With the season finally getting some momentum, most Whitsunday United teams played at home.
The U13 Division 1 team secured the 3 points via a forfeit, so a scratch match was organised with the Airlie Beach and Proserpine under 12’s. Players from both sides were extremely happy to finally get to play some football and it was quite a competitive match for a local friendly, with WUFC coming out on top at the full-time whistle 4-3. Some great link up play down the right wing saw Cohen Forman and Charlie Collins combine for two goals. Remy Smart and Tyson Lulham rounded out the scoring.
The U13 Prem team took on the highly fancied Magpies outfit in what was always going to be a hard-fought match, Whitsunday went into half time one nil down. Their coach asked for passion and commitment until the final whistle and that’s what they gave, which was rewarded 2 minutes before time with a bursting run down the right and a thunderous finish from captain Shannon Matthews. Both Shannon and Nicholas Moranino worked tirelessly in centre midfield against their opposing numbers. Whitsunday were kept in the game by goalkeeping heroics from Nicholas Philipson, who faced 33 shots, but only conceded one. A fantastic team effort that sets the tone for the season.
Premier ladies had a tight contest against Magpies this week. Knowing this week would be a tougher game the ladies made sure they put pressure on Magpies from the start. Jess, Keeley and Hazel were strong in the midfield ensuring Magpies were given no time on the ball to create chances and Claire held the defensive backline strong to shut down any breakthrough play. Neither team could get ahead until the second half when a perfectly placed free kick by Mathilde saw Whitsundays take the lead. Unfortunately, Magpies managed to get one back late in the second half off a corner ball which left both teams sharing the points on a 1-1 draw.
The Reserve men wanted to put pressure on City Brothers who were playing out from the back of defence. In sections they were good, but still lacked intensity in pressing as a group, going in at half time as a scoreless draw. With an improved attitude and intensity, we were much better in the second half, finishing the game 1 all.
Premier men fielded their strongest team to date, led by some experienced heads playing their first games for the year. Scott Boldy was dominant on the right wing creating chance after chance and goals to Alan O'donnel and Josh Bond had the scoreline 2 nil at half time. A red card to the opposition at the start of the second half compiled the pressure on Brothers, and the large amount of possession Whitsunday held, amounted to 2 more goals for Alan and the end result of 4 nil.
