between the sticks, and Ethan Anderson and Bill Adams screening in front, it seemed a frustrated Bodalla team was always destined to go to the sheds with nothing to show for their first-half efforts.
After a couple of tweaks to the line-up during the break, the Reds returned to the field and rediscovered the fluent and composed brand of football they have become known for. Anderson headed well to get his second of the night midway through the second half. Shortly after, Josh Reakes hit home a loose ball from close range to put the result beyond doubt and secure the Reds an eight point lead atop the competition ladder.
Speaking after the game, player/coach, Kyle Dixon, offered an honest appraisal of his team's performance.
"The score line might have said otherwise, but our first half performance was below par," he said. "We needed to be more confident on the ball and provide better support off it - and that's exactly what we spoke about at half time.
"We were a different team in the second half," Dixon said. "Our passing game improved, our composure, and our work rate.
"This team is now starting to prove that our goals can come from anywhere.
"That is something you love to have in your locker as a coach, and something that can be a nightmare for the opposition to defend against."
Speaking after the game, player/coach, Kyle Dixon, offered an honest appraisal of his team's performance.
"The score line might have said otherwise, but our first half performance was below par," he said. "We needed to be more confident on the ball and provide better support off it - and that's exactly what we spoke about at half time.
"We were a different team in the second half," Dixon said. "Our passing game improved, our composure, and our work rate.
"This team is now starting to prove that our goals can come from anywhere.
"That is something you love to have in your locker as a coach, and something that can be a nightmare for the opposition to defend against."
Round 7 - Narooma FC (2) def Broulee SC (1)
The Narooma FC All Age Men have maintained their five point lead atop the competition table with a hard fought 2-1 win over Broulee SC in Moruya on Friday night.
Despite several players going into the match under an injury cloud or carrying illness, Narooma started by far the stronger team. Jarrah Seaman proved a nightmare for the Broulee defence early on. Seaman's positive link up play with Kyle Dixon and Sid Smith through the middle of the park was a joy to watch and penetrated the Broulee defensive line time and time again.
The sustained Narooma pressure ultimately paid off when Sid Smith got his head on the end of a Kyle Dixon free kick to open the scoring. Seemingly unperturbed by conceding a goal, Broulee continued to grow into the game and exert their physical presence. Another standout performance by Alex Saines and Callum Annand in the back-line neutralised the Broulee threat and saw the Narooma boys head to the sheds with a one goal advantage.
Despite several players going into the match under an injury cloud or carrying illness, Narooma started by far the stronger team. Jarrah Seaman proved a nightmare for the Broulee defence early on. Seaman's positive link up play with Kyle Dixon and Sid Smith through the middle of the park was a joy to watch and penetrated the Broulee defensive line time and time again.
The sustained Narooma pressure ultimately paid off when Sid Smith got his head on the end of a Kyle Dixon free kick to open the scoring. Seemingly unperturbed by conceding a goal, Broulee continued to grow into the game and exert their physical presence. Another standout performance by Alex Saines and Callum Annand in the back-line neutralised the Broulee threat and saw the Narooma boys head to the sheds with a one goal advantage.
The second half was a tense and sometimes heated affair. James Howard showed safe hands in goals, while Mark Singleton, Ben Hay and Mark Anderson put in solid shifts off the bench.
With 20 minutes remaining, Kyle Dixon fired in a free kick from 30 meters out which found its way into the top corner to make it 2-0.
To their credit, Broulee never stopped pushing to get back into the game. Even when they lost a man to a red card on the back of several reckless challenges, they still managed to peg a goal back with five minutes to play, setting up an exciting conclusion to the match.
Narooma held on to claim all three points and leave Broulee languishing two points off the bottom of the table.
With 20 minutes remaining, Kyle Dixon fired in a free kick from 30 meters out which found its way into the top corner to make it 2-0.
To their credit, Broulee never stopped pushing to get back into the game. Even when they lost a man to a red card on the back of several reckless challenges, they still managed to peg a goal back with five minutes to play, setting up an exciting conclusion to the match.
Narooma held on to claim all three points and leave Broulee languishing two points off the bottom of the table.
Round 6 - Narooma FC (2) def Moruya FC (0)
The Narooma FC All Age Men celebrated the club's inaugural 'Junior Supporters Round' with a dominant two goal victory over Moruya FC on Friday night at Dalmeny Oval.
Narooma's passing game caused havoc from the outset for the visitors, with Bill Adams and Ben Smith both narrowly missing opportunities to open the scoring. Twice the Narooma men found the back of the net, only to see the goal pulled back for offside.
The persistent pressure ultimately proved too much for Moruya however, with Bill Adams and Kyle Dixon both scoring within a few minutes of each other to take the home team to the sheds at half time with a comfortable two goal lead.
