The Milton first grade side this week travelled up the highway to take on Illaroo in round 2 of the Blackmore-Bolden Sheild.
After last weeks 1-1 draw against United the boys were super keen to get out in the paddock and get the 3 points.
With some heavy rain clouds looming the boys took to the field and it took a bit of time to find their groove as pass after pass failed to find their mark. After about 15 mins Illaroo managed to open the scoring with a shot that deflected off at least two people before slowly creeping in the corner.
Soon after the rain begun to fall...
Milton picked up there game and started controlling the ball especially coming from the back and midfield but unable to convert to any meaningful chances, until a quick throw in resulted in Brent Anderson beating about 5 defenders,including the keeper, to put away the equaliser. Unfortunately Marty Moran threw the throw in and damaged his shoulder in the process just before half time.
Milton 1 - Illaroo 1 Half time
Positive talk and encouragement at the half time team talk saw the boys stick to an altered game plan and really control the game, still unable to put away that go ahead goal.
After having a goal disallowed we went into a shell, Illaroo picking up their game and starting to dominate the field position. After numerous chances and back and forth soccer the game ended in an extremely wet 1-1 draw.
Kevin Castle was voted as the players player this week, some outstanding saves that kept us alive. A few at the very end of the game that looked certain goals, all after playing the reserve grade game also, well done big guy!
Special mention to Nick Mepasanee for his first grade debut this week, you didn’t look out of place at all. I also need to congratulate Bailey Law for making his first grade debut for the club. Both players will see plenty of first grade this season, well done boys!
Thank you to Blake Sommerville for again sitting bench and filling in the gaps, much appreciated. Also Simon Law, who like a fine wine, just gets better with age, almost snatching a goal at the end and proving a handful, thanks again
Next week (hopefully ) will see the Milton panthers return home for our local derby this season, to take on the ladder leading Sussex Seahawks.
Hope to see you all there Toddo