Match Reports courtesy of Central Cost Football MPL Recaps
GAME #1 (05 APRIL 2025)
Wyoming 1 – 0 Ourimbah
A large crowd gathered at The Den this past Saturday night as our two promoted teams with quite a history kicked off our MPL season.
After an intense ninety minutes, it was the home side Wyoming who would claim the win in the Match of the Round thanks to a wonder strike from their English debutant Henry Walker.
It was a typical derby affair with both sides playing end to end football as they looked to settle into the contest quickly and get control of the play. Ourimbah saw two great chances go by early in the first half as McAndrews men were
For the second straight week, an action-packed second half saw Wyoming again come from behind to claim victory, sweeping rivals Ourimbah in 2025 as the Tigers finish the round in fifth place on the MPL ladder.
Despite no goals in the opening period, it was a back-and-forth contest between two evenly matched sides who were willing to give it their all to walk away from Ourimbah Oval victorious.
Despite feeling they had the better of play in the first 45, Wyoming found themselves down just a few moments into the second stanza.
Ourimbah’s Matt Hall picked out Noah Wharton who linked with Jameson Fylnn for a sharp one-two as Wharton was able to evade his defenders and tuck the ball home into the bottom corner.
Down but not out, Wyoming continued to rally together in the hopes of finding an equaliser. A moment of brilliance saw Jacob Gilbert fire a long-range effort on goal that was too good to be dealt with by the Ourimbah keeper.
Applying plenty of high pressure, and forcing turnovers in the Ourimbah backline, Wyoming were able to produce two more goals.
Jordy Stephen put Wyoming ahead after a swift play down the left saw a ball played to Stephen’s on top of the box who fired low into the bottom left corner to give Wyoming a 2-1 lead.
Substitute Reegan Cairns put the nail in the coffin as Wyoming once again won the ball up high, Cairns found himself one-on-one with the opposition keeper as he tucked his chance away to send the travelling supporters into hysterics.
“We arrived confident after last week’s win against Woongarrah and felt we were familiar with how Ourimbah would play and had a game plan to try and exploit and break down their block which has been so effective to date,” noted Snodgrass.
“I felt we had the better of the first half but nothing to show for it and after the break were down 1-0 quickly, resulting from disappointing defending. Still, I was pleased with how we responded after that and cometh the man cometh the hour with a bomb by ex-Falcon and man of the match Jacob Gilbert giving us the equaliser.”
“Younger players Jordy Stephen was superb in the role I gave him lining up against Matty Hall and substitute Reegan who applied so much high ball pressure in his time on the field. Really pleased with the win of both grades. Wish Ian Mac and his squad all the best.”
Ian McAndrew commended the opposition, admitting his team was second best. “Wyoming was too good, and they taught us a lesson, and it was something our players needed.”
“It’s a nice wake-up call for us. We now need to battle and get around each other and fire up for the Killarney game and bounce back.”
Match Official – Luke Dunkerley
unable to capitalise on these promising opportunities.
The only goal of the game came midway through the opening period. Reegan Cairns received the ball from a Wyoming throw-in in the middle of Ourimbah’s half and laid the ball off to Henry Walker who made a run out of the Tiger’s backline.
Walker took one touch forward before unleashing a powerful strike that left the Ourimbah keeper zero chance of saving. This early goal of the season contender saw the Wyoming crowd erupt into celebrations.
Ourimbah wouldn’t go away easy, constantly testing the defence of the opposition with long balls in behind. The Falcons had a night to forget in front of goals, wasting plenty of good chances as the Wyoming defence remained strong, doing what was necessary to keep that important clean sheet.
Wyoming also squandered chances in front of goals to double their lead, but nevertheless, the points would come home with Wyoming who start their season with an important win.
After winning in his debut match as head coach, Scott Snodgrass commented. “It was good to spend some time with them all after the match at The Grange Hotel, for me personally chatting with a few of the lads gave me a newfound respect for their squad. Good luck to Ian Mac and his squad for the rest of the season.”
McAndrew also commented on the game, “The game was decided by what could be the goal of the season, it was a great strike.”
