ROUND 17

RWith the season coming to a close Berwick United were to play their last home game of 2010 against a Monbulk Falcons team they should have beaten back in Round 4 but that match turned out to be a little nasty so Berwick have been waiting for their chance to get a little revenge and prove that they are the better team.
After a fair bit of rain during the week and the temperatures not going much above 13 degrees the ground did not have much of a chance to recover and was looking a little worse for wear with the worst affected area's being the goal mouths and the centre circle.

As both teams warmed up waiting for another game to finish it looked like rain and wind would be what they would have to deal with but with any luck everyone was hoping the game would be played in good spirits and the rain would hold off. As both teams made their way into the centre for the start of the game Monbulk won the toss and decided to kick off with Berwick running into a slight breeze. Berwick United looked like they meant business and wanted to get off to a good start and that is exactly what happened. From the kick off Ben put the Monbulk players on the defensive and won the ball and put Berwick into the lead within' the first 30 seconds and the players and crowd went crazy and it looked like Berwick were going to put this game beyond doubt as soon as they could. But no one could have guessed what happened next as Monbulk attacked right from the kick off forcing Ollie to come off his line to make a very courageous save by throwing himself at the feet of the attacker, but the ball bobbled up and fell to another Monbulk player to slot the ball into the goal to make the score one all with barely a minute gone on the clock.

The Berwick players were in shock and their heads dropped but as they have done in the past they got themselves together and got on with the game but everyone at the ground new that this was going to be a fantastic game after seeing two goals in such a short period of time. Berwick kicked off and pushed forward with Ben coming close again but his shot went wide and as Monbulk got the ball back into play Ryan B collected the ball and slotted home his first of the game and put Berwick back in front with still only a couple of minutes gone in the game. What a game this was turning out to be. These two teams were very evenly matched as they traded attacks but with both defences tightening up and stopping any further goals Berwick looked like they had a slight advantage and everyone thought they had gone three one up after some great play down the left side and as Ben pushed the ball across the face of goal to Joel who tapped the ball in only to be called off side. After all the excitment of the early goals the game had now settled and both teams were fighting hard and creating chances but Berwicks defence were in excellent form and working well together and this allowed the midfield to push up and continue to attack. They could have gone further ahead with the best chance going to Erno who beat a couple of players and with only the keeper to beat his shot just went wide past the upright as the crowd all thought it had gone in. With the Berwick defence being controlled by Ryan H who was having his best game of the season all looked good but the game started to become a little bogged down in the midfield as the first half wore on. Monbulk then created a great chance as they made a run through the Berwick defence but Kaleb was there to put his body on the line and forced the play wide and win a goal kick for his team and this was the commitment that all the Berwick players were showing.The players on both teams were starting to look a little tired as the earlier pace of the game started to catch up with them and as the Ref blew for halftime in what was a welcome relief to all Berwick United went into the half time break with a narrow 2-1 lead but would it be enough with the weather and ground conditions and the persistance of the Monbulk players as they had come here to win this game and if they did they would move above the Berwick team on the ladder.

Berwick kicked off and got the second half underway and lost the ball and Monbulk went straight for the Berwick goal but their shot went wide and Ryan H was given back the ball for a goal kick. Monbulk had come out in the second half looking for an early goal and started to rattle the Berwick defence and with a couple of shots on goal and were winning corners they looked like they may get the equalizer sooner rather than later. Berwick needed to regroup and ride out the storm and the early pressure they were under and assert themselves as the better team. With both teams creating chances it was Monbulk still looking the better team but Ollie was having another great game in goal for Berwick and he was not going to let his team down by conceeding another goal.
As Berwick started to get themselves back into the game Erno was put through and came close again but his shot went across the face of goal and out for a goal kick. The game was now opening up and both teams were trading shots with Monbulk trying for an equalizer and Berwick wanting to make the game safe and both keepers were working hard with saving a number of attempts on their respective goals. With the second half wearing on Ryan H took the ball out of defence with a great run and as he passed the ball to a team mate he was caught late from behind and was close to coming off the field with an injury but at this stage in the game there was no way he was going to leave the field. This seemed to be what Berwick needed and with some excellent passing by a number of the team Thommie made a great run out of midfield and drew a player out of position before making a well timed pass to Ryan B who calmly took his time and placed a well directed shot past the Monbulk keeper to make the score 3-1 to Berwick United and looking like it could be enough to win the game. To Monbulks credit they kept attacking Berwicks goal and had their chances to pull a goal back but at this stage the Berwick team had their strongest defencive line on the park and were determined not to conceed a late goal. As the weather started to clear the game was bought to a close by the Ref and the Berwick United team and their supporters all celebrated a well deserved and hard fought win in a game that had it all from the start to the very end. After Berwick congratulated the Monbulk team they then gathered together for a very boistrous version of the club song that everyone enjoyed for the last time this year at their home ground.

Berwick United still have one more game to play next week as they travel away to play Croydon Rangers which was postponed from Round 11 so they still have one more chance to get themselves another win for season 2010.

ROUND 16

Round 16 and Berwick United had to travel up into the hills to play a much improved Lilydale side at their home ground on a very cold and windy day. These two teams had met earlier in the season with Berwick United coming away with a very convincing 5-0 win but since then Lilydale have put together some good wins and would be no pushovers on their own turf.

Berwick were up against it from the start with the late withdrawals of their striker Joel and one of their midfielders Aaron and with some nagging injuries to some of the other players and the conditions this would be a true test of character for this young Berwick team.
As Berwick got set for the start of the game they only had eleven players and with no one on the bench and with the state of the ground and the weather this was going to be a very even match. Berwicks captain Ryan B stepped up and won the toss and decided to kick into the wind with the hope of going in at half time in a good postion to bring it home in the second half with the wind. From the kick-off Ben burst through the centre and got himself into a good position to score but his shot was too close to the keeper who held onto the ball but it showed the intent and that Berwick were going to go all out in the first half to try and put themselves in a good position to win this match. With the wind at their backs and some long kicking by the keeper Lilydale did find themselves with some chances early on but the Berwick defence was tight and playing very well to keep them at bay.

Finding the windy conditions difficult to play in Berwick kept the ball low and were playing to feet and moving the ball well giving Ryan B a chance to score but the wind took his shot wide and out for a goalkick. On one of their moves forward Lilydale was awarded a freekick but the shot went wide and allowed Berwick to clear the ball out of their defensive line to push up once again giving chances to Erno, Garrett and Ben but their shots all missed the target and kept Lilydale in the game. At the halfway mark Kaleb came on to tighten up Berwicks defence down the left side and it wasn't long after this that Ryan B was put in the clear to drive his shot low and into the goal to make the score one nil to Berwick as the supporters went crazy as the goal they had been waiting for had finally arrived. With both teams battling the conditions it was Berwick that was the more dominant team but as the first half wore on they had more chances with Ben and Thommie coming close but they could not find the net again and headed into the half-time break at one nil.

