ROUND 6
INGLE FARM vs PARAFIELD GARDENS
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, MAY 20th, 2007

Ingle Farms Reserves overcame adversity after a week of turmoil to get a result against Parafield Gardens Reserves in the 1pm match at Walkley Park today.

Farm and Gardens played out a 2-2 draw, but a last minute penalty for the home team could have seen an unexpected victory, but a magnificent save by the Gardens keeper spared the visitors an important point.

Severely depleted with several bad injuries from last week's game, Farm had a sleepy opening. Gardens started the match on top, controlling the match that lead to an opening goal after 10 minutes.

Gardens carried the ball down the right wing and crossed to the far post where he found a team mate who nodded the ball home from close range. 1-0 to Gardens.

Farm coach Paul Simpson moved Adam Blackwood into the midfield soon after and the decision soon paid dividends for the home team.

Farm were awarded a free kick 30 yards out from goal where Adam Blackwood got on the end of it and pinpointed a pass through to dashing Sean Robertson who impressively finished the ball from 8 yards. 1-1.

Halftime: Ingle Farm 1 Parafield Gardens 1.

Graham Elrick has been in good form so far this season for Farm, however the tall defender had the dubious honour of scoring the teams first own goal of the season in the 55th minute.

A Gardens cross was deflected off Elrick's foot, the ball nestling inside the far post giving Farm keeper Michael Francken no hope whatsoever. Great goal! 2-1 to Gardens.

However Farm fought back once again in the 75th minute. A Farm free kick 25 yards out saw Jamie Porter take the kick, his curling shot hitting the post - the rebound falling to Mark Faulkner who had followed up well to smash the ball into the net. 2-2.

Dramatically, Farm were awarded a 90th minute penalty when a Gardens defender hand-balled in the dying seconds. Vahid Rahmani who had been one of Farm's better player, stepped up for the spot kick - only to see his strike to the top corner brilliantly saved by Gardens keeper. It was the last action of the day as referee Glynn Cawthorne blew the final whistle immediately after.

With Brian Toomer stepping down during the week for personal reasons, Paul Simpson took charge of the B Team today. "We started off a little bit slow and conceded an early goal. We then enjoyed a good period of possession and equalized. The game swung back and forth where both teams had decent possession."

"Second half saw Parafield Gardens score another goal off our defender before we equalized again."

"Unfortunately we failed to score in the dying seconds from a penalty, but perhaps a 2-2 draw was a fair result."

ROUND 7
ELIZABETH VALE vs INGLE FARM
MOFFLIN RD, ELIZABETH VALE
SUNDAY, MAY 27th, 2007

Ingle Farm's Reserves threw away a 3-1 lead - conceding 4 more goals - to eventually lose 5-3 in the 1pm match at Mofflin Road.

In cloudy conditions, Farm surprised with mainstay defender Graham Elrick on the bench from kick off. News was that he rested a slight knee complaint. Chris Groom - who was short of a run - slipped in at sweeper in his first game with the Farm.

Farm struck first in the 25th minute when Mark Faulkner put a magical ball through for Dean Pietersen who made no mistake. 1-0 to Farm.

Vale replied soon after when the ball was crossed to the edge of 18 and the ball spectacularly half-volleyed home by a Vale player 1-1.

Ingle Farm then regained the lead when a free kick was awarded 20 yards out on an angle. Jamie Porter once again stepped up and tucked the ball into the top corner of the net for the visitors with another outstanding strike for the Reserves. 2-1.

Daniel Ryall then put Daniel Giorgetti through, who used his strength to see off a Vale defender before tucking the ball away from 15 yards. 3-1 to Farm.

Right before the break, a lack of concentration at the back allowed Vale to pull an important goal back. The ball was badly misjudged that let a Vale player run onto the ball and make no mistake from a slight angle. 3-2.

Half time: Elizabeth Vale 2 Ingle Farm 3.

Five minutes after the break, Vale leveled the match up once more when the Farm goalkeeper Michael Francken was slow off his line, lost a tackle just outside the area, the deflection falling to a Vale player who placed the ball home into the open net. 3-3.

