THE rain set in early last Saturday as the Gloucester Scorpions Under 14s took to the field against Great Lakes United Raiders, who came into the match sitting seventh on the ladder.
The Scorps started strongly, dominating possession and creating several early chances, only to be repeatedly denied by a determined Raiders defensive line that became increasingly difficult to break down. Lachlan Maggs was dangerous down the wing, delivering a series of well-placed crosses that narrowly missed connecting with Brock Gruisinga and Eli Soupidis in front of goal.
Great Lakes regained possession intermittently through the midfield and looked to attack out wide, but Gloucester’s defence remained composed. Raiders shots were either misplaced or comfortably handled by Scorpions goalkeeper Ewan Sheely.
The breakthrough finally came just seven minutes into the match when Gruisinga found the back of the net. Momentum quickly swung Gloucester’s way and, just two minutes later, Henry Maggs doubled the lead.
To their credit, the Raiders responded well and play began to flow end-to-end. Just before halftime, Great Lakes capitalised on a brief period of confusion in Gloucester’s defensive line to score a deserved goal and cut the margin to 2-1 heading into the break.
The Scorps came out strongly again in the second half after several tactical changes. Max Delsperger led from the back with powerful runs deep into the Raiders’ half, while Gruisinga shifted into a defensive midfield role and provided excellent cover. Cooper Wenham was outstanding defensively, consistently shutting down attacks on the right side.
Gloucester’s passing combination between Henry Maggs, Eli Soupidis and Aiden Peters was a highlight of the match, with the trio controlling large periods of play. However, in true soccer fashion, the Raiders scored against the run of play to level the match and set up a tense finish.
After sustained pressure from both sides, it was Peter Clinch who broke the deadlock with a strong central run and composed finish. Gloucester then lifted another gear, adding two more goals to seal an impressive 5-2 victory, with both Henry Maggs and Peter Clinch recording their first braces of the season.
The win marks Gloucester’s fourth straight victory and moves the Scorpions into third place on the ladder behind Pacific Palms and Wingham, who they will face over the next two Saturdays.
By Trudy SCHULTZ
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