Guyra 0

After a recess of two weeks the Glen Innes Highlanders played the league leaders Guyra at Wilson Park.

In an eagerly awaited game, players on both sides produced a game full of action, missed chances interspersed with stoppages due to niggling incidents.

Neither Glen Innes nor Guyra gave any ground as the opening stanza saw chances being created at both ends. Luke Birmingham keeping goal for Guyra and Dom Bush for Glen Innes were regularly called into action. Defences were well co-ordinated especially that of Guyra who had to contend with the thrust and determination of Daniel Ferris, Anthony Chaffey and Tom McCarney.

The deeper line of Jason Reed, Malcolm and Rowan Donnelly were alert and quick to win the ball and find the strikers. Counterparts Jason Purvis and B Kliendine stood out in centre field.

Chances were created but the final shots were all wide of the mark. Guyra’s marksmen fired in a number of long ranged shots caused by tigerish and sometimes desperate marking.

The half time synopsis was to keep to the basics, and be first to the ball and to maintain discipline.

The second half started with the Highlanders putting pressure on the Guyra goal. Reed had his effort blocked and corners for the Highlanders became more frequent. Then within five minutes of the restart, after some desperate attacking, the ball found Ferris from a ricochet. From 15 metres the ball was drilled into the back of the net.

Thomas Gower followed this up with the ball striking the side netting.

At the other end Bush anticipated well and saved what appeared to be the equaliser. Preston Parkes, Grant Donnelly and Gavin McCarney displayed sound anticipation while Chaffey’s distribution became a vital element up front.

As the game progressed numerous minor incidents increased caused by the pace and the urgency to score. The referee indeed had his work cut out.

As the game progressed the Highlanders had the majority of possession yet the Guyra defence stood up well. Chaffey struck the post and Andrew Hodgson fired in a 40 metre lob.

The game remained a ‘nailbiter’ until the final whistle.

Next week the Highlanders entertain University at Glen Innes at 3pm. The Highlanders will be out to avenge an earlier season defeat.