Round 7 - West on top of the Hills
By RGB_07
Angelo Arambatzis double strike helps West Adelaide gain a deserved 2-1 win over former league leader Adelaide Hills. Credit must go to a West side who bounced back from the defeat to Pirates by totally outplaying Hills in an inspired performance. West started the match with player/coach Carl Robinson in the heart of the defence partnered by Captain Brad Weaver. In the fullback positions West had solid defender George Belekas and young gun Michael Alexandrou.
The coaching staff had to reshuffle the starting line up… A late injury to influential midfielder Dion Lambrinos meant a new midfield consisting of Daniel Reynolds, Philios Toumazos, Apa Giamarelos and Peter Karakasilis. Upfront it had the attacking duo of Arambatzis and Harry Skoumbros. Amid a tense atmosphere at Hellas Park, West denied any clear opportunities for Hills and it was Hills goalkeeper Robinson the busier of the two keepers in the first half.
As the half was drawing to a close with sides deadlock at 0-0, Hills midfielder Smith fired a 30 yard shot which seemed to catch West keeper Kon Tsacos off guard and the ball seemingly trickled into the net after the attempted save. That sent Hills into the break with undeserved lead.
West burst into life in the second half and had Hills rattled… Assistant coach Steph Pappas threw on George Paspaliaris and Steve Karagianis for Giamarelos and Karakasilis. West made some tactical changes pushing the influential Robinson into the centre of midfield to assist Reynolds. West were by far the more dominant side creating chance after chance, most notably a superb free kick from Alexandrou which cannoned off the bar and the rebound falling to Skoumbros who then spurned the chance. The Hellas fans were becoming increasingly frustrated due to a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping from the Hills keeper.
With 15 minutes to play Pappas used his last substitute; Dimi Toumazos and changed the formation putting ever more pressure on the Hills defence. This change seem to intensify the pressure with Toumazos causing havoc and the Hills defence crumbled. Arambatzis found space on the right side of the box and his superb angled finish drew West level. The Hellas fans became increasingly more vocal urging their side on for the winner and they were duly rewarded when Arambatzis with a couple of minutes remaining was sent through on goal with the keeper to beat… He had his first attempt saved but reacted quickly to finish off the rebound, sending the Hellas supporters into delirium. Arambatzis’ celebrations was a joy to see, running to the bench ripping off his shirt with the rest of his team-mates piling on top of him.
“It was a superb effort from the lads, we really deserved the win and I am so happy to get my first goals of the season… It was a real team effort!” Arambatzis said. Best on ground player/coach Robinson said “I am delighted for the boys, we kept going, we showed great spirit and belief and I felt we were rightly rewarded with the victory. Also pleased to see Ang score and hopefully this will be the start of many more goals to come.”
Final Score: West Adelaide 2 (A.Arambatzis 2) Adelaide Hills 1 (L.Smith) (HT 0-1)
Best –West Adel (C.Robinson, M.Alexandrou, B.Weaver) Adel Hills (A.Kelly, C.Robinson, L.Smith)
Line-Up: Tsacos – Belekas, Robinson, Weaver, Alexandrou – Giamarelos (Paspaliaris), Reynolds, P Toumazos (D Toumazos), Karakasilis (Karagianis) – Arambatzis, Skoumbros. Sub not used: Agnastopoulos (rgk)
Reserves:
West Adelaide Reserves succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Adelaide Hills. Condemning West Coach Tory Caputo’s team to its third straight defeat. West started the game brightly with Dimi Toumazos, Spero Koulianos and Peter Veloudos combining well to fashion some good chances but they were unable to convert. At the other end Patrick Miranda, Phil Spyrou and keeper Josh Kolesnikowicz were holding the Hills attack at bay.
Hills were awarded a dubious free kick midway through the half and the West defence was punished for some sloppy defending. The inability to clear the ball in the box was capatilised by the Hills forward as he finished from 8 yards. Hills heading into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Both teams started the second half well creating a few half chances but neither really troubling the keepers. Sasa Pavic and Andrew Palios playing their first matches of the season after extensive time off were quick to find their feet and adjust to the tempo of the game. West coach Caputo cleared his bench sending on fresh legs in an attempt to salvage something from the game but to Hills credit they held on to record a 1-0 victory. “We just can’t seem to take a trick, every mistake we make we are copping goals. We need to dig deep and hopefully we can turn it around.” Said Patrick Miranda.
Final Score: West Adelaide 0 v Adelaide Hills 1
Under 19’s:
West Adelaide outclassed Adelaide Hills to consolidate 2nd spot thanks to a 2-0 win at Hellas Park. The match pitted 2nd vs 3rd with West starting strongly by controlling the midfield with Captain Scott Leonard, Chris Pappas and Abdul Munu. The Attacking trio of George Pilouras, Anthony Trimboli and Matt Bouzalas were keeping the Hill defence on the hop creating many chances but failing to take them. Scores were level going into the break.
The deadlock was broken early in the second half after some good lead up work involving Pappas and Bouzalas. The final pass was put through to the tricky Pilouras who had the coolness to fire home the first goal. West continued to control the game with ease with the backline of keeper Anthony Barbon, Krystian Gawel, Chris Vounasis, Peter Siatis and Michael Birbas rarely tested. West surged forward yet again with Bouzalas on a jinking run was pulled back in the box and the referee obliged pointing to the spot. Up stepped Leonard to coolly slot the ball home to give West a 2-0 lead. West continued to control the game and ended up comfortable winners.
Midfielder Chris Pappas said “It was good game by the boys… we controlled the game from the start to finish… we are really working hard for each other… It was a good win.” Fellow midfielder and Captain Leonard echoed the sentiments “We played well… The defence was strong with Krystian, Chif, Siatis and Birbas… In midfield we worked well with Paps and Abdul and the forwards Boz, Trimmers and Pili caused them problems all day.”