Cobram too sharp for Hotspurs

By Contributed

Aug 5, 2024

Florian Dambricourt returned to face Hotspurs. Photo: File Photo by Christine Osborne

Cobram travelled to Albury to take on Hotspurs in what was a must-win game for the home side to keep its finals hopes alive.

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Cobram coach Bill Puckett made four changes from the previous week, welcoming Florian Dambricourt and Clement Perrott back into the side after a month home in France, while Dalesa Godwin and Tarkyn Hyde also returned to take up positions in central defence and goalkeeper respectively.

The anticipated fast start from Hotspurs failed to materialise as Cobram took control of the game early, confidently moving the ball around and stretching Hotspurs all over the field. On the 10-minute mark, Cobram took the lead. Jake Kalz raced on to a through ball from Kieran O’Donnell and placed a perfect shot across the keeper into the corner of the net. This goal was no less than Cobram had deserved for its great start to the game.

Things looked even better after 25 minutes when from a fine build-up involving Dambricourt and Jackson Tasso the ball was played out to Toby Wane. Wane put in a great cross, which was controlled and finished well by O’Donnell.

Hotspurs now had no option but to commit players forward and they enjoyed their best spell of the game. With 10 minutes left to half-time, Hotspurs pulled a goal back when a good through ball picked out their striker, who fired a great shot into the bottom corner of the Cobram net. Despite the loss of the goal, the Roar managed to compose themselves and finish the half strongly.

The start of the second half saw Cobram regain total control of the game, enjoying long spells of possession. On two occasions the Hotspurs’ keeper denied Kalz and O’Donnell as they were through on goal. It was no surprise to anyone when Kalz added a third as he sprinted past the Hotspurs’ centre-half and fired into the top right corner of the net.

Hotspurs, to their credit, continued to try to find ways through the Cobram defence. The defensive line, however, remained composed and was able to answer any questions asked of it with relative ease.

With 15 minutes to go though Hotspurs were giving a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty. The penalty was confidently struck past Hyde in goal. Any thoughts of a Hotspurs comeback, however, were quickly put to bed. Wane got on the end of a loose ball in the box and fired an unstoppable shot past the keeper into the roof of the net.

This goal finally knocked any remaining fight out of the Albury side, as Cobram comfortably played out the last 10 minutes.

This was a vital three points secured by Cobram as it looked to move up a couple of spots in the league table. Only Albury City is left to play at home next week before the Roar enjoy a bye week leading into finals.