Oakleigh Havoc's Men's Second Team produced an incredible comeback performance last Tuesday night against bottom side Team Harvey. Despite their opponents controlling the majority of the match, a strong outing from Oakleigh in the late stages of the second half surprisingly dismantled Team Harvey to take all three points.
Team Harvey made the most their chances in the first half as Oakleigh Havoc struggled to keep a defensive structure. Havoc's opponents initially took the lead before George Bezas equalized at the ten minute mark. Despite equalizing, Oakleigh conceded almost immediately and found themselves chasing for an equalizer again.
Oakleigh, as a result, committed to attack and were caught out by their opponents who netted another two goals to punish the side. Another Bezas goal would reduce the difference for a short period before Team Harvey scored their fifth to end the half 5-2 up.
Oakleigh's opponents carried their momentum into the second half and scored their sixth goal in the 21st minute of the game to take a 6-2 lead. The match, however, would be turned on its head by Havoc. A Jonah Caruana goal, a minute after conceding, put life back into the Oakleigh side who trailed by three goals.
Patient build-up play from Oakleigh's defensive third led to a brialliant goal from Sam Rogers before Jonah Caruana added his second of the night. Team Harvey, meanwhile, continued pressing in hopes to increase their lead. The side created multiple chances but were unable to convert, their shots either saved or off-target.
Havoc, however, counter-attacked their opponents and were rewarded with an equalizer from an own goal, a misguided header looping over the Team Harvey goalkeeper. Both sides continued their desperate attacks in hopes of finding a winning goal in the remaining five minutes.
Harvey came closest with a long-range effort hitting the right post and rebounding off Havoc's goalkeeper. The decider, though, came in the final minute after a flurry of corners. A quick cross struck off J. Caruana (who didn't know much about the cross) and landed into the goal to win the game for Oakleigh Havoc.
The win creates a six point gap between Havoc and Harvey at the bottom of the table and leaves Oakleigh equal fourth with GLT FC who they face next Tuesday. The game is scheduled to commence at 8:20pm.