SUNSHINE GEORGE CROSS 0

KINGSTON CITY 0

LINE UP: John(GK), Erdogan, Rocco, Azzopardi (c), Napoli, Gilmour, Tsirtsakis (Delic 55'), Trpcevski (Soares 75'), Waterson, Richards, Draycott (Neceski 78') Subs not used: Fiorenza (GK), Gauci-Seddon

In a game were both team's defences dominated, very few chances were created to excite the crowd who ventured to Chaplin Reserve to brave the cold weather. The opening quarter of the game saw the Georgies dominate and go close to scoring as early as the 4th minute, when Trent Waterson saw his low drive go just wide after beating Daniel Zilic in Kingston's goal. Three minutes later a well flighted Vasco Trpcevski free kick was headed just wide of the upright by captain for the day, Colin Azzopardi.
Kingston gradually worked their way into the game with short intricate passing. Former A League player from the New Zealand Knights Xiaobin Xhang won a lot of the ball and began to look dangerous. He fully tested Martin John in the 25th minute with a shot that the keeper did well to push out of the six yard box. The ensuing scramble allowed the ball to once again fall nicely for Xhang who once again unleashed a fierce drive to the other side of the goal, only this time Martin John tipped the ball around the post for a corner. Kingston dominated possession in the latter stages of the first half but set pieces seemed their best chance of breaking the deadlock.
The Georgies were giving away free kicks in dangerous areas on the flanks, but to their credit the defence capably dealt with every attempt swung in by Kingston. Colin Azzopardi once again ruled supreme in defence and was well supported by Daniel Rocco, Isyan Erdogan and new comer Ralph Napoli, who came in for the suspended Manny Muscat.
The second half was a battle for midfield dominance where neither side could get the upper hand. Kingston applied some pressure without troubling the Georgie rear guard, while the Cross relied on quick breaks that spelt danger for Kingston every time the Cross moved forward. With neither side unable to get that vital break, both sides had to be satisfied with a point each. For the Georgie faithful the signs were very encouraging gaining a point against a side of such quality. With a little more steadiness and confidence in attack it could have been all 3 points.