At the half-time break the team tried to stay warm as the weather seemed to get colder but the teams spirits were high and knowing they now had the wind at their backs it should be an easier second half. Lilydale kicked off to start the second half and attacked down the left hand side but with Olivia in fine form again she was not going to let anyone beat her and was solid in defence and was having an excellent game. Try as hard as they could Lilydale were finding it very difficult to penetrate into the Berwick half and on one such occasion they they left themselves vulnerable at the back and Ryan B made them pay with a patient well hit shot high and into the back of the net to take the score to two nil and Berwick looked like this was going to be their day. As the weather continued to get colder and with the rain starting to fall the players were finding it tough but to both teams credit they continued to give their all. Lilydale did not give up and continued when they could to test the Berwick defence but with the likes of Ryan H who was having a blinder of a game and with solid support by Kaleb, Declan and Olivia this was not an easy task but to their credit they kept trying. As the second half wore on Berwick had more chances with Ben, Garrett and Ryan B coming close but with some good keeping by the Lilydale Goalie just couldn't find another goal and as the game was brought to a close it was Berwick United 2 Lilydale 1.

This was a very tough game for both teams but with Berwick showing more determination and with the whole team working so hard for each other they earned themselves an excellent away win which should give them confidence heading into their last home game next week against Monbulk Falcons.
An excellent crowd was at the game to support the Berwick United team and this support always gets their moneys worth when they travel to watch their team play.

ROUND 15

After last weeks loss to Glen Eira and with training being cancelled during the week Berwick United were all fired up and ready to take all that bottled up energy out onto the ground against Eltham Golden Eagles.

Before the game the Berwick went over what they needed to do to improve on last weeks performance but knowing what to do and doing it are two different things but they were confident and ready to go.

Playing at home would give Berwick the advantage but with the conditions being cold and very windy it would not be an easy game for either team to play in.

The two captains came to the centre and Ryan B won the toss for Berwick and decided to kick into the wind with the hope of trying to take an advantage into the halftime break. As the Ref blew the whistle to start play Ben who was playing in his usual position up front,  Berwick went straight for the ball and won it from the Eltham forward and Berwick were away to put Eltham on the backfoot right from the start. With pressure from the start Berwick looked like they were eager to put things right from the week before and with some great passing down the left hand side it only took a few minutes before Ryan B found Ben in the centre with a beautifully weighted pass for Ben to calmly slot the ball past the keeper to give Berwick an early lead and the confidence to go on with the game. With Berwick dominating early from the left and right sides of the ground and with some great work from Aaron and Garrett in midfield you could sense that this would be Berwicks day and with Erno shooting just wide from outside the box it wasn't long before the second goal came. Berwicks midfield were in control and with Erno weaving some magic in the middle of the ground he picked out Ryan B on the left who took his time and hit a perfect shot high and into the lefthand corner of the goal making the score two nil. With the Eltham defence under constant pressure they looked a little rattled as Berwick kept pushing forward in search of a third goal and when Joel's shot came back off the post and Ben's follow up came back off the keeper Ryan B followed in to slot home his second of the day and Berwick's third.

Berwick were looking comfortable playing into the wind as they kept the ball low and they were making their passes and were constanly applying pressure and were working hard to keep the ball in Elthams half of the ground. And with this constant pressure came their fourth goal as Ryan B put in a nice cross from the left that the keeper could not handle and with Joel rushing into the box it was an easy tap in for his first goal of the game. As the first half was nearing it's end Joel once again was in the right position to hit a perfect first time shot that riffled past the Eltham keeper to give Berwick a five nil halftime lead and as the conditions were getting worse it was very unlikely that Eltham would be able to get anything from this game.

As the players came out for the second half there were a few position changes as Berwick looked like they were trying something different. With Olivia once again stepping up to go in goal allowing Ollie to play out on the field this then allowed Ryan H a chance to have a run further up the ground and apply his type of pressure play on the Eltham defence. Berwick now had the wind at their backs and with their hard work rate into the wind in the first half they did look a little tired but they were still looking for more goals. As the second half wore on Elthams defence were under constant attack but to their credit dug deep and repelled a lot of the Berwick attacks but eventually it became to hard and with Berwick's defence coming forward to apply even more pressure it was not going to be to long before the next goal. As Berwick pushed up Thommie made a great run to break through the Eltham defence but was just caught offside in what would have been a certain goal. After the free kick was taken Aaron won the ball back to pass off to Ryan B who took a first time shot with his non favoured right foot to hit it perfectly high shot into the Eltham goal to get his hat trick and make the score six nil to Berwick. Eltham were looking tired and Berwick were looking eager for more goals and were relentless in their attacks and it wasn't long before the next goal came as the ball was layed off to Ryan B who took his time summed up the situation and calmly picked his spot from near the edge of the box to take his tally to four for the game and the overall score to seven.

Time was ticking away and with Berwick all pushing up the park Eltham did have a few chances of their own but Berwick's defence looked like a well oiled machine and closed any chance of an Eltham goal down and Olivia was looking very comfortable in goal. On one Eltham attack they shot just wide and Olivia stepped up to take a goalkick down the middle of the park to Erno who pushed the ball further up the park for Berwick to launch another attack and with Ben back on the ground he took the ball in his stride to hit a perfect shot just past the right post. With the wind getting stronger Eltham were finding it difficult to clear the ball out of their half and after a goalkick clearence Ben won the ball and drove his shot hard and into the back of the net to make the score eight nil to Berwick and that is how the game ended with Berwick displaying a dominant performance and showing what they can do on their day.

This win kept Berwick within' reach of a top five finish but will need to win their next three games and hope some other results go their way.

Next week Berwick United travel away to play a much improved Lilydale team but if they can play as they did in this match they will be hard to beat.

ROUND 14

Berwick United V Monbulk Foxes

Second road trip in a row for Berwick United

For the second week in a row Berwick United were on the road travelling away to face the top of the table Glen Eira and with Glen Eira averaging about six goals a game it was not going to be an easy game.

With the team assembled half an hour before kick-off it was not looking good as the ground had not been marked and there were no nets up. After some consultation between the Coach and some of the Glen Eira officials the game would be ready for the 11am kick-off time and with this knowledge Berwick started to go through their warm up's. As kick-off time approached the Berwick Coach was informed that the official Referee was not going to turn up and that one of the parents would Ref the game which was reluctantly accepted by the Coach of Berwick.

After the formalities were completed in the centre Ryan B won the toss and allowed Glen Eira the kick-off and given this option they went straight into attack putting the Berwick defence on the backfoot from the start but Berwick had the knowledge from their previous meeting back in Round 1 and had set up a very defensive formation to try and combat this type of play. But Berwick were not ready to have every Glen Eira player in their own half and seemed to panic a little but held their own after some constant pressure. With some good defensive work by Aaron and Ryan H and some hard running by Garrett in midfield Berwick looked to settle as the game went on and when the defence was caught out Ollie was as solid as a rock pulling off some great saves and holding every ball that came his way. Glen Eira would not stop their constant pressure and at one stage their keeper was up near the halfway line and with this type of pressure it was a matter of how long Berwick could hold out for. Glen Eira were creating chances but with Ollie in the Berwick goal having his best game this year they could not find the back of the net but with the constant attack you could sense he was getting tired, and after about eight minutes Glen Eira put in a beautiful cross from the right and found an unmarked player in the centre of the goal area to slam the ball past a helpless Ollie making it one nil to Glen Eira.