Farm conceded a free kick directly in front of goal which led to Vale's 4th goal. The free kick was convincingly tucked away giving Francken little hope. 4-3 to Vale.

Farm should have been awarded a penalty soon after when a Farm player was quite clearly brought down 15 yards out from goal - however Referee Eddie waved the claim away and proceeded to award a lesser foul to Farm just outside 18 from the clearance.

Lazy Farm defending led to a 5th for Vale. A poor clearance fell to the Vale player - who proceeded to smash the ball home from 18 making the game out of reach for the visitors.

The home team were worthy of their win. Farm were extremely disappointing after half time, the lads seemed to run out of legs.

Head Coach Paul Simpson later said "Very disappointed with the result, this is a game we dominated for 60 minutes, but unfortunately certain players lost discipline and shape."

"After being 3-1 up, we capitulated and conceded three goals in the second half."

"Players that can hold their heads up were Mark Faulkner, Dean Pietersen and Daniel Giorgetti."

ROUND 8
INGLE FARM vs SALISBURY FLORINA
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, JUNE 3rd, 2007

Ingle Farm's Reserves came back from being a goal down to eventually overcome Florina's Reserves 3-1 in the 1pm match at Walkley Park.

The match opened evenly with both teams having their share of possession in the match.

Florina struck first with a well worked goal that was knocked in by Georgiadis after a fine cross. 1-0 to the visitors.

Farm controversially replied soon after when the referee incorrectly over-ruled the linesman's offside flag, resulting in an easy finish for alert Daniel Giorgetti. 1-1.

In his first start for the B Team, Steve Kerr had a great chance for Farm as he ran 10 metres clear of Florina's defence, only to drag the ball wide from 18 yards one on one with keeper.

Kerr again had the chance to score on another break, however Florina's keeper was quick off his line to intercept the ball 30 yards out from goal.

Farm then went ahead with a brilliant header from Anthony Martini. Martini wound back the clock as he glided through the air and thumped the ball past Florina keeper Hallard. 2-1.

Dean Pietersen, Vahid Rahmani, Daniel Giorgetti, Steve Kerr and Sean Robertson had good 1st halves for the team.

Half time: Ingle Farm 2 Salisbury Florina 1.

Farm gradually got right on top in the second half, Vahid Rahmani and Dean Pietersen were dynamite for the home team, while Graham Elrick, Jamie Porter, Jason Walker and Jason Keep kept things tight at the back for the home team.

Florina continued with their offside trap with some effect early in the second half, Farm were caught out time and again until a piece of brilliance from Vahid Rahmani in the 68th minute.

Seeing his attackers in an offside position, Rahmani dribbled the ball between two Florina defenders and ended his 35 yard run with a superb finish from 20 yards. 3-1 to Farm.

So 3-1 the final result, and a hard fought win to the home team.

Head Coach Paul Simpson later said "Great game by the B's today, they showed great endeavor and togetherness to turn around the last few weeks results."

"The game was fairly even up until halftime, but Ingle Farm showed greater effort during the second half."

Simpson's better players for the Reserves today included Steve Kerr, Vahid Rahmani, Dean Pietersen and captain Graham Elrick.

Final Score: Ingle Farm 3 Salisbury Florina 1.

by Robbie Bell

ROUND 9
INGLE FARM vs PARA HILLS WEST
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, JUNE 17th, 2007

Ingle Farm's Reserves knocked off second-placed Para Hills West in the 1pm match at Walkley Park today.

Two strikes from Mark Faulkner and Sean Robertson was enough to see off the league challengers as the home team overcame the visitors 2-0.

Farm had a couple of late changes to the team with in-form Jamie Porter and Graham Elrick rested, they were replaced by Trevor Bradbrook and Jason Walker in defence.

In cold conditions, Farm started well. The new-look defence was working well together with Martini, Blackwood and Keep all doing well, midfielders Dean Pietersen, Vahid Rahmani, Sean Robertson were on top and strikers Andy Lynn and Steve Kerr were active.

In the 20th minute, a corner to Farm bounced, a shot was blocked by West's keeper before Andy Lynn set up Mark Faulkner - who headed the ball home from 6 yards. 1-0 to Farm.

