St Albans win with a Master Class Display (VIC)
Bayside Pirates report on their recent match against St Albans Strikers
On Friday night the young guns of the Pirates Youth team were taught a lesson in how to play futsal by the experienced St Albans team.
Going into the break the reds were only in front 4-2, but pulled away in the second half to comfortably win 13-4. Playing to Stop Clock rules, it became an exercise in fitness and strategy, which was all part of the lesson for the blues. Captain Reuben Langerak was outstanding in defence, and was backed up by the vastly experienced Roger Cua in goals. Roger flew down to Melbourne as part of the Joma Sala Alliance to play with the Pirates in the Cup. He held an impromtu Goalkeeping session for the junior keepers of the club, before he kitted up to face some of his old friends in the St Albans side.
The Pirates began nervously and conceded a goal within the first minute, followed by another a few minutes later. But, they stuck to their task and scored from some sublime passing for Jonathon De Biase to athletically slot home at the far post. That was more like it. 4-2 at half time and the boys were still in it. However, despite the heroics in goal from Cua, the persitent onslaught from the likes of Tomo Grgic and the ever young Ivan Zilic, with his silky left foot, plus Jusuf Avdic’s thunder bolt shots (none went in this time!) were all too much for the Pirates. It was a Master Class from St Albans. The Pirates could not maintain their discipline in front of goal and silly errors crept into their game, of which they were duly punished.
It was a joy to watch St Albans and Cua play. Some great futsal was played. The Pirates left the stadium absolutely exhausted, with their blue shirts ringing in perspiration, but, they were not down trodden. Far from it. For these young guys, its not every day that you get a chance to pit your skills against the likes of Grgic and Zilic with a Futsalroo Goalkeeper on your side.
They are young and they will be better for the experience in playing in this FFV Stop Clock competition. The Pirates Youth season is over, but the players have the Joma Jaguars trials tolook forward to, and the Nationals in Canberra in between. They can hardly wait!
Squad:
Reuben Langerak (C), Roger Cua (GK), Hayato Yamada, Jonathon De Biase, William Ong, Con Collios, Paul Guadagno, Roland De Biase (GK), Harris Gordon. (Ksaniel Hasanki and Rene Santander (GK) did not play)
Ivan Zilic's famous left foot!
Tomo Grgic, the ever present Captain of St Albans, with De Biase and Yamada ready to break up the attack.
Ivan Zilic on attack with Jusuf Avdic in support. Yamada and Langerak for the Pirates, with Roger Cua marshalling the defence.
Roger with the Pirates aspiring Goalkeepers and members of the Sabres.
