2008 ARCHIVES

ROUND 1
WEST BEACH vs INGLE FARM
LOCKLEYS OVAL
SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2008

Ingle Farm had a fine start to the 2008 season with a thumping 5-0 away win over newly promoted West Beach today at Lockleys Oval.

In fine, warm conditions, Farm started the game with an all-star bench. This included new signing David Eggars who has come to the club from Para Hills West, along with last season's third-highest goal scorer in Division 1, Brad Donovan. West Beach surprised by starting a fit-looking Danny McCombie in the centre of midfield.

Kick off and Farm immediately got on top. Leon Hannessen, new-signing Adam Dunt along with Alby Lynn were combining beautifully for Farm in midfield as the home team struggled to produce an attack.

After 5 minutes, Farm hit the lead after some impressive play. Super play from former Para Hills Knights player Wade Dingle, who beat his player and then played a superb through ball for Torsten Rutter who received it on a plate, easily converting 1 on 1 from 15 yards. 1-0 to Farm.

Farm continued to dominate the match after the goal. Dingle, Jarrad Rich and Anthony Ragazzo all created several more chances that the visiting team couldn't convert. Chris Ennis and another new signing from Para Hills West, impressive Michael Clarke, were all over their opponents thwarting any hope of a Beach attack.

In the 27th minute fine play from the midfield set Leon Hannessen away who set up Rutter for his second. Hannessen's accurate pass put the ball perfectly at the feet of Rutter who steadied and thumped home his and Farm's second from 18 yards. 2-0.

Three minutes later a superb ball from outstanding Chris Ennis set Rutter away again. This time Rutter placed the ball in the net from 12 yards. 3-0.

A minute later Adam Dunt made a terrific run out wide before crossing magnificently where Rutter was well positioned making no mistake, glancing the ball past the keeper from 5 yards. 4-0.

Jarrad Rich had a good chance to make it 5 for the half, but 1 on 1 in miles of space, Rich blasted the ball well over the bar from 16 yards. Farm could easily have been 6-0 by half time after completely blowing away the home team.

Halftime: West Beach 0 Ingle Farm 4.

The game continued to be played in West Beach's half early in the second half. Donovan, Fernando Lara and Eggars were introduced for some more run in the warm conditions as Farm continued its dominance of the game.

In the 65th minute West Beach had their best and only chance to score when their striker shot on goal from close range only to be thwarted the brilliance of Farm and State keeper Robbie Greenwood.

Finally Farm broke through for a goal to ice the cake in the 84th minute. Lara found Michael Clarke who superbly overlapped before sending in a pin point cross where well positioned Adam Dunt lunged to send the ball home from 7 yards. 5-0.

Farm totally outclassed Beach from start to finish and were well worthy of their win.

Final score: West Beach 0 Ingle Farm 5.

ROUND 2
INGLE FARM vs USC LION
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2008

Final score: Farm won 3-2 but i lost the bloody report ??

ROUND 3
ELIZABETH VALE vs INGLE FARM
MOFFLIN ROAD
SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 2008

A magnificent team effort from Ingle Farm crushed Elizabeth Vale on its home ground at Mofflin Road in a high quality match today that opened up a 2 point gap at the top of SAASL Division 1.

New Ingle Farm signing Wade Dingle stamped his name all over the match with an inspiring brace that led his team to victory with two fabulous strikes.

In blustery, sunny conditions, Farm started prized recruit Adam Dunt on the bench and gave work horse Ricky Simpson his first start of the season in the only change from the team that defeated USC Lion the week previous.

Kicking to the southern end in the first half, Farm started well. After 4 minutes the visitors had the home team on the back foot when a high cross was not dealt with in Vale's 18 yard box and a Farm header on goal was desperately cleared by Vale's defence.

Farm continued to pressure Vale and two minutes later forced a corner. The resulting kick saw Donovan's accuracy find leaping Anthony Ragazzo who glanced the ball home in off the crossbar from 10 yards for his first goal of the season. 1-0 to Farm.

Farm continued to trouble Vale at the back and some fine work by Torsten Rutter who beat a defender to fire in a shot from 25 yards saw the ball deflect off a Vale defender where alert Wade Dingle read it well and hammered the ball home from 14 yards. 2-0 to Farm.

Vale answered two minutes later when some fine work by left midfielder Mark Burrows brilliantly found unmarked Michael Brooks who easily volleyed home from 7 yards. 2-1.

Farm continued to look the better team with sharp play from Leon Hannessen, David Eggers, Ricky Simpson, Brad Donovan and Ragazzo. Farm's strikers were especially causing Vale's sluggish defenders all sorts of problems with enterprising play and impressive closing down.

A strong run by Ricky Simpson set up Farm's third goal after 23 minutes. Simpson managed a high cross that was only half-cleared by the Vale defence where the ball fell to Brad Donovan who beat a defender, turned him again then was brought to the deck inside the 18 yard box at the clumsy defender's second attempt. Penalty! Chris Ennis stepped up to smash the ball home from the spot. 3-1 to Farm.

Vale fought back into the match after the goal and hit back in the 35th minute. A long free kick from near halfway was only half-cleared by Farm's defence where the ball fell to Michael Hobbs who hammered the ball through a crowd of players into the corner of the net giving Farm keeper Robbie Greenwood no hope. 3-2.

