SUNSHINE GEORGE CROSS 1 ( WATERSON 45' )

FRANKSTON PINES 1 ( METCALFE 20' )

LINE UP: John(GK), Erdogan,Azzopardi,Rocco,Muscat(c),Gilmour,Trpcevski (Soares 65'),Tsirtsakis,Waterson (Delic 70'),Richards,Draycott SUBS NOT USED: Fiorenza(GK),Napoli,Gauci-Seddon

The eerie silence that descended upon Chaplin Reserve at the final whistle reflected the huge disappointment of all Georgie fans, at their team's inability to gain much needed maximum points from this match. It was never going to be easy for Sunshine George Cross, as Frankston has had the wood over the Georgies from the very first meeting between the two teams.
The point gained from this 1-1 draw was the Georgies first after seven successive defeats.
As a contest this was nothing to write home about as both sides lacked any imagination going forward and neither was able to do anything constructive throughout the game. Goal scoring chances were very rare and both goals scored came as a result of defensive errors. Frankston had the opportunity to take the lead within the first 5 minutes of the contest when a flighted ball into the area caused a defensive mix up between Rocco, Azzopardi and John and allowed Metcalfe the chance to slot home the opener but he blasted his shot high and wide.
It was Frankston who took the lead after 20 minutes, when Georgies central defender Daniel Rocco dwelled too long on the ball and was robbed by Craig Metcalfe. The Pines striker moved into the penalty before managing to slip the ball past Martin John who despite partially blocking the shot, was not able to prevent it going into the net. Moments later John pulled off the save of the afternoon when he sprung acrobatically to his left to deny Metcalfe again from a powerful header from a Frankston corner.
Sunshine tried to get back in the game but were making little impact on the tight marking Frankston defence. Chances were far and few between, but on the stroke of half time Trent Waterson began and ended a move that sent the two teams level at the break.
The second 45 minutes was a battle for midfield supremacy with neither side able to get on top. The ball was won and just a quickly given away by both sides in what became a mistake riddled second half. The Georgies tried to force the pace and had a lot of possession, but lacked enough attacking flair to break down the Pines defence. At the other end Sunshine was also well in control against a Frankston attack that was limited to only one or two strikers. The best chance to break the deadlock was presented to energetic substitute Eddie Soares in the 83rd minute when a pinpoint cross from fellow substitute Dusko Delic allowed Soares to find himself with only the keeper to beat from only 10 yards out. Unfortunately for the Georgie faithful Soares' tame header did not trouble the Pines keeper. The result did neither club any favours in their fight to avoid relegation. In the under 21 the Georgies recored a 3-0 win with Fahed Alghazaly, Matthew Cini and Miguel Barrigos scoring the goals.

YELLOW CARDS:  John 35', Trpcevski 35', Rocco 85'