Both first and reserve grade battled hard against willing opposition in the first game of the second round of competition in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League.

FIRST GRADE

Playing at home the Camden Haven boys were expected to win this one comfortably but Saints gave them one hell of a match.

It took until the 23rd minute for the Redbacks to convert their good positional play into a goal but it was worth waiting for. After a good build-up Levi Tomasone was put away in space down the right wing. His bullet like cross proved perfect for a diving header from Luke Buckley who found the net in spectacular fashion.

Camden Haven retained this lead until half time with solid defence at the back led by Justin Bull.

Eight minutes into the second half a free kick 30 metres out and from the right taken by Courier Man of the Match Levi Tomasone found the top corner of the net untouched.

At two nil up, both supporters and coaching staff were thinking by ‘how many’ , but they were so wrong. Saints hit straight back as the home side failed to clear one from around their 10 metre mark and found the net to ensure a tight finish.

There was a lot of niggle throughout the match with some cheap hits off the ball and this seemed to explode five minutes from time when a huge clash between two players saw Justin Bull get his marching orders and a Port Saints player unable to continue.

Camden Haven however was able to re-group at the back and held on for a well deserved win against very spirited opposition.

Next week the premier league boys travel away to Port United for a most important clash against Port United with reserve grade kicking off at 3pm followed by first grade at 5pm.

Reserve Grade

A home game versus Port Saints led to a good test of the team’s ability. Perfect conditions and a big crowd set up a tense affair with two evenly matched teams.

The first half started a bit scrappily for the Redbacks with possession being lost too easily. The back four were kept on their toes with Saints playing very direct soccer. A few half chances for Lee Hartshorne and Al Williams slipped away and things were tight with a 0-0 half time score-line.

A few things were sorted out at half time and the boys started the second half well with “short soccer” being the key. The Redbacks midfield got on top and Lee and Al threatened to break the stalemate. As the clock ticked along frustration and some missed chances didn’t help the cause. A dominate midfield saw the Redbacks drive into the opposition’s box and a hand ball from a Saints player resulted in a penalty to the home side. Daniel Trompert coolly slotted the spot kick and a huge sigh of relief was felt all round. A few changes put Camden Haven on the front foot again. Excellent ball work by Daniel on the wing saw him pull the ball back to Matt Whatson who smashed in the Haven’s second goal with 10 minutes left. This was a deserved reward for a good solid second half display. The final whistle was greeted with a huge roar because the boys needed to dig deep to secure the win.

“Bit sloppy today, we came away from the style we’ve been playing the last few weeks and it unsettled the team” said coach Bill Roe.

“The second half was a huge improvement and I’m glad we got a result for that reason. The Trevor Boyle Electrical Man of Match today was Nathan Monaghan who “fired” up everyone and led by example at the back. This was a good result. These are the games we can’t afford to slip in if we’re going to push for a top 4 spot.”

REDBACKS DOWN IN OXLEY LEAGUE CLASH

Looking to regain some pride from last weeks 3-0 loss to Lower Macleay, Camden Haven took on the Kempsey Saints at home.

Only 10 minutes in, and a looping free kick from the Saints saw the ball bounce off the unlevel turf, and over the Redbacks goalkeeper’s head to give the Kempsey side a 1-0 lead.

With 15 minutes left in the half, the Kempsey Saints doubled their lead. A shot from distance, saw the Redbacks goalkeeper pick the ball out of the net for the 2nd time in the game.

5 minutes later, and the Redbacks almost grabbed a goal back. A corner kick from Luke Ward, found a Redbacks player, to shoot a fierce shot towards goal. To the Redbacks despair, the shot was saved by the Saints goalie.

With only minutes to go in the half, Dave Widders played a chip into the Kempsey box, but the Camden Haven players were unlucky not to beat the keeper to the ball.

The Haven boys left the field at half-time 2-0 down.

It took only a single minute for the Saints to extend their lead. A free kick from the Saints from outside the box, that didn’t seem to cross the line, was allowed by the referee and confirmed by the linesman.

After conceding a goal early in the half, the Redbacks showed more intensity. A lot more determination from the Redbacks, and the boys started to take control of the game.

A volley from Dave Widders just scrapped wide of the post with 20 minutes left in the game.

With15 minutes left, the Redbacks almost grabbed a consolation goal. A free kick was played into the penalty area, and the resulting header just missed the top corner of the net.

The final score, for the 2nd week in a row was 3-0. The boys have shown all year they can win games, just a bad run of luck, and the lengthy break didn’t help.

Next week the boys head North to Willawarrin to take on the Upper Macleay Yowies.