Halftime: Elizabeth Vale 2 Ingle Farm 3.

Straight after the break, Farm were awarded a penalty when Brad Donovan danced past two defenders only to be brought down again 8 yards out from goal. However Chris Ennis wasted the spot kick when the ball hit the top of the crossbar and went out for a goal kick.

David Eggers was enjoying a fine match for Farm in midfield and his clever work paved the way for Farm's fourth goal after 56 minutes. Eggers made a good run forward where he cleverly found Torsten Rutter who brilliantly laid the ball off for Wade Dingle who let fly from 20 yards - the ball screaming into the top corner of the Vale net in what was a stunning strike. 4-2 to Farm.

By now Farm were completely on top as the home team seemed to run out of legs. Farm made several good chances as the ball was generally camped in the Vale half of the ground.

Farm's defence led by captain Chris Ennis looked rock solid as Anthony Staltari, Leon Hannessen and Alby Lynn were sensational in letting almost nothing past them.

Deservingly Farm soon found a fifth goal in the 74th minute. More great play by Rutter earned his team a free kick right in front of goal. Brad Donovan stepped up and almost effortlessly placed the ball into the onion bag from the resulting free kick. 5-2.

Vale were completely shot by now and the home team was lucky not to concede a sixth when tireless Torsten Rutter was brilliantly set up by substitute Chris Groom before narrowly missing the target one on one with the keeper in yards of space.

Finally referee Dave Kenniwell brought the highly entertaining match to a close to the cheers of the travelling army.

Farm coach Paul Simpson was delighted with his team's performance, "Magnificent effort from the lads today, we were well structured, and after a few home truths on Tuesday night about the way we played against USC Lion, all the players responded well to the game plan that we set out during the week."

"Thanks very much to Elizabeth Vale for being part of a great game today."

Final score: Elizabeth Vale 2 Ingle Farm 5.

ROUND 4
INGLE FARM vs PARA HILLS EAST
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2008

Ingle Farm easily accounted for local rival Para Hills East 4-0 today at Walkley Park that keeps Farm top of the SAASL Division 1 league.

David Eggers continued his impressive form to drive his team to victory with some wonderful efforts around the midfield in a man of the match performance for the home team.

Perfect sunny conditions attracted a large crowd to Walkley Park. Adam Dunt was back into the starting lineup for Farm - lining up against his old club for the first time at the expense of unlucky Ricky Simpson.

Farm kicked downhill in the first half and the opening quarter hour was a tight, tough contest. Both teams went hard at it as both team's defences worked well to keep the opposition at bay.

Farm opened the scoring after 22 minutes when a superb ball through by Eggers set away fleet footed Wade Dingle who ran in on goal and comfortably beat the keeper 1 on 1 from 15 yards. 1-0 to Farm.

East fought back into the match and made some chances of their own. An error from Farm gifted East an opportunity to score from 10 yards, but for a sharp save by Farm keeper Robbie Greenwood, East would have been level.

The two teams continued to battle it out for the remainder of the half, but as the half went on the ball became more present in East's defensive half of the ground. Eggers, Adam Dunt, Leon Hannessen and Brad Donovan were playing well for Farm putting East's midfield under pressure. Chris Ennis and Movember inspired Alby Lynn continued their good form in defence.

Just before half time East defender Gary Aitken handballed just outside his 18 yard box giving Farm a free kick 25 yards out. Quick-thinking Chris Ennis caught the East keeper napping as he cheekily nudged home the ball from the resulting kick. 2-0.

Half time: Ingle Farm 2 Para Hills East 0.

Farm started the second half better and were immediately on the attack. One Anthony Staltari was unluckily when he was on the wrong end of an odd offside decision after a fantastic run forward.

After sustained forward pressure, Farm deservingly found their third goal in the 59th minute. Terrific play by Wade Dingle cleverly set up Torsten Rutter who wrong-footed the East keeper to score from 12 yards. 3-0.

Two minutes later Farm struck again. Another sterling ball by Eggers put thru Adam Dunt who had rushed forward and lunged himself at the ball bunting it past the East keeper and into the net. 4-0 to Farm.

Farm made several substitutions after the 4th goal, and those players picked up from where their team mates had left off.

The home team continued to plunder the East 18 yard box with some fine attacking play but finishing or the final pass let the team down. Rutter almost doubled his daily tally but his sharp strike was magnificently saved by the flying East keeper. Jarrad Rich wasted another good chance.

So Farm had to be content with its earlier efforts as the match finished 4-0.

Farm coach Paul Simpson later said the win was a "Very good win against a very determined Para Hills East team."

"I think the week break didn't help us too much but that's not taking anything away from Para Hills East."

Simpson's best players: Wade Dingle, Adam Dunt and Dave Eggers.

Final score: Ingle Farm 4 Para Hills East 0.

ROUND 5
ELIZABETH DOWNS vs INGLE FARM
ARGANA PARK
SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2008

Ingle Farm dropped their first points this season when last season's champion Elizabeth Downs held them to a scoreless draw away at Argana Park on Sunday.

Both teams had their chances to score late in the game, but the way the game went, a draw was a fair result.

