Understrength champions still get job done

PITTWATER RSL FC are marching towards another MWFA Premier League title after a gritty 1-0 victory over Brookvale on Saturday.

Pittwater's Charlie Fyfe and Brookvale's Sean Bowden fight for a loose ball. Picture: Hennessy Michael

PITTWATER RSL FC are marching towards another MWFA Premier League title after a gritty 1-0 victory over arch rival Brookvale on Saturday.

A healthy crowd turned up to watch the heavyweight contest at Kitchener Park.

The home side was up against it before a ball was even kicked, with a host of first choice players unavailable.

After being outplayed for most of the game, Pitts skipper Charlie Fyfe reacted quickest in the 81st minute when Blues keeper Luke Femia spilt a routine corner driven to the near post from Cam White.

It sparked wild celebrations from players and supporters in green, who knew their team had got out of jail.

Fyfe paid tribute to the commitment from the understrength champions, who are five points clear at the halfway point of the campaign.

“It was all hands on deck, we knew we had to battle to get a result,’’ he said.

“We had quite a few lads out injured, so it really was a squad effort. Brookie are a great side, we did well to keep them scoreless.

“Adam Carstens was brilliant for us at right back, he was my man of the match.”

Dean McCreath stood out between the sticks at Mona Vale, denying Blues striker Justin Hayward with an amazing reaction save in the first half.

Stand-in sweeper Roland Weber was his usual flawless self, while Alex Lee worked tirelessly in the midfield­.

In other results, Avalon won its first game of 2014 after a 1-0 triumph over Seaforth, Narrabeen blitzed CC Strikers 7-1, Mosman beat Manly Vale 1-0 and St Augustine’s outclassed Wakehurst 2-0.

On Sunday in the women’s MWFA Premier League, Manly Vale A showed why experience is priceless.

Lining up versus Seaforth at David Thomas Reserve in the match of the round, the away side scored early in the second half.

Tony Bruzzano’s old heads remained calm, and won the game 2-1 with late goals from Jo Greco and Anna Jamieson.

“We never give up, no matter what happens, we play until the final whistle,’’ the coach said.

“We stepped up when we had to, but I will say Seaforth were good, they play with impressive structure.”