After both Gunnedah FC sides went down last week – the first time both firsts and reserves have lost at the same time – first grade coach Andy Cygan knew just how important it was for the club to bounce back against North Companions on Saturday.
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They did just that with reserve grade kicking things off with a 4-1 win despite playing without skipper Nathan McDonald.
Early in the game there were scoring opportunities on both sides but the breakthrough came from a Rowan Keeler and Kaleb McIlveen combination. The pair created a two on one with the keeper and McIlveen put it in the net to go one up.
McIlveen was only getting warmed up as he doubled up. The young striker showed he was a player to keep an eye on for the rest of the season.
Rob Pryor also began his goal-scoring run for 2018 with a clinical goal from in front. Jake Manley then stepped up to a penalty kick from over 30 metres out and placed his strike perfectly in the far top corner to concrete Gunnedah’s lead at 4-0 at half-time.
“Manley’s superb goal was only one highlight in what was a great defensive effort from our backline,” coach Alexzanna Budge said.
“Daniel Pengilly, Cody Auld, Mitch Whitten and Peter White all had great games giving the opposition very few scoring opportunities. Alex Boyd was also very strong as keeper.”
North Companions managed to sneak one goal back in the second half but the lead was too great and Gunnedah took 4-1 the win.
The first grade game was up next with Cygan opting to go with three strikers.
It allowed more width and Zac Crowhurst caused plenty of problems in the first half down the right side.
However, it was last year’s top scorer, Pryor, who broke the deadlock after 25 minutes with a high cross from the left that the keeper misjudged and pushed it into his own goal.
About 10 minutes later he got his second. Crowhurst again broke free and put a tempting ball between Pryor and the keeper. Pryor got there first with a brave header to make it 2-0.
In the second half there were a few chances but it remained 2-0.
In first grade it was the defensive efforts of debutant Justin Lawrence and keeper Kameron Manks that impressed Cygan.
“Justin leads from the back and didn’t get beaten all day. Kameron has been my best signing since starting this team. I’m a massive fan and he will be the difference this year,” he said.
“We now have 30 players registered which is a great effort. The guys are training twice a week and hopefully we’ll keep improving. The young players are so exciting and we have already had a few play first grade.
“In reserves it will be a case of getting better the more they play together, it’s very much a new group. Alex is doing a great job and all her players are following what she wants to do.”
Gunnedah FC will host Hillvue this Saturday at the Geoff Morgan Fields.
A handful of first graders will be missing through junior rep commitments but Cygan said there were reserve graders ready to step up.