Apollo v International
In an intense encounter, Apollo emerged victorious with a 2-1 upset over International.
International went into the round six match having yet to taste defeat.
Not only were they yet to lose, they had dominated every game and not conceded a goal for the season, while averaging over 10 per match.
Sunday’s match was a tight battle with both teams creating opportunities early but failing to capitalise.
Apollo took an early lead with Gay Nay Say Ler finding the back of the net in the 29th minute, putting his team ahead 1-0.
International’s pride had taken a hit with their rivals being the first to beat their keeper this season.
While they searched for an equaliser in the first half it did not come with Apollo’s defence remaining strong.
Apollo came out with the lead and the momentum in the second half.
But the momentum shifted in International’s favour when Apollo defender Adam Walker unfortunately scored an own goal in the 57th minute, levelling the score at 1-1.
Apollo looked to recover the lead after the equaliser but struggled to get past International’s keeper Ka Nay Di Baw.
As the clock ran down it looked like the teams would share the points, with neither able to take the lead.
International’s dangerous attack was not the usual standard as Apollo’s defence held strong.
The game went into injury time with the score still level, but in the 94th minute Apollo’s Tobbei Kennett found the back of the net putting his side in front on the cusp of the final whistle.
The match concluded with a massive upset victory for Apollo who lost 7-0 two weeks prior to International.
Apollo’s defence proved too strong as Apollo now sits only two points off International on top of the table.
Centrals v Naracoorte United
Centrals secured a massive 8-1 victory over Naracoorte United to keep the top two teams within reach.
Centrals have taken their winning run to three games after comfortably taking care of Naracoorte United in a big win for the home side.
Centrals players exhibited remarkable skill and teamwork, overwhelming Naracoorte United with their relentless attack.
It was a tight battle with both teams’ defences fighting off attacks from its opposition, but eventually in the 33rd minute Centrals broke through.
Jensen Childs made the breakthrough for his side, scoring the opening goal of the game and opening the floodgates.
The score at half time was 1-0 with the game still very much hanging in the balance.
Naracoorte tried to find an equaliser early in the second half but Centrals piled on the pressure and the goals.
Cameron Saint doubled the lead two minutes into the second half for Centrals, before a penalty converted by Sam Shoemark made it 3-0.
Shoemark scored again three minutes later, before wrapping up his hat trick in the 58th minute.
Centrals extended the lead to six with Alexander Obedi becoming the fourth scorer for the day.
Centrals refused to slow down, scoring again in the 75th minute courtesy of a Henry Shoemark strike.
Despite the deficit Naracoorte continued to attack with Taketo Miyake scoring to take the score to 7-1.
Sam Shoemark then put the game to bed in the 87th minute with his fourth goal of the day, and his 14th for the season.
The match concluded with a comprehensive 8-1 victory for Centrals.
Their exceptional performance, led by the goal-scoring prowess of Sam Shoemark, proved too much for Naracoorte United to handle.
With a week off now Naracoorte will look to regroup and come back stronger when they play the flying Apollo.
Blue Lake v Millicent United
Blue Lake showcased its dominance on the field, securing an impressive 7-2 victory over Millicent United in the Barry Maney Group Limestone Coast Premier League Round 6.
Blue Lake’s Shar Nay Than was the star of the match early, getting his side off to a flyer.
He opened the scoring in the 8th minute, finding the back of the net and giving Blue Lake the lead.
Than continued his impressive form and added another goal in the 13th minute, extending Blue Lake’s advantage to 2-0.
He continued to be instrumental throughout the match, as Millicent tried to find an equaliser.
Ler Kler Moo joined Than on the scoresheet on the cusp of halftime with a 43rd minute strike to put his side 3-0 up at half time.
Millicent fought well at the beginning of the second half creating some good opportunities and keeping Blue Lake out.
The momentum did not stay with Millicent for long though with Blue Lake finding the back of the net for the fourth time in the 61st minute.
Millicent had given up a penalty which Than took no trouble in converting to secure his hat trick for the day.
Only eight minutes later Blue Lake won another penalty and this time Gay Ni Hsar took it with ease, taking the lead to 6-0.
Six would soon become seven with Jack Lathem scoring in the 86th minute to put the game well and truly to bed.
Despite being seven goals down Millicent continued to fight and managed to net two consolation goals.
Niall Brennan scored in the 86th minute followed by an Isaac Veron strike in the 89th minute to take the score to 7-2.
The Rangers’ exceptional performance, led by the goal-scoring prowess of Shar Nay Than, propelled them to a well-deserved win.
Despite Millicent United’s efforts, they were unable to overcome Blue Lake’s relentless attack, and remain winless this season.