Perfect sunny conditions attracted a large crowd to Argana Park. Farm went in unchanged from last week, but had the terrific addition of Michael Clarke who was on the bench after returning from a work trip to the USA and a run in the Reserves the week previous.

Farm had the better of the opening. The visitors created several openings but failed to test the Downs keeper.

Donovan had a free kick strike the upright from 30 yards out as the Downs keeper seemed to misjudge the strike.

As the half went on, Downs looked the team more likely to score with their direct style of play. Farm's Chris Ennis, Anthony Staltari, Alby Lynn and Leon Hannessen were doing a fine job making the task a difficult one for the home team.

Farm keeper Robbie Greenwood made an important interception with the best chance of the half when a Down's striker seemed likely to score after 35 minutes.

However, not a great deal had happened during the first half, the more the game went on, the more you thought it was going to be a scoreless draw.

The second half saw the nullifying football continue another 20 minutes.

At around the 70 minute mark the game began to open up slightly. It became end to end stuff. Downs were gifted a chance when a bad error in the Farm defence allowed Downs midfielder Butler an open goal before he ballooned his angled shot well over the crossbar.

Anthony Staltari rescued his team several times with some superb defending from the back, while Torsten Rutter had played well all match and always looked a danger to the Downs defence setting up chances up front. Dunt had battled with Downs midfielder Fuda for most of the game with both players having their moments.

Robbie Greenwood made another superb shutout when he blocked a Downs striker who had run clear to be one on one with 15 to go. Greenwood seemed quite pissed off that the ref awarded Downs a corner after it appeared to come off the Downs player last.

However Fuda had the best chance to take the points after 80 minutes when a fine cross saw him gifted with a free header from close range that he absolutely butchered - hitting the bar before the ball was cleared by Farm's defence.

The out of sorts Ricky Simpson had an opportunity to be the hero for Farm with 5 minutes remaining when a super pass by Donovan set the midfielder away, only to see Simpson's last gasp 16 yard volley attempt go narrowly wide of the Downs goal.

Impressive Farm substitute Evan Emmanuel looked like he may score at the death when he found space on two occasions outside the Downs penalty area, however his two strikes went off target.

Ingle Farm coach Paul Simpson later said it was "A very hard-fought game today against Elizabeth Downs, who had proven to be the best team in the league for the past two years, and I thought we contested the game against them very well. Not many teams will go to Elizabeth Downs and take points from them this season."

"We have improved this year because we were unable to take any points against them last year" Simpson added.

Simpson's best players: Adam Dunt, Robbie Greenwood, Anthony Staltari, Torsten Rutter, Alby Lynn.

FINAL SCORE: Elizabeth Downs 0 Ingle Farm 0.

ROUND 6
INGLE FARM vs PARAFIELD GARDENS
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2008

Ingle Farm had an easy home 4-0 win over depleted Parafield Gardens today that kept a three point buffer at the head of the Sunday SAASL Division 1 table.

Gardens were missing 5 regular 1st team players through injury for the match while Farm were at full strength. Farm's Alby Lynn was left out of the team this week in favour of returning Michael Clarke.

The match started very open, and stayed that way for the duration of the match.

Farm had the ball in the net first after 15 minutes when Anthony Ragazzo set up Torsten Rutter who knocked the ball in only to be adjudged offside.

However Farm did not have to wait much longer for their opening goal when 5 minutes later Ragazzo again set away Rutter who found Adam Dunt then back to Rutter for an easy 10 yard finish past the Gardens keeper. 1-0.

Farm continued to put pressure on Gardens with more attacking play. The home team created several opportunities but could not find the target. Wade Dingle and Rutter were causing the Gardens defence trouble with some fine work.

Farm's second goal came from a Brad Donovan corner. Donovan's fine ball found the head of Dave Eggers who laid it off to well positioned Leon Hannessen who hammed the ball home from 12 yards. 2-0 to Farm.

Farm keeper Robbie Greenwood had hardly had a touch during the first half with Chris Ennis, Anthony Staltari, Adam Dunt, Leon Hannessen, Brad Donovan and Ragazzo all doing a sound job. Michael "The Shadow" Clarke frustrated Gardens playmaker Mohamed Ibrahim by being by his side where ever he went.

Half time: Ingle Farm 1 Parafield Gardens 0.

Five minutes into the second half Gardens were reduced to 10 men. Stupid play by Gardens striker Matty Tape saw him smack a Farm player in the head right in front of the referee who showed the player a straight red card. This is the second time Tape has been sent off in as many matches against Farm.

Gardens looked gone before the untimely departure, but Tape's removal provided more space for Farm - particularly up front.

Torsten Rutter was first to capitalize when he danced past a defender's challenge then rounded the keeper for an easy finish and put his team 3 up. 3-0.

Farm continued to force the issue and were eventually awarded after 72 minutes when Dave Eggers combined with Rutter to walk through the heart of the Gardens defence where he too rounded the keeper for an easy finish. This was Eggers first goal for the club after some fine performances in green and white. 4-0.

Wade Dingle and Brad Donovan had a fine last half hour with their speed setting up several good opportunities, and but for some awful finishing it has to be said, Farm would have ended 6 or 7 goals up!!

