Postal ALC 1 - JSXI 0 - Div 1 North - Webster Park - 9th Aug 2023

After a 5 nil defeat in the league opener Postal tweaked the starting 11.

The game kicked off with JS having the majority of the ball and play. JSXI no.9 looked threatening playing off the shoulder between Luca and Barry – caught offside on a few occasions with the Postal back line being brave and staying high.

Resolute, Postal grew into the game. Nice interplay between Bruce and Alex on the edge of the box saw Webster get a chance to get a shot away. However, the ball was running away from him and he blazed over the bar.

On 15 min good battling by Carter on the right hand side of the JSXI box saw him win possession and send in a hard low cross. Melia was unmarked on the edge of the 6-yard box but an unfortunate bobble led to a big ‘swing and miss’ from the big man and the ball struck his standing leg instead. JSXI bundled it away to safety.

On 20 Min JS had a good opportunity when Hunter was swarmed by the JS midfield. Luckily, though, the through ball came to nothing and Donald was untroubled.

On 25 Min Alex fouled in the centre of the pitch about 25 yards out. Luke stepped up but his effort went wide of the keeper’s right hand post.

30 in, a Baxter corner met at the near post by Giulianotti who glanced a header into the far top corner of the net. Great header from the Centre Half who would go on to have a stand out performance. 1-0.

35 min From another corner Postal found themselves about to be countered. Baxter somewhat cynically stopped the play deep in the JSXI half by obstructing their no.10 and then blocked the subsequent quick free kick. Yellow card. Understandable in the moment but Postal probably had enough bodies back to deal with the threat.

Halftime - Postal ALC 1 - JSXI 0

On 47 min Patterson misjudged an easy through ball and allowed the JS no.9 through on goal but Donald did well to come out quickly and smother the shot. Schoolboy defending and lucky not to result in a goal.

1. Min Free kick from Steele ballooned over the bar.

2. Min another through ball resulted in Another 1-on-1 for JSXI but Donald again came out and saved well at the feet of number 14.

At this point Postal were struggling to get out of their own half. 60 min with JS looking more and more likely to score, Patterson was forced to head clear a cross with the JS forward looking certain to score.

The management team decided to make changes Steve Abel came on for Bruce, Peter for Nick and Travis for Hunter, the departing players having run themselves into the ground in excellent performances all round.

With fresh legs Postal had more energy across the board, Steve Abel Found himself with a good chance from a through ball but toe poked the ball agonisingly wide of the goal.

Slack back pass from JSXI sub defender saw Luke played in 1-on-1 with the keeper on the angle. Saved well by the keeper.

JSXI tiring with only 2 subs available on their bench. Postal utilised an incredibly strong bench to freshen up the legs and keep the press high on JSXI.

Postal saw the game out well for a deserved victory over a good quality opposition.