Finn Park takes evasive action as Evan Mallory controls the football. Photo: Greg Symes.
Light winds and clear skies made for the warm autumn conditions which greeted Glory and Atletico players for the round three match of the Esperance Soccer Association’s mixed 14-16’s division last Sunday.
It was the Glory that made the early running, scoring two goals off the boot of Christiaan Lategan in the first half as his team controlled the majority of possession.
Atletico had a goal from Toby Parry struck off by the linesman midway through the half, as there was a clear off side trap set by the Glory defenders.
Parry had several shots on goal denied by Glory goalkeeper Alex Hay to round out the first half of the match which had been played at a frantic pace.
Photos: Greg Symes.
Half Time Atletico 0 – Glory 2.
Atletico’s Anaya Ramalepa scored from the penalty spot to bring the margin back to a goal early in the second half.
Lategan responded to score a third to record his hat trick directly after the restart, reacting to a great build up play from his teammates Abner Rodericks and Spence Pokela down the left wing.
The Glory goal seemed to inspire the Atletico team as they maintained the bulk of possession, allowing Ramalepa to add a second, reducing the margin back to a goal.
Sophie Meerman scored for Glory to restore the two-goal lead after the whole of the ball just rolled over the line before it was swiped away by desperate lunging Atletico defenders.
Meerman was found unmarked in the middle of the box after a brilliant through ball from Jeriah Rodericks.
Ramalepa added a third to complete his hat trick which set up a hectic final five minutes where Glory’s defence were trying to hang as Atletico searched for the equaliser.
It was goalkeeper Hay who stood up for Glory, blocking a Ramalepa header and another shot on goal just before the full time whistle.
Full Time: Atletico 3 – Glory 4.