It was much of the same in the second half for Narooma, with several chances to extend the score line going begging, including a failed penalty attempt from Josh Reakes that could only find the goal post, and another disallowed goal for a close offside call. Narooma's inability to add to their goal tally might have come back to bite them had it not been for another impenetrable display in defence by Ben Ritchie, Henry George and Callum Annand. In his first game back following a lengthy stint on the sidelines with injury, Annand also gave the home side purpose going forward, with several confident forays in attack and pinpoint balls into the box that continued to ask questions of the Moruya backline.
Narooma's passing game caused havoc from the outset for the visitors, with Bill Adams and Ben Smith both narrowly missing opportunities to open the scoring. Twice the Narooma men found the back of the net, only to see the goal pulled back for offside.
The persistent pressure ultimately proved too much for Moruya however, with Bill Adams and Kyle Dixon both scoring within a few minutes of each other to take the home team to the sheds at half time with a comfortable two goal lead.
It was much of the same in the second half for Narooma, with several chances to extend the score line going begging, including a failed penalty attempt from Josh Reakes that could only find the goal post, and another disallowed goal for a close offside call. Narooma's inability to add to their goal tally might have come back to bite them had it not been for another impenetrable display in defence by Ben Ritchie, Henry George and Callum Annand. In his first game back following a lengthy stint on the sidelines with injury, Annand also gave the home side purpose going forward, with several confident forays in attack and pinpoint balls into the box that continued to ask questions of the Moruya backline.
Player/coach, Kyle Dixon, was upbeat in his post-game comments. "I'm glad we could go out and get a win in front of a bumper home crowd tonight."
"Yes, we could have been more clinical in front of goal, but these are things we can work on at training," he said.
"The support we've seen here tonight from our junior base is unbelievable," Dixon continued. "This is just as much a win for football in the Narooma community as it is for us as a team."
"On behalf of the Narooma men's team, I'd like to thank all of the players, coaches, parents, supporters and volunteers that came out tonight to make our Junior Supporters Night such a success".
"Yes, we could have been more clinical in front of goal, but these are things we can work on at training," he said.
"The support we've seen here tonight from our junior base is unbelievable," Dixon continued. "This is just as much a win for football in the Narooma community as it is for us as a team."
"On behalf of the Narooma men's team, I'd like to thank all of the players, coaches, parents, supporters and volunteers that came out tonight to make our Junior Supporters Night such a success".
Round 5 - Narooma FC (7) def Bodalla Bulls SC (2)
Narooma FC's All Age Men got their season back on track on Friday night in Moruya with a commanding victory over Bodalla SC. Goals to Mark Singleton, Dylan Staunton and Josh Reakes were accentuated by an unfortunate own goal by Bodalla.
Narooma started strongly with Sid Smith connected well up front with Kyle Dixon, deployed in a more attacking role, causing havoc for the Bodalla defence and creating several early chances.
Bill Adams was unfortunate not to get on the score sheet after navigating several challenges to be clear in on goal, only to be cut down by the last man on the edge of the penalty area. Josh Reakes took full advantage of the resulting free kick to make it 1-0, and shortly afterwards added a second with a glancing header on the near post off a Kyle Dixon corner.
To say the first half was one-sided would be unfair on Bodalla, who fought back strongly before the break and nabbed a goal for their effort. If not for some resilient defensive work by Ben Ritchie, Adam Dixon and Alex Saines, with Ethan Anderson screening in front, Narooma might have gone into the break wondering where it all went wrong.
Bill Adams was unfortunate not to get on the score sheet after navigating several challenges to be clear in on goal, only to be cut down by the last man on the edge of the penalty area. Josh Reakes took full advantage of the resulting free kick to make it 1-0, and shortly afterwards added a second with a glancing header on the near post off a Kyle Dixon corner.
To say the first half was one-sided would be unfair on Bodalla, who fought back strongly before the break and nabbed a goal for their effort. If not for some resilient defensive work by Ben Ritchie, Adam Dixon and Alex Saines, with Ethan Anderson screening in front, Narooma might have gone into the break wondering where it all went wrong.
However, once the second half began, it was clear that Narooma had taken heed of the coach's advice and began the stronger team. When Bill Adams was cut down in the box early in the second stanza, Josh Reakes was on hand to convert from the spot to make it 3-1 and get the Narooma boys back on track.
From there it was all Narooma, with Ben Smith working tirelessly on the flank and Henry George showing just what the Narooma lads were missing in their loss to Broulee two weeks prior, with an energetic performance off the bench.
Mark Singleton claimed arguably the goal of the night, on the back of excellent team build-up play, while the ever-present Dylan Staunton took full advantage of a defensive blunder to claim a goal for himself. Another goal to Josh Reakes cancelled out a consolation goal to Bodalla, with the score finishing 7-2.