“Overall Wyoming scored and that’s what matters in football. As a team need to take our chances, we had five or six good opportunities to put the game to bed and couldn’t.”
“We had a chat at the end of the game, and we were down but we know we know if we can be clinical in big stages moving on we will be very hard to beat cause as a defensive unit we were strong Saturday night and still have our centre halves to come back in over the next couple of weeks. Well done to Wyoming on getting the win.”
Match Official – Anthony Kabbout
GAME #2 (13 APRIL 2025)
Wyoming 1 – 1 Avoca
A tightly contested battle between Wyoming and Avoca saw the Sharks come from behind to salvage their first point of the season as Wyoming fell just short of recording back-to-back wins to start 2025.
In a game of two halves, Wyoming started the game strong, with Tigers captain Jared McNee causing a number of problems to the Avoca defence.
About 15 minutes into the game a loose ball outside the box fell to McNee who was able to force his way into the box and opened the scoring after a well worked play.
The remainder of the first half was evenly matched with the Wyoming keeper Joshua Byrnes making some crucial saves leading into the break as the scoreline remained at 1-0 after the opening 45 minutes.
Avoca came out with a much better second half, creating several goal attempts, causing the Wyoming defence to scramble with several shots cleared off the line.
Their breakthrough came with roughly 20 minutes left to play, a through ball from Jesse Parnell put Tyler Wade on goal who slotted it past the Wyoming goalkeeper for Avoca’s first goal of 2025.
The remainder of the match saw neither team able to take any of their half chances, with the game finishing in a closely contested draw.
“The boys felt disappointed to not get more from the game, especially after an improved second-half performance, credit goes to the Wyoming defence and goalkeeper with some important saves and goal line clearances throughout the match,” voiced Avoca’s Phil Anderson.
Scott Snodgrass also reflected on the contest. “As in previous weeks, our execution and ability to hold the ball diminished in the second half.”
“Credit to Avoca for applying sustained pressure to get the equaliser with a quality lead-up and a great finish. A draw was a fair result in my view. I wish the Sharkies all the best for the rest of the season.”
Match Official – Luke Dunkerley
GAME #3 (26 APRIL 2025)
Berkeley Vale 3 – 0 Wyoming
Berkeley Vale handed Wyoming their first loss since being promoted back into the top-flight competition, defeating the Tigers to secure their second victory of the season.
Wyoming entered the contest with the Wombats with Scott Snodgrass looking to set up defensively minded against the reigning Premiers, looking to counter Berkeley Vale who enjoyed the majority of the ball throughout the ninety minutes.
The home side started well, threatening the flanks of Wyoming with Conor Fitzpatrick and Felix Beed who caused damage when receiving the ball out wide.
Wyoming were well-organised and extremely determined, holding out Berkeley for much of the opening half.
Big shouts for a handball inside the Wombats box were turned down by the official. Berkeley were able to swiftly move the ball to the other end of the pitch where Felix Beed converted a good through ball to give his side a 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half was played out in a similar fashion as Wyoming continued to set up defensively to keep the opposition’s attack at bay, whilst searching for chances on the counterattack when presented.
Berkeley Vale had multiple chances to double their lead but were unable to convert on their opportunities until 70 minutes into the contest when attacking duo Conor Fitzpatrick and Jakeb Brownlow connected as Brownlow finished well to take the game to 2-0.
In the search of salvaging something from the contest, Wyoming made three substitutions, throwing numbers forward in search of a goal.
Despite having more possession than previous, Wyoming were unable to turn any half chances into goals.
Just prior to the final whistle, a torrential downpour hit Mingara Oval as Berkeley Vale hit the back of the net for their third and final goal after Joshua Cairelli was able to poke the ball home in the 90th minute.
After picking up the win, a proud Mark Pratt voiced, “We are slowly building up some good cohesion and look forward to playing Avoca next weekend on hopefully a slick Pluim Park.”
