Gully Gazette – Week 4 Recap

Gully Gazette – Week 4 Recap

Senior Men’s Round 4 – May 4

The Gully players and supporters made the short trip up the hill to Para Hills East to face off against the top of the table side. The challenge was set before kick-off, knowing this was a local derby and an opportunity to turn the corner after our disappointing start to the season.

PHE started the game well and created an early opportunity that Josh Forshaw saved well. From there we grew into the game and got a foothold in proceedings. We started to create our own pressure and opportunities, however, we were not clinical enough in front of goal to take an early lead.

The half ebbed and flowed for both teams, with both defences holding strong. At 35 minutes, we earned a free kick 30 yards out on the right side of the park. Mario Kuokkanen swung in a great free kick to the far post, where Jacob Williams powered a header against the crossbar.

On the stroke of halftime, PHE turned over the ball allowing Kyle Markham through on goal 1v1, however, the PHE keeper pulled off a nice save, with the defender clearing Kyle’s follow-up off the goal line. We finished the half the better side, heading into the break at 0–0.

The second half started like the first, with us generating early pressure, but still not converting on the scoreboard.

Early in the half, PHE created an opportunity with a shot from 18 yards hitting the crossbar. The rebound shot was cleared off the line by Daniel Waine. Credit to the boys—we responded shortly after. From a Liam Andijanto corner, Haris Vukic had a fantastic opportunity with a header from six yards out.

With 30 minutes to play, Tyler Green and Dylan Lamerton were introduced into the game. From that point on, we put PHE under a lot of pressure. We created several chances from open play, with Mario causing headaches for PHE, and Kyle, Greeny, and Willo carving out great opportunities in front of goal. However, we were not able to find the back of the net.

In the final five minutes, we stepped up a further gear, with Mario creating another two glorious opportunities for Greeny and Jacob Butler Bowdon to score the winner. However, PHE stood strong defensively and held on for a point at home.

On reflection, it was a great day out for the Gully at PHE with all three grades not conceding a goal and taking home 7 points. For the A’s, it was not the result we were craving, but credit to all the lads for putting in a solid shift from start to finish and showing the level of football we can and need to play week in and week out for the remainder of the season.

We now look forward to returning to Tilley Reserve next week to face off against promoted side Adelaide Eagles.

To all Gully coaches and players, congratulations on your results – well done!

Shane Golder
A Grade Coach
Go the Gully!

Senior Women’s – Round 5 (April 27)

Our Round 5 match saw us travelling south to play Flinders United.

After a strong cup performance last week, the team started very well, dominating the first half in warm, windy conditions.

After a best-on-pitch performance last week, Liza continued her excellent form, finishing off great work from defence to slot our first. This was soon followed by a cool finish by Hailey, sending us into halftime 2–0 up.

In the second half, we were running against the strong wind, and the game became a little more even. Our defence, led by our Vice-Captain and best-on-pitch Brie, stopped all attacks and several corners.

Brooke and Tamika were fabulous at centre back, and our keeper Kaitlyn pulled off a top-tier save, diving to her left. Tash then put the game beyond Flinders’ reach with our third.

Another building performance, and our attention now turns to the Mother’s Day clash vs Croydon Cougars this Sunday.

Juniors & Colts – May 3/4

With Adelaide turning on another stunning weekend of sunshine, our full contingent of 38 Junior and Colts teams played matches all over the city, with 12 home games on Saturday morning. It was brilliant to see so many families enjoying the experience—and the sensational hot chips, barbie, and coffees coming from the new canteen!

With so many volunteers working hard to get the kids on the pitch, we are stretched thin for help in the canteen. If you think you can spare a few hours on a Saturday, please send us an email with your contact details or let us know next time you’re at the club.