From there it was all Narooma, with Ben Smith working tirelessly on the flank and Henry George showing just what the Narooma lads were missing in their loss to Broulee two weeks prior, with an energetic performance off the bench.
Mark Singleton claimed arguably the goal of the night, on the back of excellent team build-up play, while the ever-present Dylan Staunton took full advantage of a defensive blunder to claim a goal for himself. Another goal to Josh Reakes cancelled out a consolation goal to Bodalla, with the score finishing 7-2.
Round 4 - Narooma FC (2) def by Broulee Stingrays SC (3)
It was a case of what might have been for the Narooma FC All Age Men on Friday night after they slumped to their first competitive loss since forming at the beginning of 2018.
Narooma dominated possession for large portions of the first half and looked to have the game under control. Striker, Sid Smith, came agonisingly close to scoring on more than one occasion, only to be foiled on the line by some desperate Broulee defending. Failure to convert early chances ultimately came back to bite the Narooma men when, against the run of play, Broulee scored from distance, 10 minutes from the break.
Narooma returned from half-time with much of the same - positive attacking play, for no reward. In what seemed to be a recurring event, Narooma were shocked yet again when a well taken Broulee free kick extended the deficit. When Broulee added a third off a set piece shortly after, you could begin to sense that it was not going to be Narooma's night.
Narooma dominated possession for large portions of the first half and looked to have the game under control. Striker, Sid Smith, came agonisingly close to scoring on more than one occasion, only to be foiled on the line by some desperate Broulee defending. Failure to convert early chances ultimately came back to bite the Narooma men when, against the run of play, Broulee scored from distance, 10 minutes from the break.
Narooma returned from half-time with much of the same - positive attacking play, for no reward. In what seemed to be a recurring event, Narooma were shocked yet again when a well taken Broulee free kick extended the deficit. When Broulee added a third off a set piece shortly after, you could begin to sense that it was not going to be Narooma's night.
However, the Narooma boys rallied and pegged a goal back with 15 minutes to play through Josh Reakes' glancing header, off a Kyle Dixon free kick. When Ben Smith added a second with five minutes to play, you could be forgiven for thinking Narooma were going to pull off an unlikely comeback.
It was a case of too little, too late for Narooma unfortunately, with the boys left to contemplate what might have been had they played with the level of intensity and enthusiasm seen in the last 15 minutes of the game.
Narooma coach, Kyle Dixon, remained positive in his assessment of the game. "I can't ask for too much more from the boys," he said. "Short of putting the ball in the back of the net, we were easily the better team tonight.
"Football is like that though," Dixon said. "Lose concentration and you get punished.
"Unfortunately we were punished three times by Broulee tonight, and hats off to them, they've earnt the win."
It was a case of too little, too late for Narooma unfortunately, with the boys left to contemplate what might have been had they played with the level of intensity and enthusiasm seen in the last 15 minutes of the game.
Narooma coach, Kyle Dixon, remained positive in his assessment of the game. "I can't ask for too much more from the boys," he said. "Short of putting the ball in the back of the net, we were easily the better team tonight.
"Football is like that though," Dixon said. "Lose concentration and you get punished.
"Unfortunately we were punished three times by Broulee tonight, and hats off to them, they've earnt the win."
Round 3 - Narooma FC (3) def Moruya FC (0)
Narooma FC's All Age Men maintained their early season momentum with a convincing 3-0 victory away to a tough Moruya FC side on Friday night.
This fixture was always going to be an interesting match-up. The last time these two teams met in pre-season competition, Moruya triumphed with the reverse result, humbling the reigning premiers with three unanswered goals.
Fast forward a month and it is clear that player/coach, Kyle Dixon, has spent considerable time on the training pitch with his Narooma team to address its defensive vulnerabilities.
The weight of possession was firmly in Narooma's favour throughout the first half. Patient build-up play was ultimately rewarded when Sid Smith opened the scoring with a well taken finish into the top right of goal. Shortly afterwards, Mark Singleton added to Moruya's woes, seizing the opportunity to slam home the scraps after Moruya failed to adequately clear a corner.
This fixture was always going to be an interesting match-up. The last time these two teams met in pre-season competition, Moruya triumphed with the reverse result, humbling the reigning premiers with three unanswered goals.
Fast forward a month and it is clear that player/coach, Kyle Dixon, has spent considerable time on the training pitch with his Narooma team to address its defensive vulnerabilities.
The weight of possession was firmly in Narooma's favour throughout the first half. Patient build-up play was ultimately rewarded when Sid Smith opened the scoring with a well taken finish into the top right of goal. Shortly afterwards, Mark Singleton added to Moruya's woes, seizing the opportunity to slam home the scraps after Moruya failed to adequately clear a corner.