Scott Snodgrass commended the opposition post-match, ““Berkeley are a side that play beautiful free-flowing, attacking football. They are well coached with quality players and it’s not luck that they are last year’s Premiers”
“I am proud of my young group of players and the discipline they showed in defence. The penalty shout that was turned down and then them scoring at the other end just before half-time hurt, but that’s football.”
“We continued to try and play but found it challenging to keep the ball. The game opened up a bit more when we threw everything at them, but they handled it well. We aren’t miles off the top sides but there is further work to do. I have no doubt Gumps, and his squad will be their finals time again this season.”
“Finally, I have to comment on the state of the pitch. With the irrigation left on, it left the surface, particularly the flanks heavy and chopped up after the Reserve grade game. Whilst it’s not the ‘Bats’ fault, the game and our top grade deserves better. We want to increase the standard and profile of the league on one hand, yet play on substandard surfaces, is a step in the wrong direction in my view.”
Match Official – Trent Dickeson
GAME #4 (03 MAY 2025)
Wyoming 1 – 2 Terrigal
The O’lads scored their first win of the season on Saturday, in our inaugural Magic Round, knocking off a determined Wyoming side who now record back-to-back defeats after four games played.
It was a bright start from Terrigal, scoring in the first 5 minutes with Josh Anderson, making his starting debut, following a corner to the back post to easily finish and get Terrigal off to a dream start.
Wyoming started to get their way into the game, and they were rewarded on the 30-minute mark when the dangerous Jared Mcnee held off a strong challenge and played a pass through on goal for striker Panashe Mudavose to finish and level up the scores.
Straight from the kickoff, Terrigal went on the attack, with Josh Anderson getting in behind the defence and showing his strength to evade defenders and get a shot off.
The shot was blocked by the goalkeeper but straight into the path of Aidan Bastick who calmly slotted home to give Terrigal the lead again.
The second half was very tense, with both sides creating plenty but not being able to find a finish, A dangerous free kick from Terrigal found Max Vegter unmarked, but a great save from the Wyoming keeper kept them in it.
Wyoming had good chances of their own with multiple great saves by Connor Noble and a goal-line clearance from Ryan Pearce, in the end, Terrigal walked away with a 2-1 win with their season now off and running.
“Very disappointed in the result, the game was there for the taking,” stated Wyoming’s Scott Snodgrass.
“Multiple opportunities to win the game in the second half, we just could not convert which has been a common theme. Not sure we deserved to lose but that’s football when you don’t take your chances. Congratulations to Ryan and his squad on the win, they worked hard and held us out.”
Match Official – Luke Dunkerley
GAME #5 (10 MAY 2025)
Wyoming 1 – 6 Southern Ettalong
Matt Page’s Lions put on another goal-scoring clinic to continue their unbeaten run as Southern & Ettalong now find themselves out right on top of the MPL Ladder and Wyoming drop down to the middle of the pack.
Four goals from Jacob Lepre saw the previous MPL Player of the Year, walk away with the match ball and three crucial points to see Southern enter the week as outright leaders.
His first goal of the game came in the 21st minute, Lepre whipped a corner in which was rebounded back out to him. Lepre then guided the ball back into the box with a first-time cross that beat every player and ended up in the back of the net at the back post.
Lepre was on the scoresheet again 15 minutes later, this time on the right side, Lepre hit a direct ball into the box which once again beat everyone including the goalkeeper to double Southern’s advantage.
Still in the contest, Wyoming looked to build into the game in the second period but a third goal to Southern in less than five minutes after the break resumed made their comeback feat almost impossible.
Trying to play out from the back, a misplaced pass from the Wyoming keeper found the feet of Lepre. Lepre drove into the box and finished well with his right foot for his hat-trick goal.
Wyoming responded 13 minutes later, a free kick in the opposition’s half saw defender Henry Walker get on the end of a well-placed ball to head home and give the Tigers a lifeline.
However, an Alfie Martin run just moments later saw him brought down in the box. Todd Balneaves once again stepped up from the spot for his side, firing low to the bottom right corner to extend Southern’s lead to 4-1.
Next on the scoresheet for the Lions was right-back Preston Daniel. Daniel received the ball out wide and yet another cross turned shot saw the ball fly into the back of the net despite a touch from the Wyoming goalie.
