Gwawley Bay News
Spirit FC End Gwawley Bay’s Run In McDonald’s Cup
26 May 2010
The fairytale run of the last remaining Association side came to an end at Christie Park when Gwawley Bay
succumbed 4-0 to the reigning Super League champions Spirit FC. But the game was perhaps closer than the
scoreline suggests with Spirit only coming over the top of their amateur rivals in the final quarter of an hour.
Things didn’t look promising early on though for Gwawley as Spirit came very close to going a goal up
straight from the kick-off. A cross from the right by Leo Papanicolaou saw Stuart Meney connect but he just
knocked the ball wide of the post. This after only 27 seconds. There were plenty of chances for Spirit with
Papanicolaou and Meney causing danger on many occasions but Gwawley were well served at the back by ex-Sutherland
Shark Nathan Abel who was Gwawley’s stand out player on the night. Abel was confident on the ball, cleaning up
time and time again.
But with the chances which Spirit did have, they really should have been ahead well before they eventually
hit the net. But it was not until the half-hour mark that they finally struck. It was Papanicolaou who did the
damage, turning well to beat the goalkeeper, setting up Nick Trimble with the easiest of headers. Just a minute
later and Papanicolaou was just wide but it was Meney’s effort which hit the underside of the bar just before
the break which should have doubled the lead.
Gwawley Bay worked hard, clearly enjoying the moment. After already having knocked out Dulwich Hill in round
two, they sensed that another Super League scalp may be possible. Abel blocked well from Meney while Johnstone
saved well, from Meney again, to keep the scoreline a respectable 1-0 at the hour mark. Gwawley in fact almost
equalised when Brett Heffernan’s strike was cleared off the line. But just when Gwawley thought they might
have a chance, a second Spirit goal made the job that little bit harder. A free-kick from the left was floated
in at the far post and Daniel Cunningham was able to bundle the ball over the line. It was a cruel blow for
Gwawley but they responded immediately when Matt Merralls was just over with his attempt.
Despite being two down, to their credit, Gwawley kept at it but as time ticked down, the likelihood of any
comeback diminished by the minute. And when Papanicolaou made it three, with 14’ minutes to go, it was
all over. Stewart Porter, player/coach of Gwawley and with extensive state league coaching experience with
Sydney University, Sutherland Sharks and Sydney Wanderers, not to mention state league experience as a player
himself, came on with 10’ minutes to go, perhaps for a final shot at glory.
However it was not to be and it was left to Peter Cejka to put the final goal away 7’ minutes from
time to give Spirit FC the 4-0 victory. It was no disgrace for the team from the strong Sutherland Shire
Association, whose clubs have done well in this competition previously. They did well to progress as far
as the final sixteen, beating both association and federation teams on the way. Spirit FC for their part,
look forward now to the quarter final draw, and perhaps a matchup against a Premier League side.
Peter Rowney courtesy Football NSW.
GBFC PL1 Win First Round of McDonalds Cup
April 14 2010
Baulkham Hills 0 – Gwawley Bay 1 (Sunderland ’78)
Ted Horwood Reserve, Baulkham Hills. Gwawley Bay’s new premier league team has advanced
to the second round of the McDonalds cup, Football NSW’s FA Cup style competition, after a
well deserved victory against Baulkham Hills. This was despite having a reduced squad due
to injuries and work commitments and which resulted in a number of players playing out of
position. Luckily Gwawley has a quality squad this year and dealt with the circumstances
of the night.
The first 20 minutes was all Gwawley. Dylan sent in a number of dangerous crosses from
the right resulting in a number of chances for Brad Heffernen. This pressure eventually
resulted in a penalty, which Brad took but unfortunately hit the crossbar. This took the
wind out of Gwawley’s sails. After that Baulkham started to impose their style on the game.
The referee also started to influence the affair by overuse of the whistle, which generally
helped Baulkhams more physical and set pieces approach. A stirring half time talk by
co managers Ronny and Stuey and a key positional change (adding Chris to centre mid,
leaving 3 defenders) led to Gwawley dominating the second stanza until finally scoring
in the 78th minute. During this period they had a goal disallowed for offside after great
work by Franky. Scotty scored the winner with a great header from a corner, making it two
winners in two games for the in form striker.
