By Sarah Bailey
Healesville U9 Redbacks 8-2 Northern Eagles
Facing off against the Northern Eagles at Don Road, the Redbacks got themselves back on the winners list after a draw and two losses.
The game started evenly, but the Eagles capitalised on defensive errors and went 2-0 up within 10 minutes.
That kicked the Redbacks into gear. Max P went on a great run and fired a shot into the back of the net, following up with another goal soon after.
Hudson, filling in for the game, was everywhere and also nailed some fantastic shots.
The Redbacks dominated the second half, with more goals from Will and Louie and an epic left-foot volley from Ben P. Twins Kai and Karl also put in great efforts and helped set up many attacks.
Ethan, also filling in, was awesome up front and rock solid in defence. A highlight was the team’s passing and ability to find teammates in space. Special mention to Louie, who played his best game of the season.
He controlled his side of the pitch, worked really hard and was involved in everything.
Healesville U9 Falcons 6-4 Yarra Valley
After conceding an initial goal, Healesville responded with 3 in quick succession and continued to dominate the first half.
Great goalkeeping from Jensen R kept Yarra Valley from scoring another, which saw Healesville 5-1 up at half time.
Healesville allowed the opposition back into the game with some defensive lapses in the second half but were strong enough to hold on for the win. Goal scorers were Ethan S (2), Harry G (2), Bruce S (1) and Logan S (1).
Healesville U15 Girls Flames 1-0 Berwick United
The Flames hosted the ever-challenging Berwick United side. The first half was a great defensive battle by both sides with neither willing to concede any ground.
The second half started with Berwick pushing hard to take the lead, but some good defensive work by Evelyn BW and Hanna P kept the Flames on even terms.
It was then Healesville’s turn to push forward. With just three minutes left in the game, another defensive clearance from Isla C found its way to Charlee R on the wing, who won the 50/50 ball and found the ever-patient striker Kendi LT.
Kendi’s perfectly weighted through ball found Eloise S, who calmly slotted home the winner.
Healesville Firsts 1-0 One FC Firsts
This was most definitely a game of two halves. With the week off last week, it looked as though Healesville had forgotten what a soccer ball was in the first half.
Some good defending and the help of a post, and Healesville counted themselves lucky going into the break level on the scoreboard.
A rev up at half time by coach Brian W and the game flipped on its head. Healesville now dominated possession and territory, and after some near misses it was only a matter of time before Healesville would score.
Daniel T was the player to do that, securing his 10th goal of the season. More missed chances kept One FC in the game, but Healesville would hold on for the win.
Stuart P was excellent in goal, earning his second clean sheet this season.
Healesville Reserves 1-1 Berwick Chargers
After a great run of results Healesville were looking to continue their march up the table. Unfortunately, it was one of those days where things just didn’t go to plan.
A sloppy start set the tone and a lack of energy throughout the team made it a tough day at the office. Berwick took the lead in the 55th minute, but Healesville found a way (mainly through keeper Nick C) to stay in the contest, and Ben S scored a 75th-minute equaliser that kept
Healesville 4th on the ladder.
Healesville U13 2-2 Blackburn Servals
Healesville travelled to Blackburn to face a very strong Servals side. Watching the warm-up gave a good indication of how the Reds would play.
This was indeed the case, with Healesville putting in their best display of the season. Healesville were the better side in a first-half stalemate and scored a deserved opening goal through Julian B early in the second. Unfortunately, a five-minute lapse in concentration saw Blackburn take a 2-1 lead.
Healesville showed character and skill, with Louie G hitting a volley from outside the box to level the score at 2-2, and that is how the game finished. Shoutouts go to Cooper W and Tristan T.
Healesville U11 White Wolves v Waverley City forfeit
With Healesville already securing victory when an undermanned Waverley side had to forfeit, the teams agreed that a friendly match was a good idea. Borrowing three players from Healesville’s U11 Panthers, Waverley managed some really nice passages and scoring opportunities.
Healesville’s play of the day belonged to the combination of Robbie K and Will B. Robbie crossed into the box with precision, finding Will, who pulled off a great instinctive header.
Some great runs and passing from both teams gave us all a good session of play.
Special mention to Oscar P, who graciously helped out on the bench despite having to play a very important match later in the day.
Friendly score: 5-1 Healesville’s way.
Healesville Women’s Reds 0-3 Croydon Ranges
The Reds hosted Croydon Ranges under some early winter sunshine at Don Road.
Their previous meetings were physical encounters and the first five minutes of this game proved no different. The Reds kept calm (not bad for a side fielding no fewer than eight of the club’s U15 players) but were trailing 2-0 in the space of a few minutes.
The half-time score would have been much worse if not for some inspired goalkeeping by Ruby M.
The second half was much more even, with two very organised defences keeping it tight. Leah K was instrumental in the Healesville back four, and second-gamer Evelyn BW was lightning across the pitch, but ultimately Croydon took their chances and ran out victorious.
