Healesville Soccer Club hosted 13 games at home last weekend for long-time sponsor Red Coral Seafood’s Gala Day.
Healesville Seniors 5-1 Croydon Rangers
Healesville kicked off the second half of the season on top of the ladder and wanted to make an early statement to the chasing pack.
The day couldn’t have started much better for the Reds: a Brian W corner curled into the far corner inside four minutes.
JJ scored Healesville’s second after a through ball by Brian W and his second from a cross by Daniel T.
The first-half domination was completed by a David M header from a corner.
Croydon came out with a point to prove and frustrated the home side with some niggling tactics and got on the scoresheet themselves after 10 minutes with a great finish from outside the box.
A Brian W shot was parried by the keeper for JJ to slide home his hat-trick on the final whistle to complete a great scoreline for Healesville.
Healesville U14s 13-0 Bayswater Reef Sharks
The U14s continued their good form with a huge win at home.
Julian B opened the scoring early with a cracking strike that ricocheted in off the crossbar.
Liam W stood out with a first-half hat-trick.
After going into half time up by seven, Healesville didn’t ease off the pressure and their flurry of goals continued.
The entire team pushed to the final whistle to bring home their biggest win of the year to date.
This dominant Healesville performance has the U14s tied for third place on 18 points and on a strong winning streak going into a crucial game against first-placed Blackburn next weekend.
Healesville U12 Panthers 5-1 Northern Eagles
It was a cold start at Wattle Glen, but the Panthers hit the ground running.
Healesville’s work at training on passing and movement in Healesville’s attacking third paid off early.
Despite missing Ben this week, the team maintained strong shape and intensity in the first half.
Jake, Louis and Flynn were dominant in midfield, keeping the ball locked in the Eagles’ half.
The sustained pressure led to three goals from Sem and one from Ryan, giving the Panthers a confident 4-1 lead at the break.
Other than for one fast counterattack, Ash remained mostly unchallenged throughout the first half.
Mindful of recent second-half fade-outs, the Panthers positioned Will and Jackson deep in defence to shut down counterattacks.
Frustratingly, the team still came out flat after half-time, losing focus, allowing the Northern Eagles to dominate possession early in the second half.
A few nervy moments followed with Eagles players left unmarked in the box.
Thankfully, some hard defensive work from Jackson, strong saves from Sol and a bit of luck for the Panthers kept the home side from scoring again.
As the second half wore on, the visitors slowly began to find their rhythm.
Leon, Sam, Ash and Eddie all had strong moments.
With more control of the ball, the Panthers’ passing game came back to life in the attacking third.
Sem combined with Ryan, who went on a solo run and completed the win with his second goal in the final minute of the game.
Healesville U12 White Wolves 8-0 Blackburn North Stingrays
Away in Blackburn this week, Healesville took on the struggling Stingrays.
The Wolves were in control right from the start.
The ball lived in the Wolves’ front half and their guest keeper, Oscar P, had little to do in defence other than shiver in the cold.
It wasn’t long before Healesville’s rising star, Alex P, had scored three goals in a strong display of ball-striking prowess.
The Stingrays then mustered some resistance, arresting the momentum and keeping Healesville to three goals before the break.
In the second half, Evan K was keen to have the gloves, allowing Oscar P to step out onto the wing.
His class was immediately noticeable as he dribbled at least six Stingrays from the wing, along with their keeper, to create a play-of-the-day moment.
He added another goal to the Wolves’ tally soon after from a great team build-up and crossed in by Harley T, who moments previously had missed out on scoring a fantastic strike, only for the ball to be brought back for a Wolves infringement.
Robbie K had to fight hard and never gave up, scoring two goals before the final whistle.
Special mention to Oliver R, who nearly pulled off a brilliant curling reverse swing lob in the first half that would have been a crowd pleaser.
Alex P sealed his player-of-the-match performance with another goal, taking his total to four for the day.
Healesville are currently fourth on the ladder.
The top three teams all drew this weekend, adding some drama as to who will go forward to secure top spot by season’s end.
Healesville U10 Red Storm 6-3 Lilydale
Among 13 teams playing at home for Gala Day, Red Storm had a great win against Lilydale at Don Road.
Other results:
Healesville U16s 1-6 Maroondah
Goal: Pip
Thanks to Ryder H for adding to the team’s numbers.
The U16s extend their well wishes to midfielder Max J, who late in the game suffered a nasty knock and a mild concussion.
Healesville U11 Ninjas vs Berwick CSC Blues 2-5
Goals: Ollie and Leo