Baulkham applied the pressure in the last 10 minutes. Both centre mids (Todd and Mez)
had been subbed due to injury, leaving Brett Heff, who has not played any football since
injuring a calf as the only option left on the bench. The Gwawley defence led by Nathan,
Ryan and Sean held firm for a well deserved win, Johnno making a couple of nice saves,
making them the only Sutherland association team to make the second round. The next round
sees the entry of the NSW Super league teams to the competition and could see a plum draw
for Gwawley against the likes of Parramatta Eagles and St George Saints.
Best for Gwawley: Ryan, Nathan, Todd
The Touchline Spy
GBFC Coach Featured on Football NSW Website
September 2009
The coach of the GBFC U11D team Peter Wood was recently featured in an
article on grassroots coaching on the Football NSW website. For those who
didn't see it please have a look at the
direct link.
GBFC in the Philippines
June 2009
Gwawley’s Club Coach, Andrew Fletcher, recently visited The Philippines only to discover his
Filipina partner’s nine year old nephew has a love for football. And, as his name is John Warren
Violata he was bound to have a passion for the Beautiful Game! Following a request for a football
shirt “of any sort” Andrew suggested John start his own team.
Three days later he had 12 players ready and keen to play. Our Club has now fitted out the Team,
known as Gwawley Lebak FC, with our old kits, balls, bibs and some donated boots. The team plays
for John’s local school, Salaman Central Elementary School in Lebak, Mindanao, and has the support
of all teaching staff, including the Principal. The school arranges the players’ drinks and after
game snacks and the local community is making a collection of timber and old fishing nets to “build”
goals for the “new field”.
A coach has been found; Jojo Concha (a definite football name!) and he can be seen taking training
in his Real Madrid shirt! Some pictures of our newest Team are here on the web site.
The school staff are approaching other schools for games and are hopeful of developing the game in
the area in a country that has not had an affinity with football since their own Alcantara played for
FC Barcelona in the 1930’s! John now reports that there will be a second team starting up very
soon. We are looking to outfit the new team with kits as well. Andrew will be supplying the new boys
with a different kit so they can have friendlies with the “purple team”.
Can you help please? Supply of football gear etc is very scarce in The Philippines so Andrew
is asking for donations of second hand football boots and shinpads. Any other football gear/equipment
will also be gratefully received to help these new and enthusiastic players of our game. To help or
make a donation please contact Andrew Fletcher on 0415 576 711.
Canberra Road Gets Synthetic Grass
November 2008
In what was a surprising move the Council has decided to trial
a synthetic grass surface on the cricket pitch at Canberra Road. The synthetic
grass requires no maintenance and will stay all year round.
No more bumpy bit in the middle of the field.
The grass has already been laid and is in use over summer by the cricketers. Thanks to
the Sutherland
Shire Council for choosing our field.
Awards for 2008 Go To...
October 2008
The Junior and Senior Presentations were held at
Southern districts Rugby Club on Sunday 14th
September. A big congratulations goes to the following
individuals and teams who gained awards this year:
- Clubman of the year - Scott Freeman
- Honorary Life Membership - Christine
Hall
- The Gladiator Trophy (senior team achievement
award) - AL9
- The Don Wilson Shield (senior team improvement
award) - AL4
- The Arnold Family Trophy (junior team
achievement award) - U15C
- The Bill Hopper Shield (junior team improvement
award) - U12E
- The Rhys Belbin Award (RooBall team who made a
significant team contribution to the club) -
U8G
- Bob Fanning Family Trophy (Family who made a
significant contribution to the club) -
Nicole and Ben Kirkwood
Also celebrated were our grand final winners:
You are now all part of GBFC history.
Thanks to all who have contributed throughout the
year and to those who made the Presentation Day run so
smoothly, including Jenny Allen, Nicole Kirkwood,
Antonia Krkovski, Jon Guld, and Susan Timmins.
2008 - A Year to Remember
October 2008
2008 was a big year at GBFC. Significant events
include:
- Professional Coaches Stewart Porter and John
Caleja, with goal keeling coaching from Josh.
- The installation of two 35000 litre rainwater
tanks, paid for through a government grant applied
for in 2007.
- Signing of a major sponsorship deal with SKG Cleaning Services.
- A name change from "Soccer" to "Football".
- Two grand final winning teams.
- Two Minor Premiership winning teams.
- Five Finals qualifying teams.
- The best field in the Shire.
In addition the 2008/09 Summer Soccer season has
kicked off for the third year in a row. A total of 76 teams
have are playing in this extremely successful and highly regarded competition.
The 2009 season will kick off in a big way with the
rolling out of the new GBFC uniform, thanks to the
generous sponsorship of
SKG Cleaning Services.
Check back here in February for 2009 registration
details.
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