Last but not least, Lepre eventually got his fourth goal. A switch of play from the left to the right saw Lepre make an unmarked run into the box.
Teammate Keith Gumbs was able to play the ball in front of Lepre who first-time placed the ball into the top corner, cementing Southern’s 6-1 victory.
“I was very pleased with the performance of the lads on Saturday. Despite the score line, the young Wyoming side made us work very hard for the three points,” reported Matt Page.
“We were a little bit sloppy in the first half, but we were building pressure throughout and managed to convert enough of the chances we created to have a lead at halftime. Second half we were better, and we ran the game out well.”
Page also had high praise for Wyoming’s leaders, “We had the opportunity to see Henry (Walker) up close at preseason trials and were disappointed we couldn’t convince him to play with us for the season. He definitely showed what he’s capable of on Saturday, and along with Jared McNee, they are the perfect experienced duo that can lead the young tiger’s side to more victories this season.”
Scott Snodgrass gave a run down on how he saw the contest, “In the game for thirty mins and at two nil at half time, the team were still quite positive.”
“The next goal killed us taking it to 3-0, and after that, we threw numbers forward which got us a goal but opened up the game which played further into Southern’s style. A step backwards for us this weekend albeit against a good football side.”
Match Official – Mikayla Ryan
GAME #6 (17 MAY 2025)
Killarney 5 - 3 Wyoming
Match of the Round provided an 8-goal thriller as Killarney made it back-to-back wins to climb to fifth on the ladder whilst Wyoming still seek their second victory of 2025.
The opening 45 minutes at Bloodtree Oval saw Killarney play their best football of the year starting with a goal in the fourth minute as Will Hamilton made a great run from left back to beat the advancing goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
In the 17th minute, Lucas Dominello cut in from the left to drill a right-foot shot into the goal from 25 yards for his fourth goal of the year, making it 2-0 in favour of the Terriers.
Killarney’s lead was extended to three on the half-hour mark. Cameron Brown found himself out wide with the ball at his feet. Brown beat his defender, dribbling the ball to the sideline where his cross rocketed into the back of the net.
5 minutes later it was four for Killarney, this time Tim Knight was placed in goal by a brilliant through ball by Lachy Wallace as Knight cooly converted his one-on-one chance.
Halftime allowed Wyoming to come out and reset and Scott Snodgrass’s men were first on the scoresheet, ten minutes into the second period.
Centre-back Jared Mcnee elected to do things himself, intercepting a ball from the back line and running the length of Killarney’s half before unleashing a powerful shot to beat Killarney’s Declan Drake.
However, Killarney was not to be deterred, hitting back in the 60th minute after being awarded a penalty. Harry Fountain stepped up for the Terriers, sending the keeper the wrong way to extend their lead to 5-1.
Wyoming continued to show character, which led to two late goals for the Tigers. Their first in the 70th minute saw Henry Walker score for the second straight week, lashing onto a long-range free kick to volley home.
The final goal of the evening was another penalty, this time for Wyoming as Lachie Rogers expertly converted into the bottom left corner to see the game end 5-3.
A proud Chris Ackerley spoke on the victory. “Great to win two games in a row, especially happy with the first half, getting back to the Killarney way of playing. Wyoming are a good young side who will cause problems for everyone they play.”
Match Official – Miles Allen-Scott
GAME #7 (31 MAY 2025)
Kanwal 3 - Wyoming 0
Kanwal snaps back to winning ways thanks to a Callum Dunkerley brace as the Bulls jump to third, keeping one eye on top of the table as their opponents Wyoming record their fifth straight defeat.
After a string of poor performances, Kanwal were looking to get its season back on track and keep themselves in the title race.
It was an even start to the game with Kanwal’s best chance falling to Logan Moore after just 8 minutes, but his shot was well saved. Logan found himself on goal a few minutes later but his shot was off target.
Kanwal had more possession and looked more dangerous and this was rewarded in the 30th minute when Zac Moore was brought down in the box. Up stepped Logan who made no mistake to give Kanwal a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
Kanwal had several further chances to extend their lead, but the score remained 1-0 at halftime.
