Back on Top 5
The Kiama Youth team started to show some of their old form when they took on a stubborn Shellharbour City on Saturday. The boys took off from the opening whistle with some aggressive tackling and closed their opposite numbers down quickly. James Spence and Wade Mathews worked well up front but had problems finding a way through the Shellharbour defence.
The first half was a battle in the middle of the park with Danny Pridham for the Quarriers leading the way with some strong tackling and support from Dave Kay and Nathan Broad who completed his first match since re-signing for Kiama. Wide right midfielder Matt Gallagher showed his skill and made many great runs down the right flank and always had the opposition on the back foot.
The Mariners weren't to be outdone and gave as good as they got. They put pressure on the Kiama midfield and a pass went astray which was quickly moved to the Shellharbour forward line. Fortunately for Kiama the shot on goal went wide. Scott Schofield got into stride down the left flank and put pressure on the Shellharbour defenders. Striker Wade Mathews had the best chance for the Quarriers in the first half but he was tackled before he could get his shot on target and the first half ended with no score.
A double change at half time gave the Quarriers a new look strike pairing of Craig Costello and Andy Hungerford. Kiama slowly got back into stride and started to pass the ball around well. Tough tackling Pridham won the ball on half way and surged forward before slotting a well timed pass into the path of Costello who ran strongly into the penalty box before unleashing a great drive to put Kiama ahead 1 - 0.
This goal sparked Shellharbour and they pressed forward seeking the equaliser. Strong marking by the back line of Craig Lord, Paul Thayer and Brad Tuohy kept the opposition at bay for most of the match and the occasional shot on goal was well saved by James Terry. Replacement Ben Jones tightened up the left side as Shellharbour continued pushing forward. With only minutes to go Brad Tuohy cleared off the line after a well timed shot screamed towards the Kiama goal.
This win gets the Gordon McDonald Electrical Youth team back on the winning list and looking forward to their clash with Bellambi.