Gardens had a good chance to get a consolation goal near the end but were thwarted by Robbie "The Terminator" Greenwood.

However 4 goals was comfortable enough for the home team as they cruised to victory.

Smiling Farm Head Coach Paul Simpson later said "Today we played against a very depleted Parafield Gardens team and the result went as expected."

"We played good attacking free-flowing football which had Parafield Gardens on the back foot from the start."

"Once we scored our second goal Parafield Gardens players seemed to drop their heads. But full credit to them for coming to Ingle Farm and trying to play football."

"Special mention to the linesman of the first team match who I thought both had very good games."

Simpson's best players included Dave Eggers, Michael Clarke, Anthony Staltari, Adam Dunt and Chris Ennis.

FINAL SCORE: Ingle Farm 4 Parafield Gardens 0.

ROUND 7
PARA HILLS WEST vs INGLE FARM
MANOR FARM OVAL
SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2008

Ingle Farm lost its first match of the 2008 season when it was defeated by Para Hills West today.

Farm's final ball let the team down all day as Para Hills West bumpy pitch played havoc with the bounce of the ball.

The visiting team lost star midfielder Adam Dunt in the opening three minutes with a strained muscle where Ricky Simpson replaced him - fresh from playing 70 minutes in the Reserves.

Para Hills West had a good chance to score following a low-driven corner kick that wasn't cleared by Farm's defence before a West player struck toward goal only to be thwarted by a brilliant Robbie Greenwood save.

However Farm had all the play as they pushed and pushed before letting themselves down in front of goal. Farm had umpteen free kicks around the West 18 yard box, but the resulting kick was often cleared by the West goalkeeper eager to leave his line.

West should have gone down to 10 men after the half hour when their centre half, already on a yellow card, rugby tackled Paul Jones on the edge of the 18 yard box as the Farm striker ran in on goal where he was 1 on 1 with the West keeper. Bewilderingly, the referee called play on, not even a free kick or penalty was awarded to the horror of everyone in green and white. Right there you could see it wasn't going to be Farm's day.

Halftime 0-0.

The second half continued to be played in West's half of the ground. Farm continued to be ineffective around goal with many of its free kicks wasted and its crossing a very poor standard.

Paul Jones had a great chance to open the scoring when he again skipped away one on one only for the West keeper to stick an arm up and somehow deflect the ball over the crossbar.

West nearly scored an own goal after 65 minutes - only a terrific save by the West keeper denied Farm the lead.

However in the 76th minute, against the run of play a strike from outside 18 saw PHW unbelievably take the lead. It was a real kick in the teeth for Farm who had dominated all day.

Farm pushed up exposing them at the back and 8 minutes later a PHW ball that was squared during a break resulted in the biggest miskick you will ever see deflect in over a defenders head for Wests second goal. 2 bloody nil.

Unlucky substitute Anthony Ragazzo pulled one back three minutes later for Farm when an 18 yard volley hammered into the net. 2-1. But it was too little too late and that's the way the game ended.

Michael Clarke was sensational for Farm today, his determination, rebound and pace was brilliant at times. Leon Hannessen and Anthony Staltari could also hold their heads up after they both enjoyed good games, but most Farm players were below par mainly due to their final touch. Dave Eggers disappointingly had a quiet game against his old club. Robbie Greenwood did little wrong.

Ingle Farm Head Coach Paul Simpson later said "I thought we shaded it today in what was a very tight and difficult game."

"Para Hills West had 3 chances all day and scored 2 goals."

"We will have to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off for the Florina game."

"I will mention the way the Para Hills West coach conducted himself after the second goal, I thought it was disgraceful. We might have taken two of your players that you didn't want, but abusing them the way you did isn't on."

Final score: Para Hills West 2 Ingle Farm 1.

ROUND 8
INGLE FARM vs SALISBURY FLORINA
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2008

Ingle Farm dropped to third position in the league after a disappointing 1-1 home draw with 5th-placed Salisbury Florina at Walkley Park today. A penalty midway into the second half allowed Florina a reprieve as Farm missed countless chances throughout the 90 minutes, dropping 2 valuable points in the process.

Farm were struck by injury for the clash with Wade Dingle and Adam Dunt both missing from the previous week. Returning to the starting lineup was Ricky Simpson and Anthony Ragazzo. Alby Lynn remained on the bench.

In cool conditions Farm started well in midfield and began to create chances. Anthony Ragazzo, Leon Hannessen, Ricky Simpson and Jarrad Rich were doing well for Farm setting up opportunities for the home team while Anthony Staltari, Michael Clarke and skipper Chris Ennis were doing a sound job down back.

Farm keeper Robbie Greenwood made a fine save to deny a Florina shot midway through the first half - this was possibly the only time the Farm goal was seriously threatened during the first half.

Farm assumed the lead in the 34th minute when clever work from speedster Paul Jones saw the ball squared to unmarked Torsten Rutter who easily knocked the ball home from 10 yards.

Farm looked as though it would soon score again when Jones beat the Florina offside trap to brilliantly set up Rutter again before the striker butchered his 8 yard attempt one on one with the keeper.

Halftime: Ingle Farm 1 Salisbury Florina 0.

