By Terv Atanasov and Paul Healey
Round 4 vs Old Camberwell Men’s first’s:
Millgrove was the scene for the action today, and Valley had a point to prove against Camberwell who lifted the pre-season cup here last month, coming away 3-1 winners that day.
It was an electric start, with a ball played over the top to George Lyons, who held it up beautifully before cutting back to Josh Tomlinson.
A smart turn and low driven pass found youngster Alex Ronald’s in the box, and his quick feet were too much for the defender as he fired the ball into the net for his first senior goal for the club.
1-0 within three minutes, and it was a goal made in the Valley with two prominent juniors playing a role and earning their senior stripes.
The next 15 minutes saw a period of pressure from Valley with a host of shots and chances coming from all over the pitch, until a pivotal moment came when centre back Caleb Serci came off injured halfway through the first half.
A reshuffle saw fresh legs join the fray but it cost a loss in momentum, and Valley failed to convert any more chances.
1-0 at the half.
The second half started brightly, but Camberwell grew into the game.
They now placed Valley under sustained pressure, but keeper Aden Kerridge played his part and made a number of tidy saves to keep the ball out of the net, alongside captain Abela at the heart of the defence. Right back Baya Litchfield made several vital challenges, including two crucial tackles in one v one situations.
Unfortunately, further injuries meant Valley’s fitness was tested, and the team shape was changed to try and hold on for the 1-0 win, which wasn’t the plan.
Allcredit to Camberwell, who kept on playing right up to the final whistle and were rewarded with a 92nd minute equaliser, against the run of play.
1-1 on the day with points shared, as we look ahead to Hornbill next week for a must-win game.
Reserves:
The reserves hosted Old Camberwell at Millgrove in what was to be an interesting game with Camberwell a new addition to the division, and with the game underway it was clear to see Camberwell were not here to muck around.
The first ten minutes it was an even contest with neither team able to break the deadlock until Camberwell struck from a cross on the right.
Two minutes later the same thing again however an unfortunate bounce coming off Josh Allender’s foot brought the score to 2-0.
A mountain to climb already.
Yarra Valley got back into the game ten minutes later with a tap in finish from Toby to get his first goal in reserves football and two minutes later a perfect corner from Josh Allender found its way to the foot of Paul Healey in the box and with yet another tap in goal we went to the halftime break 2-2.
The second half began and again it was an even contest.
Plenty of opportunities for either side to get the lead back with neither team able to convert.
An outstanding second half from Paddy Gray in goals kept us in the hunt the rest of the game making save after save.
And on a beautiful warm day in Millgrove the scoreline finished a deservedly 2-2 with both teams not able to break away and secure a winner.
Our attention now turns to Hornbill FC in yet another new addition to the division and with a lot of confidence from the past few games we’re in the box seat for a juicy match.
