Your Newcastle Jets Infrabuild Academy Boys Youth side were able to open their FNSW League One season with a 2-1 win over Inter Lions FC
Xavier Bertoncello had a chance to open the scoring early in the affair, as Kierry James floated a ball from deep towards his head. Unfortunately, Xavier was unable to get over the ball, with his header flying over the crossbar. Garang Arou almost created a chance for his team, as his pressing paid off. Garang nicked the ball from the Inter Lions keeper before playing a ball across the box, which was cut out and cleared to safety by an Inter Lions defender.
Soon after, Garang Arou opened the scoring for the youth team. Kierry James swung his corner into the near post, finding Garang who leapt over his defender to nod the ball into the net, giving the youth squad an early lead in their first match in the FNSW League One.
The Youth squad was awarded a penalty not long after the opener. Xavier Bertoncello was able to knock the ball past the onrushing keeper, only to be kicked in the head by a trailing defender. Xavier stepped up to take the penalty, smashing his effort low and down the middle as the keeper dived off to the side. This put the Youth Boys up 2-0 early in the fixture.
Janni Rafty was able to win the ball back off the press, before finding Xavier Bertoncello, who then cut the ball across the goal to Alex Nunes. Alex laid the ball off to Ethan Debono, who didn’t hesitate to shoot. Unfortunately, his shot was blocked by an onrushing defender. Inter Lions were able to pull one back, as Jordan Baylis was able to half-clear a loose ball, only for it to fall to the Inter Lions winger, who was able to lob the ball into the empty net. The score, 2-1 with 20 still to play in the first half.
Bertoncello had another chance to score, as some good build up along the wing led to Garang Arou firing a ball to Xavier, who had his effort tipped wide of the post. Xavier was then withdrawn from the game due to an injury concern, with Will Southcombe coming off the bench to replace him.
Inter Lions managed to get a foothold in the match, controlling possession as well as creating chances. The Inter Lions 9 struck the post from distance, although Jordan Baylis looked to have it covered. They had another near-miss soon after, as they dragged a shot wide from outside the box. The Youth boys were able to stand their ground, as they took a 2-1 lead into the half-time break.
Following the kick-off for the second half, the Youth squad came out firing, as they took back control of the game. Alex Nunes had an effort strike the post from a tight angle, with the rebound falling to Garang who smashed it well over the crossbar. Ethan Debono went on a mazy run, beating four players but ultimately losing out to the Inter Lions keeper.
Christian Bracco stripped the Lions midfielder of the ball, before playing in Southcombe who found Ethan Debono. Debono’s shot was saved by the keeper, with the rebound popping out to Kierry James who also had his effort saved. Ethan Debono soon came off for Murray Peart, Janni Rafty also leaving the game for Lucas Johnson, with just over 20 minutes remaining in the second half.
Inter Lions were able to regain control of the match, pushing the youth squad further and further back as they chased an equaliser. This opened them up to counter-attacks, with Will Southcombe having a glorious chance to ice the game with six minutes remaining, as a loose ball fell across the box to him. Unfortunately, Will’s effort slid past the far post, with the score remaining 2-1.
Makaye Buettner was brought on for Will Southcombe with four minutes remaining in the match. Inter Lions continued to pile on the pressure, having several shots but all of them being too tame or off target. Full-time was blown after three minutes of injury time, with the Youth squad holding on to a 2-1 victory.
”I thought we started really well. We voiced to them to stay composed, do the simple things well and move the ball quick and we did that. We got to 2-0 and then it was just a lack of intent going forward. We got caught with a lovely finish in the end also, which just gave them a bit of a shot in the arm.”
Said Head Coach Damian Zane.
“A positive was that we defended our box well in the end. We have some things to work on but at the end of the day, they won and we’ve got three points, so it’s positive overall.”
Damian Zane gave his Coaches Player award to Garang Arou, who has recently been training with the A-League squad.
“I thought he (Garang Arou) was fantastic. He played himself back into the form he was in at the end of last year which was a real positive. I also thought Kierry James wasn’t far behind Garang. He was really good, especially in the second half, he ended really well.”
