Logan End Losing Streak At Expense of Power
Peninsula Power 1 (Kawakami 77') Logan FC 2 (Greer 16'; Adarkwah 30')
HT 0-2
Logan FC's losing streak came to an end with a 2-1 success away to Peninsula Power. First half goals to Richard Greer and Michael Adarkwah proving enough to grab all three points despite substitute Ryosuke Kawakami's late strike giving the Logan faithful palpitations towards the end of the game.
Logan entered the game missing the Sherwood brothers and also having seen the departure of Alex Warrilow to PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues side Sunshine Coast Fire during the week; seemingly the fall out from last week's defeat to Capalaba. Power were still without the services of Charles Mendy as coach Terry Kirkham also made changes to his side following the defeat at home to Albany Creek last time out. The opening moments of the encounter seemed to ebb Power's way as they started the better but just after a quarter of an hour they were behind. Josep Baldovi cutting the ball back to unmarked Logan skipper Richard Greer on the edge of the box who drilled a low shot past Jake Reesby into the bottom corner of the goal. Moments later, Logan striker Phil Randall had a superb opportunity to extend the visitors lead. A deep cross from Greer picked out the tall front man who wasn't picked up by the Power defence, but his attempted header didn't come off cleanly, powering the ball into the ground and to Reesby's relief, bouncing harmlessly over the bar with the Power keeper left to remonstrate with his defenders. The hosts did have the ball in the back of the net on 26 minutes with Kado Aoci smashing the ball in from close range, but he was adjusted to have been offside and the goal was scrubbed off. It proved to be defining moment as a few minutes later Logan doubled their lead. Michael Adarkwah was played in with a long ball and powered towards goal. Reesby rushed out to intercept him on the edge of the box but mistimed his attempt with Adarkwah slipping the ball past him and rounding the Power keeper before poking the ball home as the Power defence scrambled to reach him. The contest demonstrated two sides that were desperate for a win as the physical nature threatened to boil over. Adarkwah and Power's David Salin embroiled in a striker/defender tussle throughout the first half with Salin perhaps fortunate to have only picked up a caution for his theatrics.
Things threatened to boil over as both sides looked to bounce back from recent defeats.
As the half drew to close, it took everything Referee Martin Krenes had to keep a lid on things when a melee ensued near the touchline and in front of a packed balcony overlooking proceedings. Adarkwah tangling with Jared Austin sparking things off as players came in to get involved and Referee Krenes in the middle to keep the peace. Perhaps surprisingly no sanctions resulting from what looked an ugly incident. No doubt Kirkham had some choice words for his side at half time and perhaps rightly so and shortly after commencement of the second half, he made a substitution with Kawakami replacing Thomas Gilbert. It was a move that should have been made earlier as immediately the Japanese midfielder provided some impetus into the Power attack. The hosts naturally looking for a way back into the game were now looking the better side. Shaun Feuerriegel producing a good reaction save from Logan keeper Nick Moore shortly before the hour mark.
A rare opportunity for Peninula's Kado Aoci who was contained for much of the contest.
The Logan defence were doing a stout effort in containing Power, in particular on Aoci with Greg Gourley and Petar Kostovski giving the Power front man close scrutiny. Power did find a way back into the game with a little over ten minutes remaining with the goal steeped in confusion. Kawakami's strike taking a deflection off a Logan defender and finding its way beyond the outstretched gloves of Moore only to see the assistant referee's flag raised and the Logan defence pleading their case. Referee Krenes consulted with his assistant and correctly so, the goal stood with the flag raised for Aoci who hadn't interfered with the play. Power were lifted by the goal and went in search for an equaliser which they nearly managed except for the efforts of Moore in the Logan goal. Sub Brayden Cook doing his best with a powerful effort just inside the penalty area forcing Moore into a fine save to tip the ball round his left post. With time running out Power had one last good opportunity when winning a free kick just outside the box. Salin taking responsibility and firing over the wall and calling Moore into action again with an awkward bounce that the Logan custodian did well to palm away. It would prove to be the host's final chance as Logan held out for the five minutes of added time to end their recent losing streak and climb to 5th on the ladder. For Power, it was a second straight home defeat and coach Terry Kirkham will be left scratching his head as to why his side are under achieving. He will though take the positives from Kawakami's performance and also that of Brayden Cook who both impressed when introduced in the second half. Power will now have a week's break to figure out what to do next but with a tightly congested table that has just three points separating 3rd and 10th, there won't be any alarm bells ringing just yet. For Logan it will be a relief to have seen their dip in form come to an end as they too will have a week off to assess things thus far. They'll return to action in Round 10 hosting Albany Creek whilst Power face a tricky away trip to Eastern Suburbs.
FB Media Player of the Match: #16 Greg Gourley - Logan FC. An impressive debut for the youngster who stuck to his task in shadowing Aoci and providing a good covering line for his defence. Special mention too for Ryosuke Kawakami who instigated some spark into Power with his energy as well as grabbing a goal for his side.
Played at: AJ Kelly Park Referee: Martin Krenes
Team Line-ups:
Peninsula Power: Reesby (gk), Aoci, Austin, Bonotto, Feuerriegel, Gilbert, Holden, McEvoy, Salin, Sauer, Strickland. Subs: Burrows (rgk), Plummer, Cook, Kawakami, Peut. Logan FC: Moore (gk), Adarkwah, Baldovi, Bedoya, Gourley, Negrioski, Kostovski, Saint, Greer, Randall, Rudken. Subs: Blaikie (rgk), Brown, Efstathis, Ankerhake.
FB Media Match Stats. Possession: 1st Half 54% - 46% / 2nd Half 53% - 47% Overall Possession: 54% - 46% Shots on target: 6 - 2 Shots off target: 3 - 2 Free kicks: 21 - 18 Offside: 6 - 1 Corners: 7 - 1 Yellow Cards: 1 - 2 Red Cards: 0 - 0
