On Saturday, Guyra took on fierce rivals Glen Innes after 2 weeks off. With 1 win each in previous games, it was always going to be a hard challenge. The game began at a very quick pace and limited goal scoring opportunities were created.

However, the best chances came Glen’s way, and only scrambling defence prevented them hitting the lead. The game quickly became heated, with many hard tackles coming from both sides. The second half began in much the same style as the first finished, a fast paced physical game.

Glen drew first blood, after the rebound from Guyra’s keeper fell to a Glen striker, who easily found the back of the net. Down 1-0, Guyra became more desperate to score the equalising goal and end their long lasting losing record in Glen Innes. However, the defence of Glen proved to be too strong, despite Guyra creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities. The final score, a 1-0 victory to Glen, the same result from earlier in the season.

Points BJ Kliendienst 3 (on 1st grade debut), Luke Birmingham 2, Jason Lennon 1.

Second Grade with Des Walls

With the top of the table clash being played at Glen Innes, it was always going to be a feat in itself to come away with the 3 points. Guyra started the game in prime position with some excellent ball movement all over the park. With not even fifteen minutes on the clock, Wacko Jacko crossed the ball into the box that the keeper fumbled and ever consistent Fred Kennedy volleyed the ball straight into the back of the net. After the punishing start to the game, Glen started to apply unthinkable pressure which should of resulted in them receiving a red card for an unspeakable challenge on our goal keeper. Many shots came from the Glen forwards but our keeper was up to the challenge every time, with some not even reaching our 18 yard box by some massive efforts in the back line. Half time came with Guyra still in the lead 1-0. After oranges, Glen jumped straight on where they left off and so did the Caspers. Defusing everything that came to us. The second half was a 50/50 of possession which ended in the same fashion as the first half. Guyra on top 1-0.

This takes Second Grade to top of the table. Points this week once again gets dispersed into the backs. 3 points to Sparrow Little for his solid efforts, 2 points to our keeps in arms Desie and the 1 point goes to Dave Wilson for once again showing how big his heart is. This week we are up against the TAS students in Armidale. Come and cheer us on as we try to make it three wins from as many starts.

Third Grade with Dasha

On Saturday Guyra Thirds travelled to Armidale to take on Ex Services and unfortunately they came away with a two a 2-0 loss. Guyra, playing with bare eleven, put up a great fight after being down two goals in the first fifteen minutes. The mixture of youth and experience never stopped trying throughout the entire ninety minutes.

The two early goals saw Guyra pull their socks up and dig in for a hard game and that is what they got. Ex Services played three defenders on two attackers. This seemed to work for them as Guyra had limited scoring chances. Scott Mendes took over the role as goalkeeper with the absence of regular Damien Hutton, and to his credit he did a fabulous job. Boyd Stanley played his first full game of the season and was particularly strong.

At half time Guyra spoke about digging in and they came out a different team in the second half. Mal Gaukroger stressed the importance of not letting the opposition build from their own half and to Guyra’s credit they seemed to do this and looked like they could get on top at one stage. Wayne Archibald along with Lachlan Stewart were deterring the many Ex Services attacking raids. This led to Guyra starting to have scoring opportunities but they just could not find the back of the net. Mal Gaukroger and Adam Brennan ran themselves ragged in the middle of the field, trying in vain to spark the boys up for a couple of quick goals. In the end Ex Services probably deserved their win.

Best for Guyra was without a doubt stand in keeper Scott Mendes. He picked up the three points with a well earned performance. The veteran Wayne Archibald got the two points while there was a three way tie for the one point being Mal Gaukroger, Boyd Stanley Adam Brennan.

This week Guyra takes on Uralla at home at 3pm.