Wyoming had a few opportunities to level the scores straight after half-time with some dangerous long throws, but Kurtis Mahon was on hand to deny Wyoming on each occasion.
However, it would be Kanwal next to score from a quick short corner finding an unmarked Cal Dunkerley in the box who made no mistake with his header into the bottom corner to give Kanwal a 2-0 lead.
It would be 3-0 within a few minutes, another corner finding Cal Dunkerley at the back post and again he made no mistake with his header.
Both teams had a few half chances but neither team was able to take advantage. Kanwal walked away with a comfortable 3-0 win.
Ryan Walker was pleased after the game. “It’s the bounce back I was looking for and I thought we controlled the game tonight for most parts. I’m pleased with the clean sheet.”
Post-match, Scott Snodgrass spoke on how team availability hurt them again this weekend. “Again, we played in patches, not taking simple chances and conceding soft goals through non-existent marking.”
“Having twelve players unavailable from the squad again this week really affects our depth. I’m not sure we are getting the rub of the green with some decisions, but we can only control what we can control.”
Snodgrass also noted, “Kanwal have a unique playing style that suits their team. They are hard to break down and have rapid pace up top to keep you guessing. Good luck to Ryan and his team for the rest of the season.”
Match Official – Anthony Kabbout
GAME #8 (15 JUNE 2025)
Wyoming 3 - Woongarrah 2
Two teams desperate for points stepped on to Alan Davidson Oval this past Sunday and five goals in the second half saw Scott Snodgrass and his Wyoming side clinch their second victory of the season in a MPL thriller.
Woongarrah dominated the field position from the start of the game, enjoying some early missed chances on goal. Wyoming would constantly threaten on the counterattack and their long throw-ins by Henry Walker would constantly be a threat.
Woongarrah would score a goal after a cutback from their captain. However, the attacker was deemed offside.
Again, Woongarrah would be denied a goal when a shot from almost 30 yards out would be fumbled by the Wyoming keeper.
The goal was again disallowed as their offside forward was deemed to have blocked the view of the goalkeeper.
Some more chances at either end of the pitch would look promising but neither team was able to break the deadlock as both teams went into the sheds locked at 0-0.
The second half started the same as the first with Woongarrah almost scoring and hitting the crossbar from close range.
The Wildcats would finally get their breakthrough when a Jack Gallagher cross would be met by the head of Jayden Rogers from close range.
At 1-0, Woongarrah had a couple of misses from close range that would come back to hurt them.
Wyoming would get back on level terms with their first goal of the match after a dangerous corner fell to Henry Walker who smashed home from close range.
Despite offside claims from the opposition, the goal would stand.
At 1-1, the game then became end to end with both sides playing attacking football and trying to win. A Jacob Melling free kick from distance would be misjudged by the Wyoming number 1, giving Woongarrah the lead once again.
Woongarrah would break the line and go 3-1 up but another tight offside call would go against Woongarrah keeping the margin still at 2-1.
Wyoming would find another equaliser as a Woongarrah defender would look to clear the ball only for it to rebound off a Wyoming attacker, catching the keeper out and levelling the scores.
At 2 -2, Wyoming would receive a penalty, and Pat Mills would step up for his side, putting Wyoming ahead for the first time during the game.
Woongarrah would push for an equaliser in the dying moments of the game, but it would be the Tigers who would clinch all three points against last year’s League Champions.
A proud Snodgrass voiced, “It was a competitive match that was back and forth. We had the plan to press and attack them and also break and hit on the counter to try and expose and turn them around. That worked for some parts but also opened us up.”
“Overall, I’m really happy with the fight the lads showed to get the win. Lady luck was on our side for once and this result does a lot for us coming into Derby week against Ourimbah this weekend.”
Snodgrass added, “Notably Captain Jarrod McNee comes back in from suspension which is a huge plus for us, and we will be at full strength. To Luke and his squad, best wishes and good luck for the remainder of the season.”
“Congrats to Snork and his boys on the win. Hopefully, they can produce the same next week,” spoke Luke Rogers.
