Australind Move to Third
By Ian Marley 20/6/2010
Australind have moved to third place in the SW Times Premier League table after a 5-2 victory over Collie Power at the weekend. Two goals from Mattais Eriksson and one each from Josh Harvey, Matthew McTaminey and Michael Farmer gave the home side five while Carlo Chiellini and Ryan Walkerson got consolation goals for the visitors.
The match got off to a flying start at the Leschenault Reserve with the Blues taking the lead in only 3 minutes. Matthew McTaminey swung a good free kick into the box where Captain Mattais Eriksson was on hand to smash the ball in at the back post.
After the goal Collie looked to respond, launching forward in attack. After several waves of attack from the likes of Ricki Colombera, Alex Bayley and Robbie Milligan, the visitors levelled the scores on 17 minutes. A high ball into the back post was met by an unmarked Carlo Chiellini who headed confidently into the back of the net.
Looking to avoid a repeat of the previous SW Times Cup result against the Power, Australind attacked again, scoring in the 25th. Midfielder Brett Colombera worked a good position for the home side before playing a neat ball to Josh Harvey who showed excellent control to round the keeper and slot into the net for 2-1.
HALF TIME: AUSTRALIND 2 - COLLIE 1
Following the break the visitors dominated play, going close to scoring more than once. Carlo Chiellini had the best chance in the 50th minute getting in one-on-one with Australind keeper Marley. After the initial effort was saved, Steven Farmer and Justin McCabe battled strongly to ensure that Australind remained in the lead.
Despite the initial pressure from Collie, the Blues increased their advantage on 57 minutes. In the midfield Shane McGirr played an attacking ball which Josh Harvey left cleverly for Michael Farmer. Farmer used his pace to outrun Owen Mandry and Chris Venetti of Collie before stroking the ball past the onrushing keeper for 3-1.
Australind's next goal came via the in form Matthew McTaminey who took his season goal tally to eight. In the 69th minute Paul Newton produced a teasing cross from the right wing following good work from Michael Farmer. Reaching high Collie keeper Alan Smith fumbled the ball down to McTaminey who finished comfortably for 4-1.
The goals didn't stop there either with Australind scoring their fifth only six minutes later. Working a short corner Nathan McCarthy delivered a ball into the box which the Collie defenders failed to clear. Swooping on the chance, Captain Mattais Eriksson stuck the ball into the top of the net to give The Blues an unassailable lead.
The game looked over before Collie snatched a consolation goal in the 89th minute. A defensive error allow Power striker Ryan Walkerden smash a volley past Marley for 5-2. Australind now look forward to an extended break, with two byes in succession before their next game against Eaton on July 11.