Sunday 1 April 2012

Devonport 3 - 3 Ulverstone

Spectators certainly got their money's worth on Saturday when the first instalment of the Leven/Mersey derby took place at Valley Rd.

The first half shocked many, and Ulverstone headed to the changerooms leading 3-0. Ulverstone's first goal saw Iain Roberts-Thompson thunder a shot into the top left corner after being put through by Adam Conkie. The Red's second goal was another rocket, this time from the boot of Brayden Mann. The last goal of the half was scored by Kyle Baldock, who diverted a shot on goal with a little flick to wrong foot the Striker's keeper. Devonport strung together some quality play themselves in the first half but had trouble threatening the Ulverstone goal.

That all changed after half time, though as Devonport started to put pressure on Ulverstone more and more and eventually they earned a penalty that was coolly slotted by Daniel McGinn. The penalty looked dubious from my vantage point as I believed our defender won the ball, but I have been reliably informed by other Ulverstone spectators that it was a fair decision. The big turning point of the game was when McKenna subbed himself on. He played well when he came on but the rest of the team grew an extra leg when he came on and the pressure was relentless. the Strikers second goal came from a goal mouth scramble. Not sure who scored sorry. The equaliser was heart-wrenching for the Reds when Jason Singleton, under a ton of pressure, headed a cross into his own net.

Ulverstone threw away a 3 goal lead but it was hard to fault any player from either side throughout the whole day. It was just a really good spectacle of football. It is also worth commending the young players for both sides. Dev's two younger subs came on and lifted the intensity of an already intense game. Ulverstone's younger players also put their had up and looked like they fit in well at that standard. Signs that a State League side from this area would be more than competitive.


13 comments:

  1. This is a very accurate assessment of the game Nick. I might also add, I though both keepers had excellent games despite six goals being scored.

    The game was a great advertisement for our league.

    Also, it was Kieran Mulraney scored Devonport's second goal.

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  2. Any word on the video being posted?

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  3. Chris Mckenna is a game changer , even know devonport is a great side with out him he is a fantasic player. Many say that he is the king of Devonport and their not wrong.

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  4. not wrong there nick...a superb game of football.

    the rest of the league will do well to match either of these two teams

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  5. If only all coaches could sub themselves in to have a high impact :)

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  6. If only all coaches could sub themselves in to have a high impact :)

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  7. Hey for those of us that enjoy the site can you put anywhere when it was last updated??? So we know when posts have been posted??

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  8. Most of the goals as well as the post match interviews with the coaches (unfortunately, have been trimmed down) can be found by following the link below. An admin can embed on front page, time permitting. Thanks to the Strikers for allowing the recording, as well as C. McKenna and N. Owen for the post match interviews.

    Enjoy

    http://youtu.be/Jz19qyIN3hw

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  9. had a beer with matty sessay on friday night. the knights will be lucky enough to have him back playing in a couple of weeks!

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  10. Seesay hs signed with a Melbourne club

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  11. Anon 2:52

    Not for long

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