“Can’t really say my boys didn’t play well enough to win the game with the decisions that went against us. Clear to see there is certain people that don’t want to see us win.”
“Have only played one game at home this season and that was in round 2, so looking forward to being back home and hopefully getting our season heading in the right direction.”
Match Official – Trent Dickeson
GAME #9 (21 JUNE 2025)
Ourimbah 1 – 3 Wyoming
For the second straight week, an action-packed second half saw Wyoming again come from behind to claim victory, sweeping rivals Ourimbah in 2025 as the Tigers finish the round in fifth place on the MPL ladder.
Despite no goals in the opening period, it was a back-and-forth contest between two evenly matched sides who were willing to give it their all to walk away from Ourimbah Oval victorious.
Despite feeling they had the better of play in the first 45, Wyoming found themselves down just a few moments into the second stanza.
Ourimbah’s Matt Hall picked out Noah Wharton who linked with Jameson Fylnn for a sharp one-two as Wharton was able to evade his defenders and tuck the ball home into the bottom corner.
Down but not out, Wyoming continued to rally together in the hopes of finding an equaliser. A moment of brilliance saw Jacob Gilbert fire a long-range effort on goal that was too good to be dealt with by the Ourimbah keeper.
Applying plenty of high pressure, and forcing turnovers in the Ourimbah backline, Wyoming were able to produce two more goals.
Jordy Stephen put Wyoming ahead after a swift play down the left saw a ball played to Stephen’s on top of the box who fired low into the bottom left corner to give Wyoming a 2-1 lead.
Substitute Reegan Cairns put the nail in the coffin as Wyoming once again won the ball up high, Cairns found himself one-on-one with the opposition keeper as he tucked his chance away to send the travelling supporters into hysterics.
“We arrived confident after last week’s win against Woongarrah and felt we were familiar with how Ourimbah would play and had a game plan to try and exploit and break down their block which has been so effective to date,” noted Snodgrass.
“I felt we had the better of the first half but nothing to show for it and after the break were down 1-0 quickly, resulting from disappointing defending. Still, I was pleased with how we responded after that and cometh the man cometh the hour with a bomb by ex-Falcon and man of the match Jacob Gilbert giving us the equaliser.”
“Younger players Jordy Stephen was superb in the role I gave him lining up against Matty Hall and substitute Reegan who applied so much high ball pressure in his time on the field. Really pleased with the win of both grades. Wish Ian Mac and his squad all the best.”
Ian McAndrew commended the opposition, admitting his team was second best. “Wyoming was too good, and they taught us a lesson, and it was something our players needed.”
“It’s a nice wake-up call for us. We now need to battle and get around each other and fire up for the Killarney game and bounce back.”
Match Official – Luke Dunkerley
GAME #10 (29 JUNE 2025)
Avoca 0 – 2 Wyoming
Three straight victories from Scott Snodgrass’ Wyoming has the Tigers maintain their fifth-place position while Avoca remains in the playoff position, currently sitting in ninth place to end round 11.
Avoca started extremely slow and for the first 15 minutes, it was all Wyoming getting the ball wide or pumping it long playing what looked like a front four.
This early pressure paid off for the visitors as they were able to take the lead after twenty minutes played.
Pressing high up the pitch, Wyoming forced a turnover out wide as Reegan Cairns quickly transitioned into attack, driving into the Avoca box.
Doing well to deliver a cross into the box, Avoca’s William Fox got to the ball first as he looked to clear the danger, but his clearance only made it as far as Mark Bellemore who tapped home inside the six-yard box to give his side the lead.
After the goal, Avoca reacted by creating a flurry of chances but were unable to capitalise, leaving the score 1-0 at halftime.
The second half started like the first with Wyoming coming out strongest and almost extending the lead before the offside call was finally given after a talk between the officials.
The game became tight and stale with both sides playing poor football on an average Fagans Park. However, a lot of the second period was played in Wyoming’s half as Avoca searched for the equaliser.
With roughly 15 minutes left to play, Wyoming was awarded a free kick near the sideline in Avoca’s half.