With the Berwick goal under constant pressure they were handling it very well and at times were getting the ball out down the left side via Ryan B and they were a chance on a couple of occassions but the Glen Eira players were just too quick and always seemed to be able to get back and defend their goal. As the first half wore on Glen Eira were relentless but Berwick were running themselves into the ground and putting them under enough pressure to halt any attack and Ollie was like a rock in goal when they did break through and pulled off a couple of excellent saves that were certain goal.  However with this type of pressure once again the defence was split and Glen Eira found the back of the net again to hand them a deserved second goal .With not much time left in the first half Berwick did create their best chance to score when Ryan B got the ball down the left and Ben cut back inside to have a shot but only found the keeper in the right position to stop any chance of the ball hitting the net. After this attack it only made Glen Eira push harder for another goal and quickly got the ball down the other end but Olivia was there to calmly kick the ball high over the crossbar and out for a Glen Eira corner. This corner forced Ollie into another excellent save and as the ball was cleared this ended the very long first half.
At the half-time the Berwick players looked very tired and a little confused by the way Glen Eira played but to their credit they listened to the coach changed their formation and tactics and were ready to take this game up to the Glen Eira team.

Berwick had the kick-off and looked ready to play but once again Glen Eira had all their players just outside the centre circle and were ready to swarm all over the Berwick players and win the ball and this is what happened and Berwick were put under pressure right from the start. On one of the Glen Eira attacks Ollie courageously put his body on the line and got a ball in face and had to be replaced in goal by Aaron who once again stepped up when needed and pulled off a couple of nice saves but he was no match for the shot that came in high over his head to give Glen Eira their third goal of the game.
Berwick did not drop their heads and kept trying to penetrate into the Glen Eira half and were starting to earn some respect from the Glen Eira defence when Garrett, Thommie and Ryan B started to string their passes together and split the defence but Glen Eira were very quick and were able to stop these moves forward. With the Berwick defence holding tight with some nice moves out of defence by Ryan H, Kaleb and Olivia and with Ollie now OK to return Berwick were looking a much better team. While Berwick kept up there pressure Glen Eira also lifted another gear and were forcing Ollie into some more fine saves and at one stage he had to come out and dive at the oncoming Glen Eira player and by throwing himself at his feet saved a certain goal.

But with this type of pressure Berwick had to crack and with a player once again left free in the centre Glen Eira slotted home their fourth goal of the game and Berwick were now looking like they had nothing left. To Berwick's credit they were not done yet and showed great fighting spirit to keep pushing forward and created the best chance of the game when some great running and ball play down the left found the ball pushed across the face of the Glen Eira goal and with Garrett deciding to pass off to the unmarked Josh on the right to have a shot this allowed the Glen Eira defence to shut him down and take the ball out of their danger zone.
With the game entering the twentysixth minute the Ref being told by the Linesman the game should be done he didn't listen and allowed play to continue which gave Glen Eira another crack at goal and they made the score five nil.

Once Berwick kicked-off the Ref signalled the end of play as we entered the twentyeigth minute of a twenty minute half making the final score five nil to Glen Eira.
After all the issues that this Berwick team faced and playing a team that are just a league ahead of anyone I have seen this year they can walk away with their heads held high knowing they gave their best and that they left nothing on the park.
Thanks to all the supporters that turned up to watch this Berwick United team give their all for the club, their supporters and themselves.

See you all next week for an early kick-off time of 9am as Berwick United try to get back on the winners list when they take on Eltham Golden Eagles at home.

ROUND 13

On a cold and wintery day and with Berwick United having to travel to play Mooroolbark it was not going to be an easy game and as these two teams were placed 7th and 8th on the ladder a close game was expected.
With Berwick back on the winners list last week with a very complete game against Monbulk Foxes and with Mooroolbark coming off a loss hopes were high that Berwick could continue on their winning way and fight for a top five postion on the ladder.

With five minutes before kick-off Berwick looked like they would have to field an understrength team as injuries and illness had played a part in their recent run of bad luck and it looked like they would not have any interchange players.
As the Ref bought the two teams together for the start of the game two more Berwick players arrived and things were looking up,
Mooroolbark won the toss and kicked off.
With the conditions the way they were Mooroolbark looked like the team that could use them to their advantage and it showed early on as they kept blasting the ball out of defence for their forwards to run onto and attack the Berwick goal, but Berwick's defence didn't panic and looked under control at the back.
As the game started to settle and with some nice play by Kaleb down the left side to Ryan B Berwick looked the more composed team and the team more likely to score first as Ryan B and Ben came close on a number of occassions. Most of the play tended to get bogged down in the centre of midfield and with Erno and Garrett running hard and getting good support wide Berwick looked well in control. With the ground being very heavy and with the rain starting to fall it looked like any mistake would be costly as the ball was very hard to control and this did not suit Berwick's game at all. At this stage of the game Berwick kept the ball in Mooroolbarks half but were nearly caught out a couple of times when the big kicks out of defence skidded past the Berwick defence for the Mooroolbark forwards to run around and attack the goal but Ollie and the rest of the defence were not about to get caught out and when one was beaten there was another there to help out. With the first half coming to an end and with most of the best chances going to Berwick they were unlucky not to go into the half-time break with a lead after some great passing down the left side and after Ben put Joel in the clear on the right he placed the ball low and hard into the bottom corner only to have the goal disallowed when the Ref consulted the linesman to confirm that Joel was offside. This left the two teams locked at nil all as they headed off the ground for a well deserved half-time break.

The second half got underway and Berwick looked fired up and wanting to show that they were the team to beat as they kicked off and moved into an attacking postion through Ryan B down the left but Mooroolbark were quick to return the favour and earnt themselves a corner to put the Berwick defence under real pressure for the first time in the match.

With a well weighted kick the ball was put into a very dangerous position but Ryan H stood tall and cleared a very conjested penalty area. Berwick could settle and push forward once again, but as they did Mooroolbark won the ball back and took the ball down the right side and were able, for the first time in the match, to split the Berwick defence and cross the ball into the centre to an unmarked attacker to slot the ball past a valiant attempt by Ollie to give Mooroolbark a one nil lead.
Berwick were now in a position to show their fighting spirit and they did just that as they kept pushing forward and with constant attempts on goal by Ryan B, Garrett and Ben it looked like the Mooroolbark defence would conceed but as much as they tried they could not find the back of the net and with Joel having the best chance to level he pushed his shot wide and the team looked like this was not going to be their day. With time running out and Berwick pushing well up the park they were nearly caught out a few times but with some courageous tackles by Declan in defence and some great play by Olivia down the right side they kept Mooroolbark at bay. Berwick knew time was running out and they pushed hard for the equalizer but it wasn't to be and as the Ref bought the game to a close Berwick were once again the dominant team but also the losing team in a very hard fought game which was played on a very heavy muddy pitch that did not highlight how good this Berwick team can play.

Berwick travel away again next week to face top of the table Glen Eira in what will be a very difficult game but if they can have some luck go their way and they continue to play like they have been I am sure they will not be disgraced.

ROUND 12

Berwick United V Monbulk Foxes

After nearly four weeks off Berwick United were finally back on the park and looking for a win after some unlucky results but with the late withdrawal of Erno and Joel this would not be an easy game. 
Last weeks game against Croydon was postponed due to an unplayable pitch but this game was at home on a good pitch and the team have been training very hard and were hungry and eager to put all that hard training into practice. With rain late in the week the ground had held up very well and the weather was good for football if the rain and wind stayed away and with kick-off at 10a.m we were all very hopefull of it staying fine.

With a good crowd turning up to support the team and the team fired up to play well a good result looked very likely. Both teams lined up in the centre with the Ref tossing the coin , Monbulk won and decided to kick the way they were facing and give the kick-off to Berwick.
As in most games Berwick did what they always do and went on the attack and showed that they wanted all who had turned up to watch just how hard they had been training and their ball movement did look impressive. With Josh and Garrett playing well down the right side of the park and Aaron moving well in the middle of the ground they were applying good pressure on the Monbulk defence but needed to settle as Monbulk had some very tall and mobile defenders.
It wasn't long before the first goal was on the board as Kaleb ran hard out of defence passing a beautiful ball through to Aaron who took on the defence and was unlucky not to score himself, and after his first shot was stopped by the keeper he followed up with another shot for Ryan B who ran hard in support to tap the ball into the net to give Berwick a one nil lead.