Dean Pietersen had a great chance to double Farm's lead, however the normally reliable finsisher sprayed his chance.

Farm had a free kick awarded 25 yards out that Vahid Rahmani put perfectly to the top corner, however the Para Hills West keeper made a tremendous save to keep the visitors in it.

Half time: Ingle Farm 1 Para Hills West 0.

Martini was replaced by Bradbrook and Pietersen was replaced by Giorgetti after the break.

Ten minutes into the second half, Farm made a second goal. A neat piece of play that started with Adam Blackwood to Vahid Rahmani - who found Andy Lynn who then put a great ball through to Sean Robertson who beat the West keeper to the ball and flicked it into the back of the net. 2-0.

Farm were solid from the back with Bradbrook, Walker, Jason Keep and Adam Blackwood all doing a fine job of thwarting their opponents then rebounding play up the field.

Giorgetti was causing West problems at the back while Steve Kerr, Vahid Rahmani, Andy Lynn and Sean Robertson also had fine games setting play up in attack.

Interim B Team Coach Paul Simpson later said "Great result for the boys beating second-placed Para Hills West today. That's the 1st and 2nd placed team we've beaten in consecutive weeks."

"The players are starting to gel well now which is going to make it interesting for the second half of the year."

Simpson's best players included Jason Keep, Mark Faulkner, Vahid Rahmani, Trevor Bradbrook and Sean Robertson.

Final Score: Ingle Farm 2 Para Hills West 0.

 

by Robbie Bell

ROUND 10
INGLE FARM vs FULHAM UNITED
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, JUNE 24th, 2007

Ingle Farm's Reserves climbed into 2nd spot in Division 1B with a 3-0 win over Fulham United Reserves at Walkley Park today.

Daniel Giorgetti was the star of the team today as he scored two fine goals and nearly got a third when he hit the post late in the match to lead his team to victory.

While having the better of possession, Farm didn't start all that well. First touches were poor, passes and movement were below par and few chances if any were created in a lackluster opening. It appeared early that the home team maybe weren't switched on.

However after 13 minutes, returning Peter Bria created the match's first real chance when he ran down the line and perfectly squared the ball for Andy Lynn who had his 10 yard shot well saved by the Fulham keeper.

Farm finally got into gear and took the lead through the unlikely source of Peter Bria. Mark "It-was-me-not-Vahid" Faulkner laid the ball off for Bria who ran in on goal and finished surprisingly well from 15 yards. Bria later admitted the goal was on his right foot - so relax folks - IT WAS A FLUKE. 1-0 to Farm.

Bria's newfound confidence then resulted in another chance for Daniel Giorgetti minutes later, however the big striker's finish wasn't great and the shot was again saved by Fulham's keeper.

Steve Kerr continued his improvement in the Reserves when in the 41st minute he set up Farm's second goal. Adam Blackwood played the ball to Kerr who found space out wide and cleverly squared the ball for Giorgetti who placed the ball in the net from 15 yards. 2-0.

Richard Bales today kept for the Reserves in the absence of regular keeper Michael Francken. Bales made two fine saves during the first half to keep his teams lead in tact.

Andy Lynn, Mark Faulkner and Vahid Rahmani were satisfactory in midfield while Giorgetti and Kerr were troubling Fulham's defence up front in the opening half. The defence was on top with Jason Keep, Adam Blackwood, Jamie Porter and Graham Elrick playing well.

Halftime: Ingle Farm 2 Fulham 0.

After the restart, a good ball through was well chased down by rampaging Daniel Giorgetti - who out-sprinted the Fulham defence before steadying then impressively placing the ball past Fulham's keeper from 14 yards for Farm's third goal. 3-0.

Giorgetti came close to grabbing a hat trick minutes later as more strong play saw his shot from 18 yards strike the upright and rebound away.

Farm were well on top. Most players were winning their positions. Some niggle crept into the game as several yellow cards were dished out for some careless challenges.

Keeper Bales again made two fine saves toward the end of the match as Fulham pushed for a consolation goal. Bales' beanstalk build came in handy as two strikes were tipped over the crossbar keeping his team's 3-0 lead.

