FQPL Far North: Stratford Strike Back Against Edge Hill
In a thrilling clash under the Saturday night lights at Nick Brko Field, the Stratford Dolphins pulled off an upset 2-1 victory over Edge Hill United to secure their second victory of the season.
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In a thrilling clash under the Saturday night lights at Nick Brko Field, the Stratford Dolphins pulled off an upset 2-1 victory over Edge Hill United to secure their second victory of the season.
Stratford were considered underdogs heading into the match after two defeats against Edge Hill earlier in the season, including a heavy 7-3 loss in the opening game of the season and a narrow 1-2 defeat in round eight.
Captain Jack Baresic marshalled the midfield, ensuring Edge Hill struggled to gain a foothold in the game early.
“Results haven’t gone our way, there’s a lot of games we’ve been in but we’ve just conceded silly goals and just haven’t put (opposition) away, which has built pressure,” Baresic said.
“I don’t think the results necessarily reflect how we’ve been playing.
“It would have been easy for everyone to sort of drop their heads and the season to fall apart but it’s credit to everyone that they’ve kept going the whole time and now we’re starting to get some results.
Right from the kick-off, the Dolphins demonstrated their intent, pressing high and disrupting Edge Hill’s rhythm.
The Tigers found themselves constantly under pressure, particularly in their defensive third where Stratford’s attackers relentlessly closed down passing lanes and forced errors.
The pivotal moments of the match came courtesy of Stratford’s young talents.
Eighteen-year-old attacker Kai Chamarenko was instrumental, earning a crucial penalty in the first half which was coolly converted by Patrick Moore.
Chamarenko’s energetic display didn’t stop there; he was rewarded for his pressing in the second half with an interception high up the pitch before slotting a goal directly in front.
He has stepped up in the absence of top scorer Erik Mitusch.
15-year old (Stratford) right back Houston Jackson and damaging (Stratford) winger Osman Kamara were a deadly combination on the right channel. They would constantly rotate and their synergy was on full display offensively as well as tracking back and defending counter-attacks. Jackson was recently selected to play in the Queensland under-16s representative team, travelling to Wollongong in July to play at the National Youth Championships held by Football Australia.
Despite Edge Hill’s efforts, particularly through winger Ruqi Clyde’s persistent threat, they struggled to convert chances into goals.
Captain Jesse Casson battled valiantly but couldn’t inspire his team to a comeback.
“Our first half was probably better, then we dropped off a little bit, but we were able to hold on,” Baresic said.
“We wanted to keep pressing, and we probably did in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
“Once we got that goal, they threw a few more players forward, and then naturally we became more defensive and should’ve been a little more clinical on the counter attack.
“It’s nice to put a couple of goals away and get a result.”
Stratford substitute Sebastian Crookes made an immediate impact off the bench, adding steel to the defence.
He won numerous one-on-one duals while throwing his body into tackles and driving forward with purpose.
The match also highlighted the outstanding performance of Stratford goalkeeper Caleb Hewitson, whose crucial saves in the dying moments preserved his team’s hard-earned victory.
“Caleb’s first season back in a couple of years, but he keeps turning up and is a brilliant shot stopper.” he said.
After a challenging start to the season, the performance showcased Stratford’s gradual growth under new coach Pasco Rogato who is developing a young side.
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Originally published as FQPL Far North: Stratford Strike Back Against Edge Hill
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