A fierce battle between the top two of the division was on the cards for Round 8 as Oakleigh Havoc had the chance to top division leaders Kipsta FC before the mid-season Easter break.
Match Summary
A physical encounter between the two sides at the top of the division did not disappoint. With goals being traded back and forth, no moment could be missed in this thrilling match.
Havoc got on the front foot with early goals from J. Caruana and G. Bezas giving their side a 2-0 lead against the division leaders. Kipsta FC responded with a goal before Caruana side-footed a beautifully placed shot into the bottom corner to extend a two-goal lead once again (3-1) at half-time.
The second half begun with Caruana completing his hat-trick to create a three-goal deficit between the two teams. Havoc's opponents, however, came back into the game, scoring three-in-a-row and tying the game at 4-4. With momentum on Kipsta's side, a tense mid-court battle saw both sides struggle to finish their chances.
Tensions boiled over after Kipsta's defence committed a foul on Caruana - with the latter receiving a yellow card for retaliation. Bezas took the resulting free kick, hitting the bar with a powerful outside-of-the-foot shot. The missed opportunity by Bezas was followed up by two goals to complete his hat-trick. A seventh was then added by A. Ratnagandhi from a quick side ball play.
A consolation Kipsta FC goal in the final minutes ended the match 7-5 in favour of Havoc. More arguments would ensue after full-time between both sides, with some players disgruntled about fouls and decisions going against one another. The next encounter between Havoc and Kipsta should be an entertaining one!
With this win, Havoc take 1st place with a 1-point lead over their Round 8 opponents. The club's next match will be April 13, with kick-off at 8:10pm on Court 2 at GESAC.
Squad
6. Jake Winn
7. George Bezas
9. Avinassh Ratnagandhi
11. Jayden Rowe
13. Dohwon Kim
21. Michael Watkins
23. Joshua Henderson
64. Jon Tamvakis
65. Jonah Caruana
Goals
G. Bezas (3)
J. Caruana (3)
A. Ratnagandhi (1)
Assists
G. Bezas (2)
J. Caruana (2)
M. Watkins (1)
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