( BOTN Photo Mark Taylor)

Sutherland’s erratic start to the season would have to be causing coach Robbie Stanton a few sleepless nights and this was one of those games where the Sharks looked anything but title-contenders. Full credit to Marconi though as they played a fast-running passing game which had Sutherland’s defence at sixes and sevens. Their defence was also commendable.

It was only 18 minutes into the first half when the game’s only goal was scored but what a cracker indeed! The game had been quite scrappy until a Sutherland clearance was deflected to the feet of Matthew Gordon who turned on a sixpence as he beat a couple of defenders and from right of goal struck a thunderbolt which beat the diving Sharks keeper, Nathan Denham.

Sutherland were galvanised into action but weren't able to get near the Marconi goal until the 36th minute Chris Price’s back-header required some acrobatics from Marconi’s custodian James Chronopolous to tip the ball over the crossbar to deny Sutherland an equaliser.

And it wasn’t the last time that Chronopolous came to the rescue. In the 2nd Half he was called on at least 5 times to make crucial saves. The most spectacular being in the 62nd minute when Yanni Fragogiannis played a nice cross to Chris Price who flicked his header low to the far left corner of goal which was just parried with his fingertips by Chronopolous. The ball was played back in past the sprawling keeper but Price was unable to get a crucial touch to the ball.

But all hats off to the Stallions’s keeper who made a memorable save that won’t be forgotten by the home team supporters in a hurry!

A moment of controversy came in the 88th minute when Marconi’s Dominic Trimboli seemed to rugby tackle Chris Price inside the box. Price was able to keep his footing as the referee, Ryan Shepherd, waved play on but alas for Price he sent his shot wide.

In Grade-20 result: 2-1
In Grade-18 result: 3-0