The start of the second half saw Rutter with another good chance for Farm, clear in front of goal, one on one that was well saved by the Florina keeper before he again made a brilliant save to deny a Chris Ennis header after a superb Jarrad Rich cross.

Farm seemed well in control of the match and looked likely to score again with the ball camped in Florina's defensive half for the majority.

However after Florina worked the ball up the ground to earn a corner in the 67th minute, in the aftermarth Florina midfielder John Robson was fouled just inside the corner of the Farm penalty box for what was a clear penalty. Florina striker Lucky Paikos stepped up to tuck the spot kick into the bottom corner. 1-1.

The unexpected reply stung Farm into action as they attacked in waves for the next 10 minutes.

Farm were unlucky not to have earnt a penalty of their own after plea's for a hand ball in the Florina box were waved away by the referee. Ricky Simpson was caught flat footed when he was cheekily set up by Anthony Ragazzo before getting the ball stuck between his legs at point blank range.

The last 10 minutes of the match became end to end stuff as both teams tried to grab a late winner. Florina had the ball in the net in the 81st minute but it was quickly disallowed after their substitute blatently shoved a Farm defender in the back in order to reach the ball. Farm too pushed for the winning goal but its finishing was well wide of the target.

To the disappointment of both teams the referee blew the final whistle soon after.

Head Coach Paul Simpson later lamented "Disappointing result today against Salisbury Florina, this is a game I believe we let slip."

"We had plenty of opportunities to come away with all three points but bad finishing cost us the win."

"Salisbury Florina also had some good chances - especially in the last 10 minutes where they could have scored."

Simpson's best players included Robbie Greenwood, Jarrad Rich, Anthony Staltari & Ricky Simpson.

Final score: Ingle Farm 1 Salisbury Florina 1.

ROUND 9
PONTIAN EAGLES vs INGLE FARM
RIDLEY GROVE
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2008

Ten manned Ingle Farm brilliantly outlasted 4th-placed Pontian Eagles to grab a sensational victory for the club today away at Ridley Grove.

Farm midfielder Anthony Ragazzo came to the party with two fine strikes to give his team the advantage after 90 minutes of football in a tough, tense affair that had a dramatic twist with the send off of a Farm player after 20 minutes.

Farm regained a ginger Adam Dunt and also promoted Alby Lynn for the anticipated clash. Wade Dingle returned to the squad - sitting on the bench while Dave Eggers was surprisingly left out of the starting lineup.

The match opened hard and fast with both teams creating a couple of early chances. Pontian's finishing was wayward to say the least early doors.

Farm looked the sharper team with Lynn, Ragazzo and Dunt having a strong influence on the match through the midfield and Paul Jones and Torsten Rutter finding plenty of room up front.

Farm striker Paul Jones skipped clear from the Pontian defence in the 10th minute where it appeared he just had the keeper to beat before being brought to the deck 25 yards out - a yellow card the result to the Pontian defender. Jarrad Rich's impressive free kick was just centimeters wide of goal as it curled around the post.

Farm took the lead in the 16th minute after some good work from Paul Jones forced a Pontian defender into error where the ball spilled to Anthony Ragazzo whose mis-hit strike hit the post ran along the goaline before going into the net off the other post. 1-0 to Farm.

Minutes later saw the incident that changed the game. leon Hannessen keenly charged after his opponent, challenging several times before a brash challenge surprisingly drew a straight red card. The stunned Farm player may have been a little unlucky not to just receive a caution.

However the 10-manned Farm were now up against it, and for the rest of the half, Pontian looked the more likely to score. Only brilliant goalkeeping from Robbie Greenwood, fine defending in particular by Chris Ennis and Michael Clarke, along with some high and wide shots from the Pontian strikers kept the scoreline to 1-0 at half time.

Halftime: Pontian Eagles 0 Ingle Farm 1.

Farm re-structured at the break where unlucky Torsten Rutter was substituted for zippy Wade Dingle who had been brought on to play a lone hand up front.

After the break Farm looked a rock solid unit - anyone who had just arrived must have thought it was 11 vs 11. Farm's defence was outstanding, the midfield battled up and down the park and Dingle provided a good target and did some useful things.

The majority of the game was played in Farm's half where Greenwood, Staltari, Ennis and Clarke frustrated all that Pontian could throw at them. Alby Lynn combined with Ragazzo, Jones, Rich and substitute Simpson to work the ball forward and relieve pressure off the overworked Farm defence.

Greenwood in particular repeatedly was Farm's saviour as the gutsy goalkeeper threw himself at any dangerous situation time after time.

As Pontian pushed up looking for an equalizer, Farm did create some chances of their own. A fine cross from Rich accross goal narrowly escaped Jones' reach then minutes later Wade Dingle ran clear to be one on one with the Pontian keeper - who casually saved a weak shot before the defence cleared the danger.

In the 88th minute Farm drove the final nail into the Pontian coffin when they scored a superb second goal. The team worked the ball forward where they won a corner, took it short to Anthony Ragazzo who skipped past one Pontian defender, then a second, then curled an audacious attempt from a seemingly impossible angle - Brazilian style - into the far top corner of the net. 2-0 to Farm.

The dejected Eagles played out the remaining few minutes before referee Dave Brandon brought the entertaining match to a close.

