Away versus Somerset Sharks – June 11, 2011
DEVONPORT STRIKERS V’s SOMERSET SHARKS
Reserves match report – Cardigan Street, Somerset
Saturday June 11, 2011
Somerset were the next challengers in line to try and stop the impressive winning streak of the Devonport Strikers reserves. Devonport went into the match full of confidence after their previous result against the Sharks earlier this year where the Strikers ended up winners by 10 goals to nil. A win would see Devonport’s winning streak this year stretch to a very impressive 11 games.
Devonport were rarely tested in the first half and looked good moving the ball up the park. Unfortunately only a small number of meaningful attacks were produced. The few attacks that proved promising were mainly kept out due to some solid shot stopping by the Sharks keeper.
After 30 minutes, the Strikers finally hit the front thanks to some quick ball movements and an extremely potent header by powerhouse forward Kurt Howard which managed to break through the goalkeepers hands.
The intensity from Devonport rose in the second half which coincided with Somerset dropping off the pace a bit. The Strikers doubled their lead early in the half from a corner that bounced in and around the box numerous times before Jacob Hillyer was lucky enough get a cheeky toe on the ball that saw it end up in the corner of the goal.
Kurt Howard put away his second not long after when he ran onto a through ball, took it past the advancing keeper, and shot the ball into an open Somerset goal. Caz Douglas maintained his excellent goal scoring record when he placed the ball into the net from 6 yards. Connor Lizotte also made the score sheet in his return from injury.
It was another outstanding team performance that included some solo brilliance from young gun Jesse Curran. It should also be noted that this is the 5th shutout in a row for the Strikers. Well done to the Devonport defence and keeper Josh Smith for keeping it clean!
The team now has 2 weeks off to refresh their batteries with the seniors involved in the cup this weekend and a bye the following week.
