First Team vs Cougars
Adelaide Villa continued their pursuit of the division two title with a convincing victory against Adelaide Cougars at Findon High School.
This win places Villa at the top of the table for the first time this season. It is a welcome position considering that the team was languished at the bottom of the division after the opening two games with no points. With a crucial week ahead, Villa needed to maintain their winning momentum before facing their nearest rivals, Sturt Marion and Cove in the space of four days.
Villa started the game with confidence and were keen to score quickly. Chances fell to Musci and Tony Scalzi in the opening ten minutes and Della had a header at the far post that went close. Cougars were put on the back foot but they had some experienced players who knew how to counter attack. This became a real threat when Villa defenders allowed the home team to have space in the penalty area and a shot cannoned back off the post with Ellul well beaten. Villa responded quickly and soon after took the lead with a goal from Musci. An excellent angled pass to Sanger in the left channel gave the forward the opportunity to feed a perfect reverse ball to Musci who scored at the feet of the advancing goalkeeper.
Cougars were not to be beaten during this period and an excellent cross from a free kick saw their quick midfield player glance a header past Ellul to level the scores. Villa had to respond again and a third goal in the game came soon after following a penetrating run from Beatrice on the right. His cross found Della at the far post and he had time to strike home from ten yards. Both of Villa's wide players had excellent games, an important ingredient in a game played on a narrow pitch. Villa kept pressurising Cougars goal and they managed to extend their lead when Sanger fired home in the penalty area.
The second half saw Villa score another couple of goals from Tony Scalzi and Musci, the former scoring with a terrific strike in to the top corner. Unfortunately Scalzi was injured in the incident and left the pitch as a precaution. Cougars did not have the resources to overcome Villa's skill and ability but they were a constant thorn throughout the game and Villa had to be watchful in defence. Villa had other opportunities to score; Calabria hit the post, Musci had a couple of strikes whilst Guiffreda also had a couple of efforts. The latter also had a convincing game in midfield with some penetrating runs, passes and strong tackles.
The game ended with a 5-1 result. Villa were pleased with the outcome of course as another hurdle was handled with good effect. The top position is just reward for the players who have matured and progressed well as the season has continued. The next few days may have a major effect upon the outcome of the top three places this season and so the team needs to be prepared for the challenge.