Head Coach Paul Simpson later said the team had "a very slow start to the 1st half," yet in the second half the team played "exceptionally well."

"In the 1st half we gave the ball away on too many occasions and played the game at a slow tempo. Saying that we found ourselves in a fortunate position of being 2-0 up at halftime."

"Second half we kept possession of the ball far better and found ourselves playing more to feet. This enabled us to dominate the tempo of the game."

Simpson's better players for Farm included Mark Faulkner, Daniel Giorgetti and goalkeeper Richard Bales.

Final score: Ingle Farm 3 Fulham 0.

 

by Robbie Bell

ROUND 11
SALISBURY INTER vs INGLE FARM
UNDERDOWN PARK
SUNDAY, JULY 1ST, 2007

Farm started the game at a good pace getting the ball out wide to Peter Bria & Steve Kerr, but chances by Bria, Vahid Rahmani ,Mark Faulkner, Kerr and Dean Pietersen were all shot wide or over the bar, the Farm were well on top but wasted several chances to go ahead …

In the first 25 minutes Farm the were very comfortable on the ball and gave Inter little room. Then in 25th minute the ball was laid out to Steve Kerr who drilled the ball across the box for Andy Lynn to easily finish the ball low and hard to the right of the keeper.

Inter's keeper was having a good game - pulling of several good saves…Andy Lynn, Peter Bria, Vahid Rahmani, Mark Faulkner and Dean Pietersen were all enjoying good spells in attack while Farm's backline kept things tight with Jason Keep, Graham Elrick, Adam Blackwood and Trevor Bradbrook on top of their opponents…

Vahid Rahmani picked up the ball in our own half and went on a solo run beating several players and only had the keeper to beat, instead of slotting the ball away he tried to round the keeper who pulled off a great save to end Vahid's solo effort.

Pietersen was making some good runs up front while Lynn was also enjoying plenty of the ball.

Half Time the score was only 1-0 to the Farm where it should have been a lot more.

Half time: Salisbury Inter 0 Ingle Farm 1.

At half time Pietersen was substituted for Danny Giorgetti who was unlucky to be sitting on the bench after his best on ground performance last week. Danny's pace would make an immediate impact in the second half.

2nd half started off well for Farm keeping the ball in Inter's half with several opportunities. Giorgetti's pace was causing problems to Inter's defence as he was opening up for several opportunities for the Farm's midfield and strikers.

Early in the 2nd half, Kerr received a throw in, turned and ran into the box where he was met heavily by an Inter defender, the referee pointed to the spot for a definite penalty, although the infringing defender felt his body check challenge was within the laws of the game …Bradbrook stepped up and coolly finish in the bottom corner…. 2-0.

The Farm where well on top with all midfielders and strikers moving the ball very well.

In the 65th minute Bria made a great run down the left wing, hammering a low cross across goals for Steve Kerr to tucks away brilliantly from 12 yards out…3-0. It would seem the Farm could do no wrong and were enjoying most of the possession.

Inter did have some chances in the second half, Mike Francken pulled off a very good save when an Inter player was  through and Francken got off his line quickly, closed the striker down and preventing him from getting on the score sheet. Besides the slip up, Farm's defence was still rock solid and well on top.

With 20 minutes to go, Blackwood who was having a good game was substituted for Jamie Porter. Jamie would slot back into right back and immediately put in some good tackles to settle into the game.

Daniel Giorgetti, who was having a great half, then got a deserving goal as reward for his persistent hard work. "It-was-me-not-Vahid" Faulkner slotted the ball through to Giorgetti, who had peeled off his defender down the left wing out-pacing the Inter defender behind leaving the striker one-on-one with the sweeper - which he easily walked around and stuck the ball from 18 yards out, the ball came off the left post and into the net… 4-0.