Half way through the first half Ben, having run himself into the ground and being unlucky not to score, was replaced by Thomas which gave the Berwick attack some fresh legs to keep the pressure on. As the game wore on the Berwick midfield had complete control of the game and if Monbulk did penetrate the Berwick defence Ryan H, Kaleb, Declan and Olivia were all at their best and were well in control and when one did get beaten there was another to cover for them.

Luca who was playing in the centre of midfield for only the second time this year was playing some beautiful passes out to the left and right and this gave the forwards the chances to attack the Monbulk goal and with Garrett coming close on a number of occassions this game looked like it could be over by half-time. But to Monbulks credit they kept fighting hard and after some good play down the right side beat the Berwick defence for the first time in the match and had an excellent chance to score but Ollie was up to the challenge and pulled off a great save to keep Berwick in front. With only seconds left in the first half Thommie hit a cracker of a shot which at first looked like it was going to sail over the crossbar but dipped and smashed against it and out for a Monbulk goalkick. This was to be the last kick of the half with the Ref blowing his whistle for half-time and a well earned rest for both teams.

Half-time: Berwick United 1 Monbulk Falcons 0

At the halftime break Berwick got together to talk about keeping up the pressure and to go back out and get the job done as they knew they had the chance to put this game away in the second half. With Garrett feeling the affects of running so hard in the first half he was kept on the bench which meant a reshuffle of the line up and when the team lined up for the second half the team had an interesting look. Olivia had now moved into goal giving Ollie the chance to have a run in defence and Ryan H had been rewarded with his efforts this year and was allowed to have a run further up the ground in midfield.

These changes looked like it would make for an interesting second half but in the end not much changed as all the players continued to work hard for each other and fight for a win.
It did take a while for this lineup to click but when it did they started to take full control of the game and with their passing now starting to flow and hit their targets this game was a joy to watch. After constant pressure Berwick were going in for the kill and were earning themselves corners and freekicks as they continued to frustrate the whole Monbulk team. With five minutes gone and after some hard work Josh made a nice run down the right side of the park and slotted home a well placed shot to make the score two nil. Berwick were in full control of the game and it looked like it would be by how many but as in past games this year they were very unlucky in front of goal but their work to get themselves into these positions could not be questioned. As Berwick kept applying constant pressure and after a great cross from the left side of the park and some good pressure by Josh a Monbulk defender pushed the ball back into their own net to make the score three nil.
With the game slowly coming to an end Thommie, Ben and Ryan B came close to scoring a number of times but just couldn't put the ball away.

When the final whistle was blown you would have thought that Berwick had won the grand final as they all came together to embrace each other and after congratulating the Monbulk team they all joined in the clubs theme song and sang it with such gusto it was a joy to hear.

Final score: Berwick United 3 Monbulk Falcons 0

Next week Berwick travel away to play a much improved Mooroolbark and with these two teams placed at seven and eight on the ladder and with only goal difference separating them it should be a very evenly matched game but if Berwick want to continue up the ladder it is a must win game.

ROUND 10

Last game before the break

RRound 10 with Berwick United at home to Nth Blackburn a team that beat them twice last season but only by one goal on both occassions so there were a lot of expectations for this game.
After some very heavy and consistant rain in the last few days and with a lot of cloud cover this would be a hard game fought on a very heavy ground.

This was a late kick-off starting at 11am so both teams were fully awake and ready to go with Berwick winning the toss and choosing the way to go giving Nth Blackburn the kick-off.
Nth Blackburn looked very confidant from the start and forced Ollie into a couple of excellent saves within' the first few minutes and Berwick looked a little rattled even though they were defending well and pushing forward but after only 6 minutes of play Ollie was given no chance when a shot came in high and over Ollie's hands and into the net to make the score one nil to Blackburn.

Back at the centre and Berwick looked calm and started to move the ball around the park and it wasn't long before Ryan B had a shot but it was not hard enough and the keeper collected the ball with ease. With both teams now looking very settled Blackburn once again split the Berwick defence but Oliie was quick off his line and faced with a one on one came up with the ball. This seemed to spark Blackburn again and Ollie was forced into a couple more saves with the Berwick defence under constant pressure and were lucky not to go two down when Blackburn were caught offside.
After about twelve minutes Berwick finally started to get more of the play and started to move forward but struggled to find a way to goal as Blackburn kept pumping the ball out of their defence and putting the Bewick defence back under pressure. As the first half wore on Blackburn took full control of the game and were very unlucky not to have more then one goal but Ollie was a rock in goal and his defence gave solid support and were working very hard to keep the score at one nil but were finding it hard to get the ball forward.

Halftime score 1-0 to Blackburn.

The second half started the same as the first half ended with Blackburn continuing the forward movement and this just put the Berwick team under constant pressure and you could sense that it would not be long before this game would be all but over. To Berwicks credit they dug deep and defended as well as they could but it was just too much and Blackburn scored their second within' the first few minutes making it two nil to Blackburn very early into the second half. With Berwicks backline reshuffled they looked a little rattled and Blackburn were in again shortly after and were now starting to move the ball well and had the Berwick defence running all over the place and scored again making the score three nil and the game looked all but over.

As hard as they tried Berwick could not get their passing game going because of the constant pressure but they were still trying and were creating chances and were unlucky not to score when Ryan B had a chance in front of goal but the ball was saved not once but twice by the Blackburn keeper. This was not going to be Berwicks day.
Because of all the running and pressure Berwick were starting to look tired but to their credit never gave up, but after conceeding another two goals late in the game this was a game to forget.

Final score 5-0 to Nth Blackburn .

This was a very hard game for Berwick United but they were beaten by a team that are good enough to win the league. With a couple of weeks off Berwick will have a well deserved break and come back fresh to continue their season away to Croydon on the 17th of July.

ROUND 9

Berwick United travel away to Eltham Eagles

Round 9 and Berwick United travelled away to play an Eltham team that were fourth on the ladder and had only lost one game this season, so they knew they would have to be at their best to come away with a result.

After some heavy rain during the week the ground was very heavy under foot and very muddy so the conditions were not going to suit Berwick's style of play but if they could open the play up and play wide they would be in with a chance. Eltham kicked off and chose to run into the sun, when it decided to appear, so Berwick needed to use this to their advantage in the first half. From the kick-off you could see that the condition of the ground would play a big part in the result of the game and the team that handled the conditions better would come away with the points.

With the ground being so muddy both teams were finding it difficult to get the ball out of the centre but when they did it was Berwick who looked the better team. As the first half wore on both teams had equal possesion but it was Berwick that were creating the best attacking options with Ryan B and Thommie doing well out on the left but when the ball did come within scoring distance they were well held by the Eltham defence.

