The Newcastle Jets Infrabuild Academy Boys 20s came away with a resounding 4-0 win against Inter Lions in their first venture into the FNSW League One
The 20s came out firing from the off, with Amos Okumu and Oli Cockle looking particularly dangerous as they both came close to scoring in the first few minutes. Bronson Rolley and Billy Eick also looked threatening down the right-hand side, as they combined well to create several chances which came close to going in.
It was midfielder Happy Venables who would eventually open the scoring. Following a cleared cross, Happy unleashed a half-volley from distance, which grazed the keepers hands before nestling into the back of the net to put ours 20s up 1-0.
Just minutes later, the 20s grabbed a second. Cooper Vimpani swung a corner in, which met the head of Jackson Chambers who nodded his shot past the keeper and in, 2-0 jets with 13 minutes remaining in the first half.
The boys almost had a third straight after, as Aleu Arou swung in a low cross from the left hand side. Oli Cockle met the cross but couldn’t direct his shot past the keeper. Billy Eick had the follow-up in the back of the net but the ref had already blown for a foul on the keeper. The scoreline would remain at 2-0 going into the break.
During the break, Okumu and Eick were brought off for Zac Major and Billy Thurlow. Not long after the interval, Cooper Vimpani managed to squirm his way past his defender, but wasn’t able to convert his chance from the tight angle, with the keeper making a good save. Vimpani continued to threaten, as he delivered a pin-point cross to Billy Thurlow at the back post. Billy couldn’t get a solid connection on the ball, with the keeper making a routine save.
Inter Lions were finally able to create a chance of their own, as their striker managed to get free inside the box. Unfortunately for them, Oscar Archbold was well positioned to make a comfortable save from the effort. Kye Hurry was brought on for Aleu Arou.
Cooper Vimpani was able to add a third for the Jets, as their continuous press paid off. They won the ball high up the pitch, leading to Vimpani putting the ball past the Inter Lions custodian. Noah Miller and Jayden Deighan-Smith were subbed on for Jackson Chambers and Happy Venables shortly after.
Vimpani was able to dart in front of his defender to win a loose ball, being fouled in the process to earn a penalty. He stepped up and fired towards the bottom left corner, but his spot-kick was saved, as well as his follow-up. Still 3-0. The Jets would soon add a 4th, as they fired a ball across the box which was sent into the net by the Inter Lions defender. Full-time came not long after, with Happy Venables being named Coaches Player for Round One.
U20s Coach Clayton McSeveney was happy with the overall performance, but wanted his team to be more clinical in front of goal.
“We had good control of the game, moved the ball well. We had a lot of attacking options for us, so there’s a good sign for the season. We just need to get a little sharper in front of goal, so we can take the chances next time.”