Farm Head Coach Paul Simpson said after the game "Great win for the boys today - they showed great determination after we were reduced to 10 men for 70 minutes of the game."

"Some hard decisions had to be made this week concerning team selection, but it was about finding the right balance against the picking of individuals."

Simpson's best players - Michael Clarke, Paul Jones, Robbie Greenwood, Anthony Staltari & Alby Lynn.

ROUND 10
INGLE FARM vs WEST BEACH
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2008

Ingle Farm moved back to the top of the Division 1 ladder today when they easily accounted for 8th-placed West Beach 5-0 at Walkley Park.

Fine finishing by Ricky Simpson, Torsten Rutter and Jarrad Rich set up the win while strong performances from Alby Lynn, David Eggers and Michael Clarke choked Beach's meagre attacks throughout the match.

Farm were missing Leon Hannessen and Anthony Ragazzo through suspension while Adam Dunt was rested - given an extra week to overcome injury. Brad Donovan returned to the team after a four week layoff from the squad - he was left on the bench as he is eased back into it. Beach had surprised by leaving playmaker Johnny Manca on the bench.

In overcast cool conditions, Farm kicked up hill and into a strong breeze in the first half. Both teams had some of it early but Farm seemed more composed on the ball as they knocked the ball around well.

Ingle Farm opened the scoring after 17 minutes when clever work by striker Torsten Rutter set up Paul Jones who had his shot well blocked before the ball rebounded to Ricky Simpson who had followed up well to bang the ball home from 6 yards. 1-0.

Farm were attacking very well in the tough conditions with Wade Dingle and Jarrad Rich dominating their opponents and Rutter and Paul Jones combining well. Dave Eggers, Chris Ennis, Simpson and Alby Lynn gave the team good drive up the park.

In the 39th minute Alby Lynn cleverly set up the second goal when his fine threaded pass found Rutter who rounded his marker and fired from a tight angle to score from 10 yards. 2-0.

Halftime: 2-0.

Straight after the restart Farm struck again. In the 46th minute super play in the midfield from Paul Jones eventually set up Simpson again who made a good run then finished impressively past the keeper from 7 yards for his second of the match. 3-0.

The home team then created a 4th goal after 58 minutes after another fine Alby Lynn pass found bounding Jarrad Rich who beat a defender then put some hammer into a crisp low drive that gave the Beach keeper no hope. 4-0.

Farm were now peppering the Beach goal but some good defending saw the ball scrambled clear on several occassions.

If the home supporters thought Rich's strike was the best they would get, Torsten Rutter topped it after 78 minutes when a stunning 25 yard strike smashed into the net off the crossbar for Farm's fifth goal. 5-0.

Brad Donovan finally entered the fray soonafter and he gave himself a terrific opportunity to score within 2 minutes of being on the park. Donovan skipped past his marker where he found himself 1 on 1 before flicking the ball over the keeper - but against the face of the crossbar where the ball was then cleared.

Substitute Evan Emmanuel had a sterling chance to score his first senior goal for the club after he was well set up, but the normally reliable finisher hooked his strike wide of the target 1 on 1 with the keeper.

So 5-0 it finished - a quite comfortable win to the Farm.

Ingle Farm Head Coach Paul Simpson later said "(It was) a great team effort today considering we had three players out."

"I thought our overall team play was superb today but there is still room for improvement."

Simpson's best players - Alby Lynn, Michael Clarke, Torsten Rutter & David Eggers.

ROUND 11
USC LION vs INGLE FARM
GRANGE
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 2008

Ingle Farm were proverbially dumped on their backside by an inspired USC Lion at Grange today in a 4-1 mauling. A mayhem opening half hour did all the damage as the hungry Lion hunted down their prey and finished clinically in a brilliant half an hour for the home team.

Farm could have no excuses as it had three players back available in one of its strongest squads for a number of weeks. Regular 1st teamer's Adam Dunt and Leon Hannessen were left on the bench while Brad Donovan was awarded a starting position at the expense of unlucky Jarrad Rich. Most surprising was the positioning of Alby Lynn in midfield who had previously stitched up dangerous Lion striker Djoko Dobric in the return fixture earlier in the year.

Lion started well on top. Their first attack forward made a terrific chance from 8 yards that had to be bravely blocked by Farm keeper Robbie Greenwood. Farm seemed lethargic at best in the opening minutes as they struggled to keep possession or with their opponents.

A corner in the 3rd minute saw an unchallenged header at the far post brilliantly headed into the top of the net by Lion captain-coach Russell Hunt. 1-0.

Relentless Lion continued to stretch Farm's defence. In the 15th minute a strong run into Farm's 18 yard box saw a Lion player knocked to the ground for a clear penalty. Dobric stepped up for his first of the match. 2-0.

Dobric again had a hand in the third 10 minutes later when he out-bodied his marker surged into the 18 and squared a ball for Goran Cvijanovic who timed his run well and scored from 10 yards. 3-0.

In the 34th minute a fine run by a Lion midfielder (16) set up their impressive midfielder (10) who ended a good move with a far post tap in to seal Farm's fate. Lion continued to dominate play until the break and Farm could consider themselves lucky it was only 4 at halftime.