Ben was trying hard up front but could not find a way through the tight and well packed defence.  With the Berwick defence under little pressure when Eltham did attack they were well covered by a defence led by Ryan H in the centre who has been in good form this season. In a well contested and even first half you could tell that this was not going to be a high scoring game but a game that would be won by a soilitary goal and it was not long before the Eltham forwards started to test the Berwick defence and get the better of them. With about seven minutes to go Ollie kept the score at 0-0 when he pulled off a brilliant save when he dived at the feet of the Eltham player just as he got his boot to the ball and the supporters let him know with some very vocal encouragement.
But this seemed to spark the Eltham players and with only minutes left they had the Berwick defence guessing and gave Ollie no chance when they drove home a very powerful shot into the back of the net and this gave Eltham a one goal lead at the half-time break.

Berwick kicked off the second half and looked very relaxed and still with the belief that they could get something out of this game. But with ground being so heavy it was starting to take it's toll on the players legs on both teams which was going to make it more difficult the longer the game wore on for Berwick to get an equalizer. The game started to get bogged down in the centre of the ground as tiredness started to affect the teams and Berwick were finding it hard to get the ball out wide and play their natural game.

Both teams at this stage struggled to get themselves into scoring positions and it was a real battle and when Erno got hit very hard in the face and had to be taken off Eltham looked the stronger team and Berwick looked to be playing all out of position.
The was a real hard battle in the centre of the ground and as the game came to a close it was the Eltham team that came away with a hard fought 1-0 victory.

This was not the best game that Berwick United had played this year but to travel to Eltham and play against a team that beat them 6-1 last season they should at least come away knowing that if they can get their passing game going that they can get results against the top teams.
With this loss and with other results going their way Berwick United held on to 7th position on the ladder but will need a win next week to stay there with a number of teams within' a couple of points of each other.

Next weeks game is at home to Blackburn and this is a team that beat Berwick United twice last year but they were not convincing wins so if they come to play Berwick could get the result they need as they head into a two week break.

ROUND 8

Berwick United seek justice against Knox Strikers

Round 8 and Berwick United were to face yet nother Knox side at home in some nice sunny conditions.
Last week Berwick were unlucky to come away without any points after a massive struggle with Knox Force and were out to try and get some revenge for that loss.
These two teams had faced each other twice last year with Berwick the victor on both occasions but this was a new year and with both teams placed close to each other on the league table it was going to be a close game.

Knox won the toss and decided to run into the sun giving Berwick the kick-off. After some nice movement around the middle of the park Garrett made a nice run passing off to Joel who was dispossessed by one of the Knox defenders but after a stong tackle by a Berwick player won the ball back and forced Knox into giving away a corner. Ryan B took a nice corner kick that landed with Garrett whose powerful shot went wide. When Knox came forward the Berwick defence were working together well and stopped any moves toward their goal but with the ball very rarely crossing the halfway line Berwick looked like the team that would be the first to score.  As we approched the halfway mark of the first half Ryan H made a run from his own half to hit a powerful shot on target but unfortunately straight at the keeper who was able to hang on to the ball.

With Berwick having most of the play and totally in control they went close a couple more times with Garrett working hard and Aaron running at the defence but they could not find a way through the heavilly packed Knox defence, but the best chance they had fell to Erno who hit the ball beautifully only to see the ball curl away from the goal.
Halt-time and both teams locked at nil all.

With the second half underway and some position changes Berwick came out looking a little flat but they knew what was needed and they had the whole second half to get a result and by the look of it so did Knox. Knox came out with a lot more vigor and were pushing forward right from the start but Berwicks defence still looked in control and Kaleb was doing well down the left hand side and made some wonderful clearances. Ryan B was making some good runs down the left but was well marked by a very tall and fast Knox defender and this was going to be a very good battle for the remainder of the game. The game was looking fairly even and both teams were making chances and it was the defence that was keeping both teams locked at nil all. With the Berwick defence looking a little different as Ryan H was taking a breather the Knox team started to look for a goal and after a prolonged attack the ball went out for a Berwick goalkick. As Ryan H was off Kaleb had to step up and take his first ever goal kick and did himself and the team proud as his kick was placed nicely down the left side finding another Berwick player to run the ball down the ground and out of danger.  

As the second half wore on Berwick regained their composure and started to control the game once more and were really putting the Knox defence under enormous pressure but could still not find the net and the best chance just went wide when Joel hit a beautiful shot just wide of the left upright. With Berwick now pushing right up the park looking for a goal they were leaving themselves vulnerable at the back and nearly paid the price on a number of occasions only to be saved by some courageous goal keeping by Ollie and some desparate defence by Declan, Ryan, Kaleb and Olivia.
With full-time drawing near both teams were trying their best to score but it wasn't to be and Berwick had to settle for their third draw of the season and another loss of points that they would have thought were there to be taken.

Final score 0-0 and Knox Strikers looked like they were happy with the result and the Berwick United players very dissapointed that they didn't get the win.
The team now has a week off and then have to travel to Eltham in what will be a very hard game indeed as Eltham are one of the form teams in the competition.

ROUND 7

Berwick United in Rollercoaster ride.

Round 7 and Berwick United travelled away to play the unbeaten Knox Force and what a daunting task this was as these two teams had met twice last season with Knox the victor on both occassions. With this being the only time these two teams would meet this year Berwick knew this was their only chance of getting a good result.

With some overnight rain the already muddy pitch looked very heavy and this was not going to suit Berwicks game as they like to push the ball around on the deck.
Knox Force won the toss and decided to kick down hill giving the kick-off to Berwick. With a slightly different formation, it was Joel and Garrett to kick the game off and they pushed up into attack but lost the ball and were then on the defensive. With the changed formation it looked like Berwick may get caught out at the back as they had set a more attacking field and Knox with their speed and swarming type tactics nearly went ahead very early and with a good shot from one of the Knox forwards Ollie was forced to make a good save but the ball being slippery went through his fingers and out for a Knox corner.

With the game barely five minutes in Ollie was forced into making four spectacular saves and by doing this kept Berwick in the game and also gave them time to settle into their own game. As the half wore on Berwick started to take more control as they moved the ball around and made some nice attacking moves led by a rampant Erno in the midfield as he seemed to be everywhere and was keeping the forwards on the move toward their quest for that elusive goal. Just as it looked like Berwick might score they lost the ball and were caught out in defence and Knox were too quick and they calmly slotted the ball past a helpless Ollie to go one nil up.

After the goal Berwick seemed to drop their heads a little but still tried to penetrate the Knox defence and with Ryan B now moving to his favoured left side they started to get more from both sides of the park and this gave the defence and midfield something to aim at. With Aaron, Declan and Luca playing well in defence and getting the ball downfield through the midfield, Berwick seemed to get their composure back and were constantly threatening the Knox goal but without luck and again were caught out in defence conceeding another corner. Knox quickly took the corner and the Berwick defence were to slow to react and once again Ollie was given no chance and it was now two nil to Knox and it was not looking good as Berwick have always struggled to come back from these types of situations. As Berwick once again went back to the centre line they did not look like they were going to give up and continued to stick to the game plan and attack and with little time left in the first half they were rewarded with their first ever goal against Knox Force when Ryan B struck a beautifully weighted shot over the keeper and into the back of the net to go into the half-time break only 2-1 down and with a real chance of getting something out of this game.

As the second half kicked off Berwick won the ball and earnt themselves a corner and as hard as they tried to get the ball into the Knox net they were finding it very difficult as the ground was just one big area of mud. This half looked like it was just going to be a battle between two very evenly matched teams and it would be down to who made the most crucial mistakes that would be the difference. Berwick looked the more likely team to score but the Knox players were quick and as this was their home ground knew how to play to their strengths and push the away teams to the limit but Berwick were relentless and with Garrett supplying Aaron with a perfect pass into the centre Aaron made the score two all and it was game on.

