BUFC 6–2 Adelaide Athletico
After last week’s opposition, the Pitbulls, were unable to field a team and Barossa received a 3–0 forfeit, the side was keen to get back
out on the park and play.
Barossa took the kick-off and moved the ball around with intent. With only four minutes gone, Ethan Nolan made a strong run down the
right wing, beating his marker with ease before whipping in a cross that found Neil Beach in space. Neil Beach took one touch to settle
before placing the ball inside the far post to give Barossa an early lead.
Barossa continued to work hard and, ten minutes later, were rewarded with a second goal. Stuart Shipway found himself in acres of
space and smashed a beautiful left-foot strike into the roof of the net from 12 yards.
Adelaide Athletico tried to work their way back into the game, but Jack Binyon and James Ruwoldt controlled the middle of the park,
giving the visitors very little time or space to find their rhythm. On the few occasions Athletico broke through midfield, they were shut
down by the outstanding central defensive pairing of James King and Hamish Reimers.
Just after the half-hour mark, substitute Daniel Hibbert latched onto a cross and guided the ball past the goalkeeper to extend Barossa’s
lead and score his first goal of the season.
The second half began with Adelaide Athletico pushing Barossa back, and in the 49th minute they were awarded a penalty, which they
converted to give themselves a lifeline.
Barossa quickly regained control of the contest. Leading goalscorer Alex Griffiths found his first of the game after leaving a couple of
defenders behind before driving a low shot into the bottom corner. Just three minutes later, Alex Griffiths was celebrating again,
battling his way down the left side before cutting onto his right foot and rifling the ball into the net from close range.
Adelaide Athletico were awarded a second penalty, which was converted to reduce the margin once again.
With time running out, the visitors continued to press but struggled to create clear opportunities. Barossa sealed the result when James
Ruwoldt was left unmarked and calmly tapped home from eight yards, with the ball finding the net via the post.
It was an excellent team performance from everyone in Barossa Blue. Player of the Match was awarded to Alex Griffiths for his
commanding display across the park.