A well-delivered ball was met by an even better header as Patrick Mills rose the highest in a crowded box to expertly guide the ball into the top corner, ensuring Wyoming claimed their fourth win of the season.
“We arrived with a specific game plan to pressure Avoca high up the pitch and the boys executed that very well.” Reflected Snodgrass.
“Our midfield were tenacious today with their pressure and ball winning and our backline was tight the whole game. Very happy with the result. We now have to work hard this week and be up for the Bats next game.”
Avoca’s Josh Menzies also commented on his side’s loss. “We plainly didn’t turn up today, Wyoming did and earned the three points. We have had a very frustrating season with games not falling for us but today we didn’t earn it.”
“We have so much quality and know we should be much higher in the table than we find ourselves. We look towards Ourimbah with a double fixture as six points that are a must.”
Match Official – Jasper White
GAME #11 (06 JULY 2025)
Wyoming 1 – 2 Berkeley Vale
A game with plenty of action and lots of late drama saw the Wombats clinch a 2-1 victory over in-form Wyoming despite finishing the game with only nine players on the field.
It took Berkeley Vale less than ten minutes to find the opening goal. A well-whipped ball from a Scott McGinley corner found the head of Shane Littlehales who converted well inside the opposition’s six-yard box.
Having beaten this side earlier in the season 3-0, Berkeley thought they would be on their way to another dominant victory, but the Wyoming boys would stay in the fight and almost had an equaliser minutes later through Reegan Cairns.
As Berkeley Vale looked to play their usual possession style of football, keeping the ball along the backline, while Wyoming set up high to press which has been a pivotal reason for their season success.
Berkeley Vale had success beating this press, as former Wyoming player Conor Fitzpatrick came close to scoring against his junior club multiple times throughout the first half.
Jakeb Brownlow had two golden opportunities to extend Berkeley’s lead but couldn’t find the end product to double his side’s advantage.
Wyoming had chances of their own when counterattacking, but both defences remained rock solid for the remainder of the half as the two sides went into the sheds with the score remaining 1-0 in favour of the visitors.
After another arm wrestle to start the second half, Wyoming found their equaliser in the 72nd minute thanks to Lachlan Rogers.
As the assistant official flagged quickly for offside, only to bring his flag back down to continue play, the Berkeley Vale players stopped as Rogers continued his movement and fired a show low and hard into the bottom corner.
Despite multiple protests from the Wombats, the goal stood, and momentum was on the side of the Tigers.
However, Berkeley Vale showed the premiership-winning mentality to find a go-ahead goal just minutes later.
Individual brilliance from Brownlow saw him beat two defenders in the box before picking out an unmarked Kyle Harvey at the back stick who finished first time into an empty net.
The drama was far from over as Berkeley’s Matthias Palmqvist and Nick Trengrove were both shown their marching orders after a second yellow card late in the game.
Despite being down to 9 men, Berkeley saw out the rest of the game to record a sweep over Wyoming in 2025.
“Congratulations to Wyoming on a tough game. They have shown improvement over the season and have a good platform to keep building upon,” said Mark Pratt.
“The boys were really up for this one and again we had a specific game plan to try and unsettle the Bats and limit ball to their dangerous wide players,” remarked Scott Snodgrass.
“I thought we pressed unbelievably well for 90 mins but in the end, we gifted them two soft goals, but to their credit, they were good enough to take them. We had some late chances to equalise but just didn’t capitalise.”
“Without sounding like a sore loser, I think a draw would have been a fair result, but it wasn’t to be. I’m as happy as I can be as a Coach even though we lost and where we are now vs the pre-season is miles apart.”
Scott also added, “I’d like to think we earned some respect out there today and pushed them all the way and there is a belief in the group that if we stay fit and healthy we can compete with the top teams. Good luck to Gumps, Pratty and their squad for the rest of the season.”
Match Official – Trent Dickeson
GAME #12 (20 JULY 2025)
Terrigal 3 – 0 Wyoming
Old Boys Day at Duffy’s Oval did not disappoint for the O’lads who were able to defeat Wyoming for a second time this year, lifting them off the bottom of the table and delivering much-needed confidence ahead of their biggest game of the year next week.