Besides the Farm scoring 3 goals, the Inter keep was having a good game pulling off many good saves, The Farm would enjoy most of the possession for the next 10 minutes. After the Farm narrowly missed another chance, the Inter keeper quickly disposed of the ball down the left wing, and Inter were to enjoy a rare opportunity of attacking. The ball was crossed early leaving the Inter midfielder open to drive the ball into the back of the net. A well taken consolation goal for Inter… 4-1

In the 80th minute the ever hard working Andy Lynn who had played extremely well, was substituted for Jason Walker, which was a godsend to Anto who was suffering from a left ear ache after 80 minutes of hearing “34-7, 158 points,” continuously in relation to the lucky Central win over the Redlegs. (Lucky?? It was 158 points Ant?? -Ed) Unfortunately for Anto, Lynn would come off to walk straight over and to continue where Jason had left off.

The final 10 minutes saw more attacking play for the Farm, with substitute Walker having an opportunity virtually with his first touch.

Kerr, Giorgetti, Bria, Faulkner, Lynn, Vahid and Elrick all enjoyed a good 2nd half while Keep was sensational from the back closing every Inter attack early to give the Farm midfielders and strikers countless chances to attack.

Coach Paul Simpson said "Great game today for the B Team. We were consistently good throughout the whole match, and at times ran Salisbury Inter ragged."

"Our passing and movement off the ball was exceptional. Things are coming together nicely and we are looking forward to the Para Hills East game next week."

Simpson's best - Bradbrook, Keep, Rahmani, Kerr and Bria.

- As described by Adam Blackwood in parts and Anthony Martini in parts

ROUND 12
INGLE FARM vs PARA HILLS EAST
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, JULY 8th, 2007

Ingle Farm's Reserves closed the gap on league leader Elizabeth Downs to just 1 point when they today defeated Para Hills East Reserves 4-2 home at Walkley Park.

After being the better team for the first three quarters of the match, Farm held on for the win after a late fightback from Para Hills East.

Farm started on top. Straight away the home team took the lead after a minute of play. A long ball from defence found galloping Peter Bria who miskicked the ball from 16 yards that proceeded to make its way into the net off the post. 1-0.

East replied with an array of attacks. Michael Francken made three fine saves that kept Farm its lead. The most magnificent of which Francken glanced over the crossbar from a short sharp shot from close range in the 15th minute.

However Farm responded. On a break Peter Bria broke free and played a great ball though to Daniel Giorgetti who out-paced the East defence to coolly finish one on one from 16 yards.

Just before half time Francken thwarted another glaring opportunity for the visitors when one on one with the East striker the keeper brilliantly blocked the shot to keep Farm's two goal buffer.

Francken, Keep, Giorgetti, Adam Blackwood and Dean Pietersen did well for the home team during the first half.

Half time: Ingle Farm 2 Para Hills East 0.

Four minutes into the second half, Dean Pietersen put a terrific ball through for Bria who had made a strong run to be in on goal before finished well from 15 yards, one on one with the keeper. 3-0.

East responded in the 54th minute when a good move down the left found East player Astley who finished well from close range. 3-1.

However just a minute later, Farm restored their three goal buffer. Vahid Rahmani attacked the East defence, before the ball was well won back by Giorgetti before finding Andy Lynn who casually waltzed around 3 East defenders before tucking the ball home from 5 yards. 4-1 to Farm.

East finished the game strongly. A goal in the 75th minute when a player played a fine ball through for East utility Campaign who finished very well from 16 yards to make the scoreline 4-2.

Farm were under the pump for the remaining 15 minutes of the match as the home team struggled to steady. East continued to attack and were unlucky as several chances missed the target.

Michael Francken again came to his teams rescue as the keeper was solid, making some good stops to relieve pressure on his defence.

No more goals were scored in the match as Farm held East out for a battling 4-2 win.

Coach Paul Simpson said "Great win by the B Team today. This week we made a few more changes to the team."

"We played great free-flowing football on a bumpy pitch and our greater ball control was too good for Para Hills East to handle."

"Para Hills East never gave up and took the challenge right up to us, right up to the final minute of the game, so full credit to them and their coach."

Simpson's best - Michael Francken, Adam Blackwood, Jason Keep, Peter Bria and Daniel Giorgetti

Final score: Ingle Farm 4 Para Hills East 2.

by Robbie Bell

ROUND 13
USC LION vs INGLE FARM
GRANGE
SUNDAY, JULY 22nd, 2007

The game started off in a blistering pace with the Farm taking command of the game early, the well organised Farmers where in stride for another victory and pushed hard for the early goal.

