Football West’s National Training Centre’s team have had mixed results in Institute Challenge at the AIS in Canberra.

Football West National Training Centre Boys (NTC) vs Australian Capitol Territory Academy of Sport (ACTAS)

The Football West National Training Centre Boys were narrowly defeated 2-1 in their opening match against a well organised ACTAS in the Institute and Academy Challenge held at the Australian Institute of Sport this week. The WA boys were chasing the game for the majority of the match and thought they had salvaged a draw when Eli Babalj scored with great goal with only 6 minutes remaining. However only a minute later the WA boys capitulated and allowed ACTAS to regain their advantage in the dying stages of the match.

Despite having the majority of the play throughout the match, ACTAS found it difficult to create any real chances against the NTC defence who were outstanding. Centre back Liam Harvey put in a commanding display along with Dean Evans.

ACTAS continued to be on top in the midfield and were rewarded for their display early in the first half as they fired themselves into the lead.

The NTC boys continued to try and get back into the game throughout the second half, with Striker Eli Babalj doing well to create a few chances from limited service.

With just minutes remaining Babalj did fantastically well to bring the Football West NTC level and tie the game. However just moments later they were picking the ball out of the back of the net as ACTAS hit back to take away the three points.

A creditable performance from the Football West NTC boys who will be disappointed not to have held out in the dying stages for a valuable point.

An encouraging display from a number of players with Harvey, Evans, Clisby and Risdon all playing extremely well. Babalj looked dangerous and will be sure to gain confidence from a well taken goal that opens his account for the tournament.

Football West National Training Centre Boys (NTC) vs Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS)

The WA NTC side surrendered a two goal lead in the second match of the Institute and Academy Challenge at AIS on Saturday against a strong QAS. The NTC boys were superb throughout the match and cruised to a 2-0 lead which could have easily been more as they looked assured of taking home the three points. But a stirring fight back in the last ten minutes of the game earned QAS the draw as the WA side capitulated in the final moments of the game for the second match in a row.

Following their unlucky last minute defeat against the hands ACTAS yesterday the NTC boys started the match determined to make amends and put in a confident display as they sailed to a two goal lead courtesy of a brace by Keith Clevenger. Indeed QAS were fortunate not to find themselves further behind as the NTC dominated the proceedings.

Queensland continued to try and claw their way back into the game but couldn’t break down the NTC defence who again put in a dominant display with Trent Sainsbury a stand out playing at centre back.

Then with only ten minutes remaining Queensland found a way through and reduced the NTC advantage leading to a cagey and nervous final stage to the game.  Then with only minutes remaining QAS were back on level terms after capitalizing on an uncharacteristic mistake from Liam Harvey who mis-hit a square pass allowing the Queensland striker to nip in and finish to complete Queenslands last minute fight back.

The NTC players left to settle for a draw, but will no doubt gain confidence from an impressive team performance.

 

The Boys NTC Squad is as follows:

Dejan Aleksic 
Clayton Arnez
Mark Birighitti
Jarrad Bracewell 
Michael Currie
Jake Geddes
Liam Harvey
Adam Luca
John Tancredi
Reece Vittiglia
Keith Clevenger
Dean Evans
Eli Babalj
Jack Clisby 
Cameron Edwards
Joshua Risdon
Alexander Pearson
Trent Sainsbury
Zoran Vrteski