After several games in recent weeks where Fraser Park failed to convert pressure into goals, this round 13 game at home to St George took on special significance. Especially as St. George were also relying on a win to consolidate its place in the top 5.
Fraser began the game well, and as in recent weeks, dominated the early exchanges by creating a number of half-chances. The pleasing aspect from the perspective of the fans, was the steely defence from the Fraser boys at the back that repelled anything that St George threw at them.
At the 30th minute of the match, the Fraser dominance finally paid off. St George lost the ball in their danger zone. Tony Faria quickly turned this into another counter attack and sent a cross from the left, which miraculously found its way into the far bottom corner, catching the Saints defence off-guard. This gave the Fraser Park fans something to finally cheer about after many weeks of close calls without getting the points .
Fraser Park’s task was made easier a few minutes after the goal when James Kovas from St George was shown a straight red card for stomping during a challenge.
Then disaster struck. In a moment of absolute carelessness, a very long range shot from St George troubled Ivan in the Fraser Park goal. With the ball somehow skidding under his gloves and into the net. On a wet Sydney night, this goal just minutes before the break, was an absolute “cold bucket” of water, which left the Fraser Park players and fans totally frustrated.
But this Fraser Park team, which now plays under new coach David Perkovic, is made of sterner stuff. And 15 minutes into the second half, Fraser Park were unlucky not to break the deadlock when a shot hit the post. By now St George had picked up the momentum and were taking the game to Fraser Park, by creating a few goal scoring chances of their own. During this passage of play, it was Ivan who made amends for the first half goal, with two outstanding saves from close range shots.
And in the 81st minute, a pin point corner from the “canteen” end of the ground, found the head of Leigh Gunn, who beat the pack and the St George goalkeeper to rocket home a header into the back of the net. This sent the home fans into a frenzy, as the Fraser Park boys were able to close out the game. Especially after St George were reduced to nine players, when Simon Werrender received his second caution for a professional foul.
The Fraser Park U20 team completed a great night at home, by defeating their higher placed opponents by 4-2. Special mention goes to Wayne Esteves who provided an outstanding performance as the GK. Wayne looks to be a certain GK option for first grade in the not too distant future.