In the 4th minute the early hard work would pay off as Danny Gorgetti, who played a man of the match performance, made a blistering run and cross across goals that found Sean Robertson on the receiving end who finished off nicely…1-0 to Farm.

It would seem the Farm we going to walk this game in but that is not how the next 20 minutes panned out, the Lion push hard and the solid Farm defence of Elrick, Kerr, Bradbrook and Blackwood stood firm to easily hold off any Lion attack leaving Franken with very little to do for 42 minutes.

The Farm would enjoy a flurry of chances to Rahmani, Faulkner, Giorgetti, Lynn and Pietersen. They would all be squander leaving the supporters wondering if the Farm would get another before half time. In the flurry of misses, Andy Lynn would have his once a half harder corker this time missing from 7 yards directly in front with only the goal line to beat.

In the 41st minute a broken down attack would see the ball bobble out of the Lion box in into the path of the Vahid steam train, who power drove the ball from 20 yards out. The Lion keeper dove to his left marginally touching the ball but the blistering sheer power of the shot catapulted the leather into the back of the net… 2-0 to the delight of the Farm supporters.

From the restart, the Farm quickly tried to take possession of the ball but by doing so resulted in an infringement 40 yards from the Farm goal. To the surprise of the Farm keeper, Francken, the Lion midfielder sweetly struck the ball with a wicked dip which had Francken frantically running back to make a spectacular tip over the bar save to keep the score line at 2-0. Some credit must be given to the Lion player for his quick thinking and savvy strike from what seemed an impossible distance to score.

The save seemed to inspire the Farm and from the goal kick the Farm would go down the other end and make it 3-0…Mark Faulkner made a good run into the box and finished off a fine cross.

The Farm's defence of Blackwood, Keep, Elrick & Bradbrook were hardly tested in the first half & spent most of the half assisting the midfield and strikers who all enjoyed great spells with the ball.

The First half whistle would not come any sooner for the lack luster Lions whose roar was well and truly dulled by the Farmers.

Second half and coach Simpson made some substitutions with Jamie Porter , Huey & Walker coming on giving players like Elrick, Boo & Mark Falkner a rest…

Farm scored 4 late goals in the second half that gave justice to Farm's possession on the day. The last of which was scored by none other than your mate and mine... Jason Walker. By all reports Walker was attempting to cross the ball, miskewed it completely resulting in the ball nestling in the Lion net.

Final score: USC Lion 0 Ingle Farm 7.

By Anthony Martini

ROUND 14
INGLE FARM vs ELIZABETH DOWNS
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, JULY 29th, 2007

Second-placed Ingle Farm were robbed of victory in the Reserves match against Elizabeth Downs that was a battle of the two top teams of Division 1B. Just 1 point separated the two teams before the fixture and it would seem only a victory in the match could give Farm any hope of winning the title this season.

After leading for almost the entire second half, a disallowed goal for the home team then a late equalizer from the Downs kicked poor Farm's Reserves in the guts in a real double whammy.

The first half was a tight tussle. Few chances were created for either side as the two wary teams played out a goalless half.

Halftime: 0-0.

After the break, things started to happen.

In the 53rd minute a fine ball through from Mark Faulkner set Dean Pietersen free who ran clear and convincingly finished one on one past Downs keeper to put Farm a goal up. 1-0.

Farm continued to press and some fine play from Sean Robertson and Vahid Rahmani saw the home team attacking in waves.

Downs were also pushing for an equalizer but Farm's Graham Elrick and Jason Keep were doing extremely well in the heart of defence for Farm.

Notably Elrick's tackling was exemplary as the tall utility rescued his team on several occasions with some well-timed challenges. At this stage of the game Downs did not seem to have an answer to getting past the Farm defence.

Adam Blackwood and Trevor Bradbrook also kept things tight and Farm looked comfortable midway though the second half.

