The Cobram Roar has picked up its first away win of the season, with the side cruising to a 3-0 victory against the Albury Hotspurs.
It was another impressive showing from the Cobram side, with the Roar winning three of its four games so far this season, with the only loss an opening round 3-2 thriller.
Roar coach Vince Ianucci said his side was starting to get it together.
“I thought we controlled possession throughout and we probably could have exploited a little bit more in the final third,” Ianucci said.
“It was probably a bit sloppy at the start but as the game wore on we just got more and more confident and just bossed it at the end.”
An early 28th minute goal to Anthony Corso put the Roar in the box seat for the win, while a second half run, including a goal to Bill Puckett in the 60th minute and a second to Corso in the 81st minute saw the team end convincing victors.
The big second half performance was helped by the debut of ‘class’ player, Florian Dambricourt, while the return of Spiros Vourgaslis to the starting line up is sure to cause headaches for opposition sides.
Ianucci said it was now ‘’horses for courses’’, with competition for spots set to ensure the side remain performing at a high level.
“I’ve told the guys that no position is safe, we’ve got some quality, both in the reserves and on the benches and people are now fighting for their spots left right and centre so its good,” he said.
The Roar will be looking to continue its cracking start to the year this Sunday with the side hosting the Wodonga Diamonds at home.
It was a dominant Cobram win when the two sides met in the Albury Wodonga FA Cup earlier this year, however this time round it is set to be a whole different game.
“I think they’ll be alright, for us its just, we’ll play our game and let them worry about us,” he said.
– Daniel Webb
Division 2 Men
Cobram Roar 0 lost to Albury Hotspurs 5
The reserve boys put up a good fight against Hotspurs on the weekend. It was a case of missed opportunities in the first half that cost the reserve grade in the end. Cobram had all the running in the first half with four early chances missed. The dominant display went without reward and the sides went in at half time locked at 0-0. After a tense battle in the first half, a few injuries cost the roar team later in the second half. Although battling right to very end the score line did not reflect the contest as Hotspurs took their chances where the Roar boys couldn’t. The game finished 5-0.
Division 2 women
Cobram Roar 1 def Albury Hotspurs 0
The Roarettes were back on the park after a week off (bye).
It proved to be a great match. Both Cobram and Hotspurs fielded a very strong outfit and it ended up being a game with a lot of close opportunities for our women's team. The spectators were treated to some class football with great ball movement and passages of play. Young Gun and rising star Bella Pardy stepped up to help deliver them chances. However, luck was not on the young stars side. Marlie Noonan and Brenda Masae were absolutely clinical in the first half, with Masae keeping the defence tight and on their toes while Noonan controlled the midfield and the tempo of the game. Despite our Roarettes continuously attacking and creating chances, they could not find the back of the net and first half ended 0-0. It was a game that went down to the wire with both teams creating opportunities and at two stages Hotspurs looked to punish our Roarettes but the captain and reliable goalkeeper, Judy Cakebread made two incredible 1 on 1 saves keeping the Roarettes in the battle. In the last six minutes of the game the Roarettes starting creating gaps and chances through Laydah Samani, who has brought a world of football knowledge to the team, but she was unable to capitalise and ended the game with a quad injury. The girls stepped up in the last 40 seconds of the game and were rewarded when Noonan combined with Ella Lissington and Talia Ellis for a combination of passes which saw Noonan in the 18 yard box to score a cracking goal to give the Roarettes the 1 - 0 victory over a competitive Hotspurs side.
A well hard fought battle and a well deserved win for our Ladies.
Under-16
Cobram Roar 4 def Albury Hotspurs 2
The under-16s had their first away game for the year and were prepared for a challenge as it was 1st v 2nd on the ladder. The boys started well and before long had two goals in quick succession to head to half time break with a 2-0 lead. The team played showed skill, passed well and were solid in the second half, earning a well deserved 4-2 win. Goalkickers: Jackson Koopman and Luke Goodin.
Under-14
Cobram Roar 9 def Albury Hotspurs 0
A clinical performance from the under-14 team showed great passages of play, great skill and teamwork. George Wiles, Ian Dimble, Cooper Woodland and Sam Hurlston were the goal kickers for the team. A strong defence kept the opposition goalless.
Under-14 girls
Cobram Roar 0 lost to Albury Hotspurs 8
Hotspurs scored two goals in quick succession with Roar recovering and holding the score until the half time break. The individual skills of the Roar players were strong but as a team Roar lost momentum with Hotspurs charging away in the second half.
The girls displayed fierce determination and fought hard until the final whistle.
Under-13
Cobram Roar 2 lost to Albury Hotspurs 4
Roar did some great work, with fantastic passing between players in the first half and lots of movement forward on the pitch.
A rebound from the cross bar landed near Jack Wood, who capitalised and scored the game's first goal. Hotspurs then levelled the scores before the half time break.
Strong play from both teams continued in the second half. Andre Corso made a huge impression in his debut performance for the 13s, with some beautiful play from the backline. Lukas Stewart, Lachie Pardy and Dante Zito were strong in the midfield throughout.
An on-target shot from Lenny Power, was tapped in by Sam Osborne to put the team in front. But Hotspurs soon equalised again. Despite the team's efforts, Hotspurs continued their scoring streak and Roar went down 4-2.
Goals: Jack Wood, Samuel Osborne
Under-12
Cobram Roar 3 def Albury Hotspurs 0
The young cubs showed skill and determination to beat Hotspurs 3-0.
Next week we have a home game against Wodonga Diamonds. Get down to Apex Reserve and support the club.