IT was a tough day at the office for the Gloucester under-14 Scorpions when they hosted the Taree Wildcats in Gloucester last Saturday.
Both sides were missing several regular players, making for a hard-fought contest through the middle of the park. Gloucester started brightly, pressing well and matching the Wildcats early. Taree, however, looked the more composed side in possession, moving the ball confidently and making excellent use of their key midfielders, numbers 12 and 14, who controlled the game despite being under constant pressure.
Scorpions striker River Cowley played with confidence up front, timing his runs well and latching onto several well-weighted through balls.
Although he found shooting opportunities, Gloucester couldn’t quite find the target in the opening stages.
Henry Maggs also impressed in a central role, working tirelessly to support both the attack and defence as the midfield battle gradually shifted in Taree’s favour.
With the scores locked at 0-0 at half-time, the match remained wide open.
The Wildcats came out strongly after the break and once again looked the more settled side, capitalising on misplaced Gloucester passes and launching wave after wave of attack.
Scorpions goalkeeper Ewan Sheely produced an outstanding performance, making a number of quality saves and narrowing the angles superbly to keep Gloucester in the contest.
The breakthrough almost came when Peter Clinch delivered an excellent cross that bounced perfectly into the path of Brock Gruisinga, but the awkward bounce lifted just enough for the chance to go begging.
Moments later, Gloucester finally found the opener.
A shot was spilled by the Taree goalkeeper, falling kindly to River Cowley, who remained composed to slot the rebound into the back of the net and give the home side a deserved 1-0 lead.
Taree responded immediately, continuing to apply pressure and earning a penalty after a challenge from behind inside the area.
The Wildcats converted from the spot to level the scores before another sustained period of attacking football forced Gloucester onto the back foot.
A second penalty, awarded following another mistimed tackle in the box, saw Taree take the lead.
Despite continuing to create opportunities, Gloucester couldn’t find another goal, while the Wildcats added a third from open play late in the match to seal a 3-1 victory.
Congratulations to Taree Wildcats on a well-earned win.
By Trudy SCHULTZ
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