Keeper Matthew Crothers does just enough to stop the Daniel Rizani run.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
‘The ball is round, the game lasts 90 minutes, everything else is just theory.’
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The quote, from German manager Sepp Herberger, speaks to the unpredictable nature of soccer, an aspect of the game Border Raiders FC found itself on the wrong end of in Bendigo Amateur Soccer League 2 action on Sunday.
Echuca-Moama’s men’s side took on Deniliquin Wanderers, a side without a point to its name and which the Border Raiders had put six past in both previous meetings.
Luka van de Zand plays a scything through ball from the wing.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
However, on this particular Sunday at Jack Eddy Oval, Deniliquin found its form.
Early lapses from the Border Raiders’ defence saw the Wanderers strike twice in the opening 10 minutes.
Maen Brain launches over Joshua Ramo.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
First, William King breached the Echuca-Moama defence in the fourth minute, before Christian Ellis made it 2-0 in the ninth.
The Border Raiders would steady through the rest of the half, and Eoin Kelly would pull one back on the half-hour mark.
Elijah Jansen disrupts Jack Ryan’s shot.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
The score remained 2-1 at halftime, the Border Raiders looking to salvage things over the second 45 minutes.
The host had more of the ball and field position, and finally broke through in the 65th minute, Jack Ryan levelling the scores.
Border Raiders’ Eoin Kelly faces up to James Weir.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
The Border Raiders hoped to push on and secure the three points, but disaster struck with 15 minutes to go.
One of Deniliquin’s rare attacking raids resulted in a clear opportunity for Hamish Baker.
Mitchell Gramlick powers it back into the midfield.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
Baker’s shot was high and central, and while keeper Lachlan Gramlick got hands to it, his attempt to tip it over the bar fell short, and the ball found its way just inside the right post.
The Border Raiders continued to pile on the pressure over the remaining minutes, but couldn’t put the finishing touch on any of their moves, Deniliquin claiming the win 3-2.
Lachlan Lowe pushes the pace.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
With four rounds to go, the result likely puts an end to the Border Raiders' slim finals hopes, the local side needing to make up eight points to fourth-placed Strathfieldsaye.
The side is on the road this Sunday, taking on Golden City from 3pm.
The women’s side will also return to action, travelling to Strathfieldsaye on Saturday.
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