Ah to be a fly on the wall in the Ingle Farm changeroom during the break must have been interesting as no doubt the windows rattled with Simpson's voice in an attempt to wake his players up.

Whatever was said had some effect as in the 55th minute a free kick was headed home by Alby Lynn. 4-1. There was the slightest glimmer of hope as Farm tried for a second only to be thwarted by Lion's well drilled defence lead by their captain Hunt.

Farm did look slightly better in the second half but the windy conditions weren't making life easy for the team that had by now restructured and were looking for million dollar passes. Farm only showed patches of effective play as Anthony Staltari and Alby Lynn dug in to try and inspire their team. Sadly many of their team mates were well beaten by their opponents and were of little help going forward.

With the game ending 4-1, next week's match looms large as a 6-pointer and you would expect some heads to roll after a number of poor performances today. Farm quickly need to find some form having won only 2 of their last 5 encounters in the league. Somehow Farm still sit top of the league after some favorable results.

Head Coach Paul Simpson was certainly not pleased with his teams performance "I was very disappointed in the way we applied ourselves to the game today. A far greater determined effort will be required for the Vale game next week" he said.

Final score: USC Lion 4 Ingle Farm 1.

ROUND 12
INGLE FARM vs ELIZABETH VALE
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, JULY 13TH, 2008

Ingle Farm's hopes of winning its first ever Division 1 title took a nose dive today when it was beaten 3-1 at home by hardened Elizabeth Vale. Farm have now won only 2 of its past 6 league matches with just six more matches this season to turn its form slump around.

Farm again raised eyebrows by dropping talented Brad Donovan and Wade Dingle back to the Reserves for its biggest match of the season - both these lads scored in the Round 3 away 5-2 win over Vale. Staltari was benched for a poor first half last week against Lion. Ragazzo after a two match suspension returned as did Leon Hannessen and Adam Dunt.

Vale kicked downhill with a strong breeze in the first half and had the majority of the play. Despite Farm defending stoutly through the efforts of Chris Ennis, Alby Lynn, Leon Hannessen and Michael Clarke, Vale managed to threaten the Farm goal with two strikes that rattled the crossbar.

Firstly an angled shot hit the underside of the crossbar before being cleared in the 13th minute before a Vale free kick 25 yards out was struck by Chris Nicholls again onto the underside of the crossbar in the 25th minute.

The strong wind was making it difficult for Farm to attack up the hill, however in a gritty effort Farm managed several chances - one that caused controversy.

Late in the half Farm striker Torsten Rutter battled his way to be one on one with the goalkeeper who inexplicibally performed a diving save - by hand - some 25 yards out from goal. The referee however made a shocking decision to only book the Vale keeper for denying a clear goal scoring chance - the card HAD to be red.

Moments later that Vale keeper made a magnificent save to deny a rasping strike from Paul Jones to keep the game at 0-0 at half time.

Now kicking with a breeze that had weakened slightly, the opening 20 minutes of the second half was dominated by Farm. The team pushed and pushed for the opener but did not really threaten the Vale goal.

Vale relied on the break and took a shock lead when a good run up the right saw the ball crossed where Vale captain Tim Crawford made a fine run to flick the ball around Farm keeper Robbie Greenwood in the 66th minute. 1-0 to Vale.

The goal pumped up the visitors and 5 minutes later they brilliantly struck again. A superb swerving rocket flew into the top corner of Greenwood's net from fully 30 yards. 2-0.

Four minutes later Farm were offered a repreive when a clumsy challenge inside the 18 yard box saw a penalty awaded to the home team. Chris Ennis reluctantly took the resulting spot kick only to see it brilliantly saved by that keeper again.

Three minutes later another penalty to Farm when Adam Dunt headed onto the post where Dave Eggers followed up well before being shoved off the ball for another clear spot kick. This time substitute Staltari broke a three year goal drought for the club by tucking the kick away. 2-1.

With 5 minutes remaining in the game, the deserving Vale found a third when midfielder Eric Ainsworth ended a horrific week for him personally with the passing of his father to smash home the winner that settled it from 30 yards. It was another magnificent strike into the top corner - giving Farm keeper Greenwood no hope at all.

So 3-1 it ended in a most disappointing game for the home club and its league aspirations in tatters with many tough games to come.

Coach Simpson later said "(It was) a far better performance this week but our inability to create clear cut chances cost us."

His best players were Torsten Rutter, Dave Eggers and Alby Lynn.

Final score: Ingle Farm 1 Elizabeth Vale 3.

ROUND 13
PARA HILLS EAST vs INGLE FARM
PARA HILLS OVAL
SUNDAY, JULY 27TH, 2008

FINAL SCORE: Para Hills East 0 Ingle Farm 0

ROUND 14
INGLE FARM vs ELIZABETH DOWNS
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3RD, 2008

FINAL SCORE: Ingle Farm 0 Elizabeth Downs

We got pumped. Say no more.

ROUND 15
PARAFIELD GARDENS vs INGLE FARM
BRADMAN OVAL
SUNDAY, AUGUST 10TH, 2008

On a very cold and wet day, the Farm ventured down the Gardens for what some were predicting to be a nail bitter. The C’s and B’s games had been cancelled due to poor pitch conditions and the Gardens were doing everything in there apparel to make the pitch up to standard to play on.