In the 73rd minute came the most controversial moment in the match, if not the season. Andy Lynn brilliantly turned and superbly shot toward the top corner from 20 yards - which the Downs keeper could only deflect onto the post - where the rebound was well followed up by Jason Walker who was shoulder to shoulder with his opponent and dived to nod the ball home from point-blank range.

However bewildering to most around the ground, the goal was disallowed !! The referee disallowed the goal for a foul by Jason Walker. At best, it seemed very, very harsh on the home team. After initial annoyance and complaints, Farm players and supporters stood in an eerie silence as disbelief took over at the strange decision.

Disbelief soon turned to frustration with Jason Walker yellow carded and several other Farm players spoken to who were venting their anger directly at the referee.

The mood of Farm's players were certainly affected by the decision, which allowed Downs back into the match. Farm were not mentally strong enough to overcome such a blow and with 2 minutes remaining in the game, Downs rubbed the preverbal salt into their wounds.

With two minutes remaining, a break forward for the visitors resulted in a scramble in Farm's defensive 18 yard box, which Farm failed to clear, that allowed Downs player Edge to put the ball in the net from 8 yards. 1-1.

With no time left for a reply, Farm were left wanting as the final whistle blew for full time. Farm continued to dispute the decision and several players were fortunate not to receive any further cards.

Farm players were devastated after the match and coach Paul Simpson will have his work cut out lifting the players once again for this weeks clash against 5th-placed Parafield Gardens Reserves.

Best for Farm: Graham Elrick, Jason Keep, Sean Robertson, Jason Walker, Mark Faulkner and Vahid Rahmani.

Final score: Ingle Farm 1 Elizabeth Downs 1.

by Robbie Bell

ROUND 15
PARAFIELD GARDENS vs INGLE FARM
BRADMAN OVAL
SUNDAY, AUGUST 5th, 2007

Ingle Farm's Reserves cost themselves the game, if not league when they conceded a late free kick against Parafield Gardens today.

The lads were leading 2-1 in a battling match before an accurate kick beat Farm keeper Michael Francken from 26 yards.

Earlier Anthony Martini scored a superb goal to take an early lead before Gardens came back to equalize.

Mark Faulkner scored a fine goal for Farm in the second half to regain the lead.

A second half injury to the referee saw the handsome Belly take over duties with 20 minutes to go.

However with 6 minutes left, Faulkner's foul 26 yards out gave Gardens the shot they needed to equalize the match at 2-2.

Pumped up Faulkner nearly stole the match at the death after a fierce run into the Gardens 18 yard box before a disappointing finish saw the ball slice well away from goal.

Best for Farm: Jason Keep, Anthony Martini, Mark faulkner, adam Blackwood and Duy Tran.

Final Score: Parafield Gardens Reserves 2 Ingle Farm Reserves 2.

 

by Robbie Bell

ROUND 16
INGLE FARM vs ELIZABETH VALE
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, AUGUST 19th, 2007

Ingle Farm Reserves drew level on points with league leader Elizabeth Downs Reserves today when a late winner saw them overcome determined Elizabeth Vale Reserves 1-0 at Walkley Park.

Having missed an absolute sitter early in the second half, Peter Bria emerged as the matchwinner when a stunning header from a well placed corner kick found the net with minutes remaining in the match.

Farm started well in sunny conditions with Mark Faulkner, Duy Tran, Andy Lynn and Vahid Rahmani giving Farm early momentum going forward.

Several chances were created for Farm, notably Andy Lynn, Mark Faulkner and the ageing Anthony Martini all had chances that could not find the net.

Faulkner soon limped off that saw bounding Richard Dunn enter the match and soon enough Dunn nearly opened the scoring. A good ball through to Dunn saw him beat a defender before firing a rasping low shot that the Vale keeper brilliantly saved.

After Anthony Martini told me for the tenth time to blow the half time whistle coz "his ankle was killing him," (Martini later found out that he had in fact fractured the leg) I finally did with the score deadlocked at nil nil after the opening 45 minutes.

Good first halves came from Graham Elrick, Jason Keep, Vahid Rahmani, Duy Tran and Andy Lynn.

Halftime: 0-0.

