Our Seniors returned to winning ways in style on Saturday night, grinding out a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Sydney Olympic at Belmore Sports Ground.
In a clash where both sides were desperate to turn their form around, it was the visitors who showed the composure and belief to get the job done – breathing new life into their campaign along the way.
Manly looked the stronger side throughout a tense first half, with Sam Griffiths and Kakeru Ono both going close. Yet despite the constant pressure, both sides headed into the mid-way break locked at 0–0.
The contest remained tight after halftime, with chances at a premium. Olympic came within inches of breaking the deadlock in the 79th minute, with a header from Marco Arambasic rattling the post.
Manly responded immediately. Within minutes, Ayumu Kimura drove a dangerous ball across goal, falling kindly to Stephan De robillard, who made no mistake from close range to fire home the winner – his first goal since making his First-Grade debut this season.
From there, it was all about composure for the remaining ten minutes, and Manly delivered. With U20s goalkeeper Harry Turner stepping up for his debut appearance as a First Grader, our boys showed real defensive steel to hold firm and secure a well-earned clean sheet.
Dominant U20s Put Five Past the Opposition
In the later fixture, the U20s delivered a performance to remember, putting Sydney Olympic to the sword with a commanding 5–0 victory. Cai Evans, Toby Bakewell and Will McCreery all netted once, while Hamish Purdy went one better to bag himself a brace. Clinical in all aspects, it was a complete display and a perfect complement to a big night for the club.
Both results felt deserved and hopefully mark the beginning of an uprising for the squad. With next weekend featuring a home fixture for all Manly squads, Cromer Park will provide the perfect setting and opportunity to continue the momentum.
Round 11 sees Manly hosting Rockdale Ilinden at Cromer Park on Sunday, April 19 – First Grade KO at 5pm, followed by the U20s at 7pm.
Credit image: Football NSW / Facet Photography