Farm, well and truly pumped after a form slump in previous weeks, were fired up for a win from the kick off. Captain Ennis had the boys tuned and ready to go before the kick off.

The Farm went with the wind, hoping the pitch conditions would hold up for 45 minutes to allow them to play football. Thankfully the footballing gods were certainly on their side as they played the best 45 minutes of football we had seen in a long time.

The Gardens kicked off and the Farm pounced straight on the ball. The Farm settled quickly as they moved the ball fluently between each other, Chris Groom was fired up for his return to his old club and was moving very well and getting plenty of the ball. His touch was certainly making it difficult for the Gardens.

The game was little then 4 minutes gone when Anthony Ragazzo picked up the ball wide and hammed a cross that deflected off a few players and into the back of the net. Although Zorro took the credit some say Dave Ennis got the last touch but the ref awarded the goal to Regazzo. 1-0 to the Farm.

The early goal buckled the Gardens as they tried to put few passes together, but the Farms continuous pressure was winning the ball and injecting great balls for the strikers to run onto. This was resulting in some miss timed tackles by the Gardens that resulted in a few early yellow cards early on.

The Farm were running havoc when Jarrod Rich was fouled in what appeared to be no mans land on the wing in the 11th minute. Chris Ennis stepped up, and with the help of the wind, his cross turned into a some what shot that Gardens keeper Matt Peace could not handle and he miss cleared the ball into the net. 2-0 to the Farm, they were well and truly coasting with just under 11 minutes played in the game.

The Farm was pilling on the pressure and in the 19th minute, Jarrod Rich  would sweep in a cracking corner which found the free Chris Groom in the box to header home, 3-0 to the Farm and wasn’t Groomy fired up about that goal.

In the 24th minute, Groom found him self free in the 18 yard box, were he rounded Gardens keeper Matt Peace and shot the ball goal bound before Foatey pulled of a cracking one hand save that Rob Greenwood would be very envious of. Unfortunately Foate was not the keeper and was immediate red carded. Although Simmo was screaming for Staltari to take the penalty, Groom selfishly took the ball and struck the penalty virtually straight at Matt Peirce, who saved the ball with his legs. Simmo let out a huge yell of disgust but Groom would make amends almost immediately after the miss, when  great play between Dave Ennis and himself found him free into the box to hammer the ball across goal and into the net. 4-0 to the Farm with 29 minutes played on the clock and a double for Groomy.

The next 15 minutes would see a barrage of attacks from the Farm with shots narrowly missing the target, the Farm could have easily walked in 6 or 7 up at half time.

The half time break allows the Gardens to reflect on the first half and make 3 changes to hopefully inject some spirit into the game and from the kick off appeared to be a different team. Mat Peirce, Shane Golder and a defender were dragged for there poor first half performances. The Gardens seems a better side from the kick off as they used the wind well. The Farm seem to be a little complaisant with the big lead and lost a lot of shape as players were running out of position to attack. This left holes for the Gardens to run into when the ball was over turned, fortunately the Farm were able to track back and plug the holes.

The Gardens would finally get a goal back when the Gardens received a some what dubious free kick 35 yards outside the box. If it was any other player, the angle and distance would not have been an issue for any keeper and defence to clear, but Mohomad from the Gardens is a different kettle of fish as he thundered a 35 yard strike onto goal low and hard. The wet conditions made it difficult for Greenwood to hold the ball as the rebound fell to a Gardens striker who tapped it into the net. 4-1 to the Farm with plenty of football to play.

The Farm would not drop there heads as they would start to string some very good passes together. Regazzo was substituted for Jones who would come on and inject some pace for the Farm. The Farm midfield were working hard to create chances for the Farm. Jones would be put through for a one on one which he finished well to only find out that he was flagged for offside. The duck was not off your back yet Jonesy, but his time would come to roost very soon.

The Farm was in titillating form as the ball was pinning around, the Gardens were left chasing shirts as the Farm charged at goal time and time again. Eventually the Farm would score again as Jones was slipped through for a one-on-one that he tucked away very well, 5-1 to the Farm and a very relieved Jones.

Not long after Jones ice breaker, he would cleavery round the keep and thump the ball against the post as he had the hole goal open, to his defence it was on his wrong foot and a fair effort to get it on target from the angle.

The Gardens were having some attacking chances of there own but big Ennis, Staltari and Clarke were cleaning everything up that came there way. The Gardens would eventually score again through a corner as an unmarked Gardens player headed the ball into the net. 5-2 to the Farm.

That would be the Gardens last chance as the Farm continued the pressure for a sixth goal, unfortunately the ref blew the full time whistle.

A good victory by the Farm, for once luck went our way as we hope to continue this into the cup and up against the West in two weeks.

FINAL SCORE: Parafield Gardens 2 Ingle Farm 5

ROUND 16
INGLE FARM vs PARA HILLS WEST
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH, 2008

FINAL SCORE: Salisbury Florina 1 Ingle Farm 3

ROUND 18
INGLE FARM vs PONTIAN EAGLES
WALKLEY PARK
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH, 2008

FINAL SCORE: Ingle Farm 7 Pontian Eagles 0