With the Berwick supporters getting right behind the team they seemed to lift again but once again were caught out at the back and with a good shot being pushed around the post Knox had themselves a corner. As Berwick readied themselves for the corner Knox again were too quick and the score once again went to Knox three goals to two. With the second half wearing on Berwick did not drop their heads but once again became the dominant team and were unlucky not to draw level with Ryan B coming close on two occassions pushing wide with one shot and hitting the post with another.

When Knox did push into their attacking half Ryan H had total control and kept pushing the ball forward in search for the equaliser but with time running out it looked like Berwick would once again be the unlucky loser but Joel did go close but his shot went straight to the keeper.  Berwick were looking the fitter team and with a good ball from left to right by Ryan B the ball landed with Joel who calmly shot past the Knox keeper and into the back of the net to make the score three all with very little time to play and a draw looked a likely result. The Berwick supporters were going absolutely berserk as they had watched their team come back more times than they had ever done in the past and looked like this could be their day.

To Knox's credit they did not give up either and pushed forward for what was probably the last attack of the game as the Ref was looking at his watch. Ollie was forced into making another save but in doing so had to conceed another corner but this time the Berwick team were ready and they were not going to conceed a late goal but as in the past luck was not on their side and as the ball found its way into the centre a Knox player got his foot to the ball and it skidded off the top of his boot and up and over the defence and keeper and into the goal to give what would be the end result a four goals to three win to Knox.
The Berwick players, coach and supporters were shattered as the team did not deserve to lose after such and enthralling game full of excitement and a game where Berwick grew as a team and proved to themselves that they can play against the best and push them to the limit they just need a little more luck maybe.

After Berwick said their congratulations to the Knox players they were given a rousing ovation from their supporters as they knew this team had provided a game worthy of match of the season status.
Next week Berwick United are at home to another Knox team and the hopes are high that this game was a stepping stone to a great rest of the season.

ROUND 6

Berwick United ready for a tough battle at home.

Round 6 and Berwick United were at home to Healesville with a very early kick-off time of 9am but the sun was out and there was hardly any wind.

These two teams met only once last year with the Berwick team earning a very hard fought one nil win and with Healesville sitting one place below Berwick on the ladder they knew this game was not going to be an easy one.

With Joel back as captain for Berwick this week he won the toss and decided for Healesville to run into the sun and giving them the kick-off. 

From the kick-off Berwick won the ball back and pushed forward only to have Ryan B caught offside by some intelligent Healesville defence.  After the free kick was taken Ryan B won the ball back and layed off the ball to Joel only to see his shot go just wide past the left upright.  As the game wore on it what was a very tight midfield game and when the ball did get free Berwick could not find the net and if Healesville broke into Berwicks half the defence of Ryan H, Kaleb and Declan had them covered. With Berwick looking the more composed team in attack they were the more aggressive team and were earning corners and with Ben and Joel having chances were unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

Ben and Joel were making the Healesville defence work hard and with some nice passing again went close but once again Joel's shot went wide and it looked like it was not going to be his day. With Berwick having most of the attack Healesville did look dangerous at times and had a couple of chances but Ollie was there to quickly shut them down and protect his goal.
As the Ref blew his whistle to signal half-time both teams went into the break with the score locked at nil all.

With Healesville having to play into the sun for the first half it would be interesting to see how Berwick were going to cope as they looked a little tired and disappointed that the score was still 0-0.
The Ref blew for the start of the second half and Berwick kicked off and slowly built into an attacking position but as has been the case in most games Berwick have played this year found themselves up against a slighlty packed defence as Healesville looked like they did not want to concede a goal in this match. Still Berwick played their natural game and although they have not been as potent up front as they were last year looked very dangerous.

With Erno, Thomas, Aaron and Garrett controlling the midfield and Ryan B pushing balls into the centre they still could not find a way through and when they did get through the ball just did not want to get into that net.  As the second half wore on and with Berwick pushing up as far as they could their defence was being put under more pressure and it looked likely that Heaesville could snatch a late winner and win the game. Twice within' the space of a few minutes Healesville made two excellent breaks down their left hand side and found themselves one on one with goalkeeper Ollie but as he had promised his coach before the game that he would supply him with a clean sheet he stayed true to his word and won the ball both times to keep the scores level. In a game that was the closest Berwick had found themselves in this season.  

With the Ref looking at his watch it was only a matter of time before the whistle would be blown in a game that could have gone either way.

At the end of the game both teams looked a little confused in the result in a very tight and hard fought battle and with both teams sharing the points it was a game Berwick United would leave knowing they had just thrown away a good chance of picking up the three points and strengthening their position on the ladder.

This game was a big improvement on the week before but is it good enough to trouble the teams they will face over the next four rounds which includes three of the top four teams. Hopefully they can step up and trouble the best in the league and prove to themselves that they deserve to be up there with them.

ROUND 5

Local Derby

For the first and only time this season the two Berwick teams were to meet in Round 5 with Berwick United trying to get a much awaited win against the Blues.

When these two teams met last year the Blues took the spoils with a 2-1 win and a nil all draw, so the United team where wanting to get some revenge and reverse the previous results.

It was a nice day with very little wind as the two teams lined up in the centre for the toss of the coin. Berwick Blues won the toss and decided to kick left to right giving United the kick off.

From the kick-off United "as usual" went straight into attack mode and earnt themselves a corner and after a little confusion Ryan B took a short corner to Josh who passed back to Ryan for the cross to go out but it was only a short time after this that United were awarded a free kick near the 18 yard box. While the players waited for the ball to be changed as it was a little flat both teams set themselves up for the free kick. Ryan B lined up his shot and calmly picked his spot and placed the ball up into the top left hand corner of the goal giving the Blues keeper no chance. One nil to Berwick United with only five minutes gone.

Back at the centre of the ground and United were quick toget the ball back and push forward and after a couple of close misses by Luca who was enjoying himself in midfield and as one of his shots failed to trouble the keeper Ben followed up to beat the keeper to the ball and slot home his first and Uniteds second of the match. Two nil United.

The Blues looked a little rattled after conceeding two quick goals but were still trying to put pressure on the United defence and with some nice runs through the centre of midfield were unlucky not to break through but with the United defence cutting off all avenues to goal they were finding it very difficult.

This allowed United to push out of defence and continue their relentless attacks and with Luca once again coming close and Garrett, Thomas and Ryan B having chances they just couldn't find the back of the net and if they were on target some great goal keeping kept them out.

Half time Berwick United 2 , Berwick Blues 0.

As the Blues kicked off, the second half started pretty much the same as the first and United started to push all their players forward as they all seemed to want to get on the scoreboard and at times it looked like they were going to be caught out as they were leaving nothing at the back. As in past games when United shot to an early lead they seemed to lose their structure and formation and were pushing so far forward at one stage there were up to six players standing within' one meter of each other.

When the Blues did work their way into Uniteds half, Kaleb and Declan where not going to let them through as they did not want to concede a goal but they were finding it hard as they were not getting much support.

With the second half wearing on Uniteds midfield and in particular Erno "who had to be up there with the best players on the ground" were a little unlucky not to score again but the Blues started to bring every player back into defence and when United did have a chance the Blues keeper kept them out. As United continue to attack they were starting to get caught offside and they seemed to lose control of where they should be and how they should be playing the game but they did create some chances but could not score and looked a little frustrated.