Moruya were almost allowed back into the game early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty for a handball. However new shot stopper, James Howard, was up to the challenge and saved confidently to maintain Narooma's advantage. This was just one of Howard's interjections for the night in what was a standout performance.
Narooma FC regained control of the game and put the result beyond doubt when Josh Reakes added a third goal with 20 minutes remaining.
Dixon was cautiously optimistic in his appraisal of the result.
"I am glad to get the win and mostly pleased with our performance," he said. "However, we have our goalkeeper to thank for the clean sheet."
"There were a few periods where we lost focus and could have easily copped a goal or two," Dixon said. "We will regroup at training this week and work to address that ahead of our next game".
Narooma FC regained control of the game and put the result beyond doubt when Josh Reakes added a third goal with 20 minutes remaining.
Dixon was cautiously optimistic in his appraisal of the result.
"I am glad to get the win and mostly pleased with our performance," he said. "However, we have our goalkeeper to thank for the clean sheet."
"There were a few periods where we lost focus and could have easily copped a goal or two," Dixon said. "We will regroup at training this week and work to address that ahead of our next game".
Round 2 - Narooma FC (7) def Bodalla Bulls SC (2)
Narooma FC's All Age Men continued their strong start to the season on Friday night with a dominant display against a depleted Bodalla side in Moruya.
First half goals to Sid Smith, Kyle Dixon and Josh Reakes set the tone for the match, on the back of a passing game that was, at times, unplayable.
The Narooma team only added to Bodalla's woes in the second stanza, with Dylan Staunton collecting his first goal for the club, Sid Smith adding his second for the game, and Josh Reakes two more to complete his hat trick.
However, the solidity of Narooma's defence was not to be outdone by the prolificacy of its attack. Adam Dixon offered a work rate that can only be described as tireless, while Alex Saines and Henry George showed invaluable versatility on the flanks.
Player/Coach, Kyle Dixon, was pleased with his sides progress so early in the season, but was realistic in his assessment of the victory.
First half goals to Sid Smith, Kyle Dixon and Josh Reakes set the tone for the match, on the back of a passing game that was, at times, unplayable.
The Narooma team only added to Bodalla's woes in the second stanza, with Dylan Staunton collecting his first goal for the club, Sid Smith adding his second for the game, and Josh Reakes two more to complete his hat trick.
However, the solidity of Narooma's defence was not to be outdone by the prolificacy of its attack. Adam Dixon offered a work rate that can only be described as tireless, while Alex Saines and Henry George showed invaluable versatility on the flanks.
Player/Coach, Kyle Dixon, was pleased with his sides progress so early in the season, but was realistic in his assessment of the victory.
"The guys put in a quality team performance tonight" he said.
"Large periods of the game reflected exactly the type of football we want to be playing at Narooma FC, but we'll be cautious in what we take from the game".
"Bodalla were missing a few of their stronger players - players that can change a game," Kyle said. "That being said, we're yet to hit full strength ourselves, so we'll continue to focus on our own game and integrating new players into our system." Narooma now has a week off before taking on Moruya, who put Broulee to the sword 4-2 in the early game.
"Bodalla were missing a few of their stronger players - players that can change a game," Kyle said. "That being said, we're yet to hit full strength ourselves, so we'll continue to focus on our own game and integrating new players into our system." Narooma now has a week off before taking on Moruya, who put Broulee to the sword 4-2 in the early game.
Round 1 - Narooma FC (2) def Broulee Stingrays SC (1)
What better way to get the Eurobodalla Football Association season underway than a grand final re-match! The last time these two teams met, only penalties could separate them, in what was a nail-biting conclusion to the 2018 season. Fast forward seven months and both teams walked out under the Friday night lights of Dalmeny Oval featuring new look line-ups, after heavy recruitment during the off-season. The defending champions had the run of play in the first half, with new signing Dylan Staunton working tirelessly to create numerous chances for Narooma FC on the right flank. However the positive build up play did not pay dividends and as the half progressed, you could begin to sense Narooma’s frustration at their failure to convert chances.
A tactical reshuffle at half time by Coach, Kyle Dixon, saw Jarrah Seaman deployed in a more attacking position. The exciting young talent took no time adapting to the role, causing numerous headaches for the Broulee defense and offering pathways in behind the defensive line. The switch-up ultimately proved successful, with Mitchell Smith getting on the back of a sublime Alex Saines cross to head home and open the scoring. Ben Smith followed up shortly after with a clinical penalty, following a clumsy defensive foul in the box. Broulee were able to peg a goal back late in the second half following a melee in the Narooma goal mouth. However the reigning premiers held on for a well-deserved victory and all 3 points.