Terrigal looked for a fast start in this crucial clash, knowing nothing but a win would be enough for them.
On a pitch that made it very hard to play football, an early shot was blasted from the edge of the box by Ryan Pearce, drawing a great save to the goalkeeper’s near post.
Terrigal we’re applying some intense pressure early, but continually thwarted by some more good saves and last-ditch efforts.
That was until Terrigal Skipper Max Vegter found himself up the field and fired a shot into a hard Duffy’s surface with the ball bouncing high, just enough to beat the Wyoming keeper and make it 1-0.
Wyoming were threatening from long throws and set pieces, but nothing clear cut came of it as the whistle blew for half time and an extremely important second period for both teams got underway.
The Olad’s dug in and were able to contain everything Wyoming threw at them. A fine save from Jackson Odell, and another goal-line clearance kept them in the lead.
As the game got toward the business end, Terrigal super substitute Harry Stone beat a high line and got through one-on-one with the opposition keeper and slotted his chance in the bottom corner, making it 2-0 and giving Terrigal some breathing room.
With five minutes to go, Wyoming pushed hard for a goal through bombing boys forward, leaving them light at the back.
A ball played up top to Ryan Pearce was tipped into the path of Harry Stone who was able to turn provider as he cut the ball into the path of Mitch Allen who finished into an open net, securing Terrigal’s third win of the year.
A disappointed Scott Snodgrass stated post-match, “It was a stop-start game on a terrible pitch. Terrigal showed up and were committed from the get-go. We were sluggish, and it took us time to get into the game.”
“We had some good moments but just couldn’t capitalise. Terrigal were simply more disciplined than us today, and Pearcey and his team deserved the win. We were clearly second best and need to lick our wounds and go again.”
Match Official – Anthony Kabbout
GAME #13 (26 JULY 2025)
Southern & Ettalong 3 – 2 Wyoming
Southern kept their title hopes alive with a gusty comeback win from two goals down, with the almighty Keith Gumbs coming up big with his first goal of the year, scoring the winner for Southern, who remain four points behind the league leaders.
Wyoming’s Englishman rose highest to give the Tigers an unlikely lead after 17 minutes. A free-kick out wide was played into the box, and Henry Walker was able to head home past the oncoming Southern keeper for the game’s first goal.
Wyoming had a tremendous chance to extend their lead after Alex Wardle laid the ball off to his defender without him realising, Patrick Mills intercepted the ball but was unable to steer the ball home as Wardle made the save.
After some loose play from the Lions on the edge of their box, Wyoming picked up the ball and played in Panashe Mudavose, who rifled home into the bottom corner to send Wyoming 2-0 up.
Southern looked for a reply, and it took the home side until the 43rd minute to get their goal. A Southern corner was heading to Jayke Browne alone in the box, who half-volleyed an effort past a crowded area into the back of the net.
Looking to see out their victory in the second period, Wyoming task got even more challenging as they were reduced to 10 men after 67 minutes as Tait Johnson was shown a straight red card after fouling a Southern attacker who was goal-bound on the edge of the box.
Southern found their equaliser not long after when a cross in open play found Todd Balneaves, who was unmarked at the back post. Balneaves finished into the roof of the net to take the game to 2-2.
A long goal kick after 78 minutes played was nodded on by Theo Forsberg as Gumbs chased down the back-tracking Wyoming defender.
Gumbs was able to get a toe to the ball first, outmuscling the defender before dribbling past the opposition goalkeeper and firing the winning goal into the back of the net.
“I’m happy with the way we started and deserved the 2-1 lead at halftime. The red card changed the game and opened us up. We didn’t game manage from that point as I would have liked, even though we did create another chance or two,” reflected Scott Snodgrass.
“We need to continue to work on our defensive discipline and to see games out if we get into these situations again. I can’t not be pleased with the effort and pushing one of the best sides in the comp but am disappointed we didn’t come away with anything from the match. That’s football…”
Match Official – Dylan Watson
