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Photos: Adam Green
A hotly contested affair was fitting under the humid conditions of the afternoon that saw Wentworth firsts dig their way back into the game twice, in a tough game against Goodricke seconds.
The opening 10 minutes of the first half was scrappy, with little in the way of clear cut chances. Goodricke were the more attacking of the two. Fabian Ashurst found himself bearing down on goal, but the onrushing figure of Colin Hill spread himself well, preventing a golden opportunity.
Short exchanges ensued, as Wentworth began to apply more pressure on the Goodricke defence. Rich Rhode’s attempted an audacious effort from outside the box that was tipped over the bar by Goodricke keeper Neill around 15 minutes into the first half.
Despite this more positive display it was Goodricke who capitalised first from an effective set piece. The ball was teased in from the corner and was scrambled away into the path of will Ward who calmly stroked the ball over the keeper and into the net.
They say that you are most vulnerable when you have just scored, and this was certainly the case as Wentworth snatched one back a couple of minutes later. A courageous scissor kick from Andrea Marcheggiano found its way to Lachlan Murray who buried his shot well into the corner of the goal.
The heat of the day was clearly taking its toll on the players, as the remainder of the first half was played out with no chances created.
The second half began as the first had ended, with neither side looking like they would be able to win the 3 points on offer.
Drawing into the last 10 minutes, Goodricke won a penalty. Ward managed to break into open space, and the looming figure of Hill bought him down. It was Mann who took the spot kick, firing the ball into the corner that was so nearly palmed away by Hill. Goodricke were in a good position,and looked almost certain to be able to edge the game out.
Dan Bawdon had other ideas, however, producing a “Di-Santo-esque” shot from outside the area that swerved into the top corner. This drew Wentworth level and allowed them to pick up a valuable point.
Wentworth: Hill, Rhodes, Burns, Kosunalp, Keane, Hiley, Paes , Bawdon, Cukurova, Murray, Marcheggiano
Goodricke: Neill, Angel, Savage, Astbury, Hurd(Abdul), Munro (Ally), Cottingham, Ward, Ashurst,
Young, Mann
Vision MOTM: Will Ward