With the United team a little out of sorts and with their regular keeper Ollie unable to play they gave away a penalty with a bad tackle from behind and it was now up to Olivia "who had stepped up" to replace Ollie in goal to try and keep United's two goal lead.

As the Blues penalty taker lined up for the shot Olivia steddied herself and with all on the sidelines on her side the shot went wide and score remained 2-0.

The second half was now coming to an end and with United's Ben, Ryan and Erno having some more chances the final whistle went and United were the victors two goals to nil.

A long awaited win for Berwick United over what seems to be their bogie team and with a display that was a little disappointing they walked away with the points knowing that they will need to improve in their upcoming games as they will now face the competitions top teams over the next four weeks.

Healesville next week at home and a win will be a must if they are to hold their place in the top five.

ROUND 4

Berwick United this week travelled away to the Monbulk Falcons with the knowledge that this would be a very winable game but also a very tough game.
With the Berwick players warmed up and ready to go the Referee informed the Coach that they were running late and the game time would be cut by 2 minutes per half and by the time kick-off had arrived it was twenty minutes late. 
Monbulk won the toss and decided to kick-off with Berwick deciding to run up a slight hill. Right from the start Monbulk went on the attack and with a surging run down the left hand side of the park and the ball being flagged as going out and the Berwick players thinking the same the ball was crossed into the centre for an easy goal. The players and supporters were shocked that such a mistake could be made by the Referee and without even any consultation with the linesman allowed the goal to stand, 1 nil Monbulk with barely two minutes gone. 
Berwick United were shocked but lifted and went on full attack mode and with Ben coming close and Ryan, Thomas and Erno dominating the left side of the park it looked like a goal would surely come. When Monbulk did venture forward the Berwick backline held strong and kept the ball pushing forward. As Berwick continued to apply pressure to the Monbulk goal they were rewarded "although a little reluctently" a penalty for a blatant hand ball in the area. 
Ryan B stepped up to place the ball superbly into the top left hand corner to make the score one all.
Berwick continued to try and get the goal that would put them in front and with valiant efforts by Ryan, Garrett and a couple from Ben you could sense that this was not going to be their day and when the half-time whistle blew the score stood at 1 all.
During the half-time break there were discussions with the Referee about the Monbulk goal but these were brushed aside with an apology. The Berwick players gathered together and they knew they were the better team and they wanted to go out and prove it in the second half.
With Berwick kicking off in the second half they all seemed to push forward and were lucky a number of times not to get caught out and would have if it was not for some good covering defence by Declan and Ryan H.
As the second half wore on the Berwick players tried their best to break the deadlock but luck just didn't seem to be on their side and if it wasn't for the post or the luck of the keeper they would have put this game beyond any doubt. With the minutes ticking down and Berwick searching for the goal that could win the game they were lucky not to go behind and would have if not for the Berwick keeper Ollie putting his body on the line a couple of times to pull off some brilliant saves.
This game was going down to the wire and just when it looked like the goal could come Ryan B was brought down in a vicious tackle from behind with the Monbulk player coming in with studs up and it was game over for Ryan as he had to be carried off.  After a small warning to the Monbulk player was given, Berwick never seemed to recover and in the end were lucky to walk away with a 1-1 draw.
A very hard game for Berwick United and they deserved more and would have got more if some thought had been given during the game.

Berwick United will learn from this game and be a stronger team for it for the rest of the season and look out Berwick Blues next week as the two teams meet in the local derby and as in the past this has always been a very hard and difficult game for the United boys to come away with the points.

ROUND 3

Berwick United were at home this week to Lilydale Eagles and with a later kick-off time of 10.40am most of the team got down to give their support to some of the other Berwick teams that were playing before them.

It was a beautiful day to play football and although the sun was shinning and the sky was clear it was quite windy so we all knew the Berwick team would be in for an interesting game.
As Berwick were led out into the middle of the park by their captain Ryan B they looked like they meant business and wanted to get the game underway. Berwick lost the toss and were given the task of running into the sun and the wind but they seemed to take to this task with a great deal of enthusiasm.

With the game underway Berwick went on the attack in search of an early goal but the conditions made this difficult but they continued regardless and came close when Ryan B made a run down the left supplying a nice pass to Aaron which resulted in his shot just going wide of the left upright. With some nice ball play out of the midfield Berwick were making their chances but the conditions and the Lilydale keeper were making it hard to score. With about half of the first half gone Berwick were in constant attack mode and when Lilydale did go forward the Berwick defence were all over them giving them no room to play and Ollie was very safe in goal on the few chances the ball got through.
Berwick were picking up corners and with good attacks and shots from Ryan B,Ben and Aaron a goal had to come and with about seven minutes left of the first half Ryan B made a beautiful run down the left crossed the ball into Ben who calmly picked his spot and slotted the ball past the Lilydale keeper to give Berwick a well deserved lead. With time of the first half running out Berwick continued to attack but to Lilydales credit they kept trying and did earn a couple of corners but these were dealt with comfortably by the Berwick defence and with Kaleb playing one of his best games for a while on the right all was looking good for Berwick as they left the field for a well earned half-time break.
At the half time break the Berwick team were very happy with their overall performance and knew that with the wind at their backs and the sun in the Lilydale teams eyes that they were now a good chance to take the points.

With the start of the second half underway Berwick once again went on the attack and with some excellent running and dribbling down the left side of the park Ryan B was unlucky not to score as his shot was stopped by the Lilydale keeper who was having a very busy day. Berwick were now peppering the Lilydale goal and with the Berwick midfield and some excellent play by Thomas and the tireless Erno it looked like it would be only a matter of time before the next goal would come. And come it did when Thomas and Aaron tore the Lilydale defence apart and with a well timed pass from Aaron to a well positioned Ben the score was made two nil as the ball was calmly put away. Berwick two Lilydale nil.

As the second half wore on Berwick were looking for more goals and were awarded with a free kick which was taken by Ryan B but the shot was taken comfortably by the keeper but the pressure was still applied and with Berwick earning corners and free kicks the next goal was just around the corner. With Ryan B taking a free kick just outside the area there was a scuffle in the Lilydale box and Josh was in the right spot to slot home his first goal of the season and Berwicks third.

With the ball back at the centre Lilydale kicked off and with an excellent clearence by Kaleb the ball was quickly down the other end of the field and Berwick were awarded another corner which was taken and the Lilydale keeper was forced into making another excellent save. Berwick wanted more goals and it wasn't long before the next one came as Ryan B was eager to score one of his own and with a well taken corner and an excellent return pass by Erno, Ryan B shot high toward the goal and with the keeper getting a hand to it was unable to stop the ball and it was now four nil to Berwick.
As the second half was coming to a close Berwick wanted more and with Garrett coming close and a couple more goal mouth scuffles it looked like they could snatch another. Lilydale were now struggling to stop the rampant Berwick attacks and were tiring and Berwick earned another free kick. Ryan B stepped up to take the free kick on his prefered side and with the ball just outside the area placed a beautiful shot into the top left hand corner to make the score five nil in what will be the goal to beat for goal of the season.

Right up until the final whistle the Berwick team continued their relentless pressure in what was a very good performance.

Final score Berwick United 5 - Lilydale Eagles 0

After the game the team thanked the Lilydale players and then sang the club song for the second time this season and I can assure you this was much better then the week before as the boys knew the words this week.

With this result the Berwick team are now starting to play some good football and their confidence is growing but they will have another test next week when they travel away to play the Monbulk Falcons. 

