After some dismal trial form and a jaded pre-season training schedule due to the wet weather that seems to always accompany the beginning of the Shire Football season, newly promoted Engadine started their league season with a home fixture against the Menai Hawks.
There was plenty of nerves and uncertainty in the pre-game and this transferred into the first ten minute period of the match with Menai completely on top. They were controlling possession and field position but the lack of end product hurt the visitors.
Late withdrawals from defenders Chris and Corey meant that the backline had some uncertainty to it but the four with two screens worked just in front of them, saw Engadine fix the pre-season problem of conceding rubbish counter attack goals. With the backline laying a solid base, it was from there that Engadine could start to play their own passing game.
The boys went into the sheds 1-0 up at half time, Jenko opening his account nice and early once more this season and celebrating in style for the injured Chris.
After the break Jeff followed up his own free kick and was rewarded with a goal to make it 2-0 before the midfield organisation that had seen us control the game up to this point went missing and Menai got back on top, allowing them to pull a goal back.
At this point, Ruthie and new signing Luke went on into midfield to sure things up, allowing Ben to push forward, create and shoot. He bagged a brace of his own and put Blakes volley tap in on a platter for him to round out the scoring at 5-1.
It was a solid first round hit-out for Engadine which everyone should be fairly happy with. The start was a little nervous but with game time comes confidence and there were plenty of good signs in this one. The question is whether Engadine can build on this performance at next week’s match away at fellow first round winners Barden Ridge. Should be a cracker!
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