Reserves 17-0
The Citizens traveled out to Clayton this weekend to take on the Waverley Wanderers AEK in what was expected to be a good clash, given our history with them, but we were dismayed to find some internal club strife had limited the players for the weekend. It would be easy to write about how the Reserves are back to their winning ways, and they are, but in context the score should have been 17-0. With only 7 players, the Wanderers Reserve side took to the field to play for the pride, but against an 11 man CCFC team, it was only going to be a matter of time. Lee Hayward would grab six goals, with Tom Snaith and Mike Maddocks each getting a hat trick. Gared Matheson, Andreas Karlsson, and Kevin Fitzgerald each had one, and Jason Minglis grabbed a brace before a Wanderer player went down injured in the 55th minute, resulting in the game being mercifully called off. Sadly for Tom Kent, it was just as he was about to go on as a substitute.
Sorry Tom!
Seniors 9-1
The Seniors would have to work for their win, however, with a full side being presented to them by the host team.
Craig Tweedy added to his goal tally along with dispensing assist for Dan Quinn and captain Dave Kilcommons who put home another amazing goal. Chris Duncan and Jake Buckley abused the Waverley defenders with their speed and were each rewarded with hat tricks to put the game firmly out of reach of the hosts.
Waverley salvaged some respect with a second half goal as CCFC subbed our several key players to rest them for next week in a game that was won within the first forty-five minutes. The three points give us the boost we need to remain within striking distance of division leaders Brandon Park and an added cushion over the third place Ringwood. We will unfortunately be without the services of Ryan Nolan in the coming weeks as he was given his marching orders for a red card offense off the ball. The tribunal will evaluate if the one game ban will be enough for the young defender
3rds 6-0
The 3rds side made the hour drive out east to face Montrose SC Sunday afternoon, hoping to steal three points from the hosts. After his brilliant captaining the week previous, Rodney Wilson took the armband once again for the Citizens.
It was a scrappy opening of the game with the ball settled firmly in the Montrose half of the field before the scoring opened up. Jamie Braddock, getting his fitness back after a few weeks off, made the trek with the side and scored on a corner kick after a brilliant dummy from Luke Pettican. Marco Taglioretti added a second just a few moments later. The goals followed up several more attempts as Rodney Wilson would push a shot wide, Luke Pettican would force a good save out of the keeper, and several attempted shots that the Montrose goalie would easily collect. Luke Pettican would finally bring us back with the third goal of the day and much to the dismay of Ross Evans, Lewis Gyde took the ball all the way in himself for our fourth.
The second half saw more passing and midfield runs as we saw our fitness level take hold as Montrose resorted to cheap fouls to break up the run of play. Taglioretti would play in Drew Dickson how got a shot past the keeper for our fifth on the day. But the biggest celebration would be reserved for our final goal as Seniors Coach Richie Bates got his first goal on the season after Pettican crossed a ball to Bates' feet for him to rifle home.
While offense scores points, the defense ensured goalie Rich Garnett saw very little of the ball in the way of shots at him. Ryan Worsfold did so much running and covering of ground that he lost the underside of his left boot. Despite having no studs he still played for the remaining twenty minutes to see out the game! Another clean sheet for the Thirds!
Thankfully we have the boot exchange at the club!