The remaining games of the opening round of the Barry Maney Premier League kicked off on the weekend, after Gambier Centrals and International opened the season on Anzac Day at Casadio Park.
But in an interesting turn of events, both of Sunday’s men’s matches resulted in draws, leaving the four sides to split the points.
Apollo v Blue Lake
Apollo took on Blue Lake at Malseed Park and the away side started the match well in control and found many opportunities early, eventually capitalising on one of the opportunities to take the lead in the 19th minute.
Gay Nay Say Ler was the player to net the opening goal to put Apollo in front and the remained in control for the remainder fo the half, defending strongly when Blue Lake pushed forward.
Apollo then doubled the lead on the brink of half time with a second well-placed shot from Gay Nay Say Ler.
Another big chance for Apollo was missed shortly after, with a shot from a one-on-one with the keeper skewing wide.
At the break Apollo was well ahead, leaving Blue Lake with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Blue Lake made two substitutions at half time and they seemed to work wonders as the side started the second half with a renewed energy.
They pulled a goal back in the 50th minute through Meereh Htoo, who slotted home a rebound after the Apollo goalkeeper made a save.
The goal gave Blue Lake the confidence it required and they piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser.
Persistence paid off in the 76th minute when Shar Nay Than scored a spectacular goal, finding the top corner from outside the box, making it 2-2.
Apollo tried to respond quickly and went close through a number of chances, but Blue Lake held on for a hard-earned point.
The match was highly competitive throughout, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination.
Apollo’s Gay Nay Say Ler and Blue Lake’s Lay Bae Htoo were the standout performers for their teams, causing problems for the opposition defence throughout the match.
Overall, it was a well-fought match, and both teams deserved credit for their efforts.
The draw means both teams take a point each from the game and will look to build on this result as they continue their campaign in the senior men’s competition.
Millicent v Naracoorte
Naracoorte United and Millicent United kicked off their seasons with an exciting 3-all draw in Naracoorte on Sunday.
Naracoorte United started the match positively and took the lead early in the game thanks to a fifth minute strike from Takbirullah Ahmadi.
However, Millicent United did not have to wait long to find an equaliser as just four minutes later Mathew Grgetic finished off a great move.
The game was back on level terms but it was not for long as Millicent continued to create opportunities.
Millicent United took the lead in the 12th minute, courtesy of a penalty kick by Brett Dibley.
Naracoorte United tried to find a way back into the game but was unable to convert any chances.
At half time Millicent had the lead 2-1 and after the break continued to give Naracoorte cause for concern going forward, eventuating in another mistake leading to a Millicent penalty.
Omar Ryan converted the penalty to give Millicent a handy 3-1 lead in the 57th minute.
Naracoorte United refused to give up and responded quickly, scoring two goals in the space of 12 minutes.
Millicent United looked to have secured all three points, but Naracoorte United kept fighting and was rewarded in the 74th minute when Charles Kelly scored a stunning goal to level the score at 3-all.
Both teams continued to create chances in the closing stages of the match, but neither could find the decisive goal.
The match ended with a well-deserved 3-all draw, with both teams showing great resilience and fighting spirit throughout the match.
Both sides will look to improve and take the three points next week, but will be pleased with their fight in the first round.