ROUND 2

Round 2 for the Under 11's and Berwick United had to travel to Ivanhoe to play Eltham Golden Eagles.
Eltham were an unknown quantity to Berwick as they had not met before and playing them on their home ground seemed a little daunting.  It was an early kick-off at 9.30am but the whole team was there early and ready to go and there was an enthusiasm there that seemed to be missing the previous week, so all was looking good.

With the loss of Joel through injury, Ben through illness and Ryan B coming back from injury the lineup needed a revamp.  With Joel and Ben scoring twenty goals between them last season it was hard to see where the goals would come from as the team struggled last week against Glen Eira.
With the weather looking like it could do anything and the ground being heavy with very little grass this game was going to be a fight.  Despite this the Berwick side looked like they meant business as both teams lined up in the centre. Eltham called the toss and lost and Berwick's Ryan B standing in as captain for Joel decided to play into the sun and wind.  

From the outset Berwick looked settled and went straight on the attack and were unlucky not to take an early lead. The signs were good and the team looked like they wanted to make up for the way they played last week.  After some near misses and constant pressure Garrett made a nice run down the right side and split the Eltham defence and crossed the ball in front of goal for an easy tap in by Ryan B only to have the goal disallowed for offside. A very close decision but this was not going to stop Berwicks attacks as they continued to pressure the Eltham goal.

The Eltham keeper was called on a number of times and just before the ten minute mark Garrett once again split the defence and slotted the ball pass the Eltham keeper to put Berwick up 1-0.  As Eltham kicked off they started to move the ball around more and were testing the Berwick defence but they didn't look confident enough to be able to penetrate a defence that looked to be in fine form.  Ryan H was given the job of holding the Berwick defence together and he led from the front and controlled the backline ably supported by his team mates.
As Eltham tried to push forward Berwick kept pushing wide and they were playing a very nice passing game and by doing this had their opposition all over the place.
With about 7 minutes left of the first half, Garrett once again made his way through some flat footed Eltham defence and slotted home his and Berwicks second goal of the match to make it 2-0 Berwick. Now running high in confidence and with the knowledge they had put themselves into a good position Berwick continued to attack and after more pressure Aaron passed the perfect ball across the Eltham goal for Ryan B to run onto and drive a beautiful right footed shot into the back of the net to make the score 3.0.

This was what the Berwick supporters had travelled all the way to see and they were fully behind the team as they headed into a well earned half-time break.
On the sidelines the Berwick team were happy with themselves but also a little fatigued as they had battled so hard to put themselves into a winning position but there was still the second half to go and Eltham looked liked they still had plenty in the tank.
With everything to gain and nothing to lose Eltham were now the more attacking side but with the Berwick defence holding up well and the midfield and forwards fighting hard for every ball it was going to be a good fight until the end.  At this stage, as in the first half, Eltham were relying on one player who was working overtime to get Eltham back into the game, but with Declan, Ryan H, Olivia and Erno in Berwicks defensive line and Ollie waiting in goal it was not going to be easy for them to get on the board.

The second half was a real fight and with some questionable decisions going against Berwick.  It was a commendable effort for the team to keep their heads high and to battle to the end.  As the second half drew to a close Berwick had a few more chances but Eltham's keeper was holding everything that came his way.  The second half seemed to go on forever and after nearly 25 minutes the ref blew his whistle to give Berwick Utd their first win of the season. With a home match next week we will be hoping to improve on this performance and make it two in a row.
Hopefully next week Berwick Utd will have a full bench and the players will get those well deserved breaks if needed.

ROUND 1

Berwick United were at home for the first game of the 2010 season and were expecting to get off to a good start to follow on from last year but they were up against an unknown quantity in Glen Eira who joined our league this year.

Kick off was at 10am and what a day it was, the sun was shining, there was very little wind and you couldn't have wished for a better day to start the season.
Berwick seemed a little unsure of their formation as the full team only came together for the first time on Thursday, but by the time the Ref was ready for the kick off they were ready to go.
Glen Eira won the toss and chose to kick into the sun so Berwick had the kick off.

Berwick settled very quickly and Ben who was playing in a more attacking role in this game had the first chance of the game and fired a good shot on goal but it was too close to the keeper who handled the ball comfortably. After the keeper cleared the ball Glen Eira seemed to lift and started to apply pressure and with only five minutes gone came close to scoring but pushed the ball past the left side of the post. This seemed to unsettle Berwick and after more pressure Glen Eira won a corner which Berwick defended well but they seemed to be very nervous and started to panic.
With only 8 minutes gone Glen Eira made the breakthrough after some sloppy defence by Berwick and scored the first goal of the game, 1 nil to Glen Eira.
Berwick took the ball back for the kick off but Glen Eira were fired up and won back the ball and with Berwicks defence not switched on gave one of the Glen Eira forwards and open shot on goal giving Ollie no chance and it was now 2 nil .

After this goal Berwick did start to settle and the defence started to force the Glen Eira team away from goal and give themselves a chance to attack. Thommie was making some nice runs down the left side but with little support and with the speed and height of the Glen Eira defence Berwick were finding it very hard to breakthrough but at the 12 minute mark they won a free kick and with some nice play came close to getting a goal back but once again struggled to get past the defence.
Glen Eira played some nice football out of their defence and were making Berwick chase the ball and with 4 minutes to go in the first half Ollie was caught in a one on one situation and the Glen Eira forward made no mistake in putting the ball high and wide of the keeper, 3 nil to Glen Eira and things were not looking good for the boys from Berwick.

Once again Berwick looked very unsettled and were conceeding free kicks and then after a terrible refereeing decision had a penalty awarded against them for an accidental hand ball in the area.  As Ollie faced up to the ball it looked like it would be 4 nil to Glen Eira but Ollie stood his ground and the penalty taker slammed the ball into the post and Berwick removed the ball from the danger zone.
With time running out in the first half Berwick were still giving it their best and Joel was released down the right side and after beating a couple of players he lost the ball and received a knock on the leg and had to be carried from the field which was a hugh loss for the Berwick team as he would play no further part in the game.

Half time had come and Berwick looked like a team well beaten and a hugh effort would be required to get something out of this game.
The Berwick coach took the team aside and tried to figure out what was going on as they just didn't look like the team of 2009. After the short halftime break the teams came out for the second half and Berwick were intent on not giving this game up without a fight and to their credit a fight is what they gave.
With Joel off injured and the team having to be reshuffled they started to talk and move out wide and they were starting to play like we all know they can but being 3 nil down they needed to push forward and by doing this they risked being caught out at the back.
But as Berwick started to create some good chances with Thommie still running his heart out down the left hand side and now getting support from Olivia and Aaron, Ben was seeing more of the ball but once again the Glen Eira defence were too quick and tall for any real threat on goal but it was not for lack of trying on Berwicks behalf.

With Berwick pushing forward looking for a goal they were caught out a couple of times and were lucky not to conceed again but with some excellent keeping by Ollie and some goal saving tackles by Declan down the left you could see they did not want to go down 4 nil.
The second half was a real grind for both teams and Glen Eira did have the best chances to score and had one goal disallowed for offside but other then that the Berwick team ran out the second half and at the end of the game could hold their heads high knowing that they matched their much taller and quicker opponents and that they held together as a team that will get much stronger and better as the season goes on . The main concern for Berwick after this game is the injury to their main striker Joel.

Next week Berwick are away to Eltham Golden Eagles which will be a very hard away game but if they can show what they did in the second half of this game they may be able to come away with some points.