NSWNPL Round 8: South Coast Wolves v Bonnyrigg White Eagles

On a chilly night in Cringila, South Coast Wolves played host to League Leaders Bonnyrigg White Eagles.

Bonnyrigg were looking to get back to winning ways after picking up only 2 points from their last 2 fixtures. South Coast were looking to find some form after struggling thus far into the competition.

From kick off, it looked gloomy for the Wolves. Bonnyrigg comfortably slipped into their usual routine. Slick passing and good movement saw them dominate from the outset. South Coast were struggling handle the early pressure.

There were a couple of early half chances for Bonnyrigg, signalling their intent for the evening. The first clear cut chance came in the 7th minute. Alex Canak beautifully weaved his way into South Coast’s box, delivering a precise cross to Robbie Younis who easily headed the ball into goal to open the scoring.

It was only 5 minutes later when Bonnyrigg carved out another opportunity. Mitch Long whisked his way through the Wolves defence, exchanging a one-two with Younis. Younis’ lobbed return pass to Long opened an opportunity for Long to hit it on the volley. It was hit sweetly, zooming past Daniel Collison, however it whistled across the face of the Wolves goal.

In the 25th minute, Collison was again called upon to save the Wolves. A goalmouth scramble saw Collison throw his body around, eventually smothering the loose ball. Bonnyrigg were constantly probing, looking for advantages to add to their single goal.

By this point South Coast were struggling to keep up with Bonnyrigg’s relentless tempo. They attempted to play long ball counter attacks with zero success. The White Eagles defence, even without Nik Zonjic who was out with a hamstring injury, easily dealt with any South Coast attack. Bonnyrigg kept coming with wave after wave of attacks but the Wolves were somehow holding firm.

Shortly after South Coast had their first real chance. Michael Robinson fed Chris Nathaniel who was put through one on one with Matthew Nash to beat. However Bonnyrigg’s defenders arrived, increasing the pressure on Nathaniel who ended up shooting wide.

That was enough to spark some urgency back in the White Eagles again. After a period of sustained pressure, Mitch Long doubled the visitors’ lead. He slalomed his way into the box and rather than crossing he elected to shoot, the ball going in at the far post. It was just reward for Long’s great build-up work.

Late in the first half, Wolves’ John Martinoski found Joseph Lavalle. Lavalle had beaten an outstretched Nash but failed to beat the left post.

2:0 at the break in favour of Bonnyrigg and one wondered how many goals they’d win by. It had the potential to be that kind of night.

The second half began the same way the first half had gone. South Coast’s tactical changes did little to stem the flow of Bonnyrigg attacks. Collison had kept the Wolves in it and his heroics, combined with a last minute block from Sam Chapple, saved them from conceding a third early in the second half from a fantastic effort from Long.

Alas, Bonnyrigg’s torture of an outclassed South Coast outfit was on display again shortly after. Tynan Diaz’s cross deflected out to Canak who finished from a tight angle to make it 3:0 to Bonnyrigg.

From there, it was all but game over. The White Eagles were in the mood and it was just a matter of how many. 6 minutes after Canak’s goal, Robbie Younis reacted best from a corner kick to collect a brace for the night and move Bonnyrigg out to a 4:0 lead.

It was cruise control from there. South Coast kept on trying but the White Eagles held firm. Wolves’ persistence paid off, though, with a consolation goal in the 81st minute via Nathaniel.
And that was how it finished. It was a comfortable win to Bonnyrigg White Eagles on the night who ran away winners 4:1.

In a polished performance, it was tough to pick out the Man of the Match. You’d have to give those honours to Mitch Long. He was lively all night and was the spark of the White Eagles attack.

The win sees Bonnyrigg extend their lead at the top of the NSWNPL to 3 points over second placed Sutherland Sharks. South Coast remain in 10th.

South Coast Wolves 1 (Nathaniel 81’)
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 4 (Younis 7’, 64’, Long 31’, Canak 58’)

Yellow Cards:
SCW: Martinoski 38’
BWE: Hesketh 18’, Spruce 59’

Red Cards
BWE: Nil
CCMA: Nil

SCW: 1. Daniel Collison, 3 Sam Chapple, 4. Michael Robinson, 5. James Baldacchino, 6. Chris Nathaniel, 11. John Martinoski, 12. Joseph Lavalle, 14. Mitchell Del Turco, 17. Zac Mackenzie, 21. Sam Matthews, 26. Jacob Timpano.

Subs: 13. Dusan Kelonja (81′ for Nathaniel), 15. Matthew Floro (75′ for Martinoski), 16. Lee Gilroy, 18. Josh Bingham, 20. Thomas Hamilton.

BWE: 1. Matthew Nash, 5. Chris Tadrosse (C), 7. Tynan Diaz, 8. Alex Canak, 9. Robbie Younis, 10. Mitch Long, 11. Ben Spruce, 14. Jordan Crighton, 15. Steven Hesketh, 18. Adrian Ucchino, 21. Bo Hyun Chun.

Subs: 2. Alex Mansuetto (60′ for Spruce), 4. Vuko Tomasevic (83′ for Canak), 16. Howard Fondyke (79′ for Ucchino), 19. Aaron Peterson, 23. Nikodin Matic (GK).

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