A beaming Andy Lynn jogged back onto the park informing referee Belly that his mighty Hawks were up over Power. I felt like booking him right there on the spot. (Records later showed that the mighty Power got up over the choking Hawks with two goals in the final 90 seconds.)

Anyway after the break Farm were kicking down the slope and the big question was after dominating possession for the entire first half, could Farm finally stick the ball in the net?

Peter Bria didn't have any answers early in the second half when a terrific ball through set him up in acres of space only to see his woeful goal attempt from 8 yards hit straight into the keeper.

The home team were becoming frustrated, especially with Bria, could he ever score? Does he have two right feet? Does he need glasses? Seemed there wasn't a solution.

Meanwhile Farm's defence continued to comfortably hold Vale, Farm keeper Michael Francken had very little to do for the entire game between the sticks.

Substitute Josh McQueen replaced listless Anthony Martini and instantly added to the mix. Burly McQueen made several good runs that troubled the Vale defenders.

Farm's Adam Blackwood pushed into the midfield improving the the team's shape, Vahid Rahmani continued to confuse Vale player's with his trickery and skill, Keep and Elrick continued their good form at the back, as did Jason Walker who came into the match late in the second half with some determined efforts. Meanwhile all through this, Bria remained on the pitch.

In the 76th minute a free kick was awarded to Farm 25 yards out from goal after a hand ball from a Vale player. Josh McQueen stepped up for the strike and was desperately unlucky as he rattled the goal post with his attempt.

However in the 87th minute Peter Bria redeemed himself in the best way possible. A wicked corner kick was whipped in where Bria beat Graham Elrick to the ball to hammer home a header from 10 yards. 1-0 to Bria!! The relief was etched on his face.

The final 10 minutes of the game had seen Farm goalkeeper Michael Francken come onto the park after an injury to Duy Tran who was replaced by Richard Bales in goal. Well I wish I had a video camera as a high ball was crossed in to the Francken direction, that saw the out of place keeper panic, then attempt to smack the ball into the net, which only ended up as a huge "airy" and Francken landing on his backside.

Anyhow Farm had done enough to win the match and we are all talking to Bria again.

Farm Head Coach Paul Simpson later said "Magnificent effort by the B Team today. Eventhough it was only a 1-0 scoreline, we created many many opportunities. This result now puts us equal on points with Elizabeth Downs."

Simpson's best players included Vahid Rahmani, Graham Elrick, Andy Lynn and Duy Tran.

Final score: Ingle Farm Reserves 1 Elizabeth Vale Reserves 0.

 

by Robbie Bell

ROUND 17
SALISBURY FLORINA vs INGLE FARM
UNDERDOWN PARK
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26th, 2007

Second-placed Ingle Farm Soccer Club Reserves continued their late season surge with a win over 8th placed Salisbury Florina in the 1pm match at Underdown Park today.

Once again Farm dominated from start to finish as the visitors were in ominous mood.

Alby Lynn bolstered the Reserves in this game while being flanked by brother Andy.

Andy Lynn wrote his name all over the game with 4 goals while Graham Elrick claimed 1 goal that apparently Alby scored.

Simpson's best players included: Andy Lynn, Vahid Rahmani, Trevor Bradbrook, Duy Tran and Peter Bria.

Final score: Salisbury Florina 1 Ingle Farm 7.

 

by Robbie Bell

ROUND 18
PARA HILLS WEST vs INGLE FARM
MANOR FARM OVAL
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND, 2007

Ingle Farm Soccer Club Reserves finished off their season in style against Para Hills West Reserves with a fine 5-0 win.

However Elizabeth Downs won their final game of the season leaving Farm stranded on equal points but with a lesser goal difference. Farm finished Runners Up.

Farm did it easy with Vahid Rahmani having a great game along with Duy Tran.

The match will be most remebered for Andy Lynn running 100 metres in a world record 9:54 seconds to stop a melee involving brother Alby. Andy is now known as the incredible hulk.

Best for Farm: Jason Walker, Vahid Rahmani, Andy "Hulk" Lynn, Duy Tran and our mate Peter Bria who suprised us when he scored.

Final Score: Para Hills West 0 Ingle Farm 5.

 

by Robbie Bell