Soccer
12 August, 2024
Juniors impress, Aytar scores first hat-trick
The Horsham Falcons under-14s soccer team secured a 5-3 win, the under-12s battled out a 0-0 draw, and Sedat Aytar kicked his first hat-trick for the seniors in their 3-7 loss to Ararat on Sunday in the South West Victoria Football Association.
The under-14s kicked the day off at the Gordon Street football oval in Ararat with a 5-3 win against the Stawell Pioneers.
Earlier in the season, the Falcons lost 4-6 and knew the match would be tough. However, they got off to a brilliant start, with in-form Stephen Tatel kicking the first goal after 10 minutes and another not long after, as the Falcons led by 3-2 at halftime. Their other goal in the half came from Oluwateniola Ogunoye.
In the second half, Ogunoye kicked his second, and Jesse Charity hit the back of the net, and they won 5-3.
Coach Gavin McRoberts said the boys were on cloud nine after the match.
"It was an absolutely brilliant match, and they were thrilled, and they were so exhausted after the game that no one wanted to smile for the team photo," McRoberts said.
The under-12s had their chances, with countless shots on goal, but couldn't find the back of the net in their 0-0 draw against the Corangamite Lions, whom they defeated 4-0 earlier in the season.
They had a few players who played the under-14s game, and they attacked hard but just couldn't hit the back of the net. The Falcons' defence stood up, only allowing approximately eight shots on goal.
Caleb Dickerson-Williams was terrific in goals again, saving a few good goals. Bede Schwarz starred in defence, and Kody Dickerson-Williams and Mason Arnel also had good games up the ground.
"We knew they would be better because, just like us, they had to develop, but it was frustrating that we had so many near misses," McRoberts explained.
Even though the seniors didn't win against the Stawell Pioneers, they had something to celebrate, with Sedat Aytar securing his first hat-trick in their 3-7 loss.
Aytar hit the back of the net twice in the first half, and the Falcons trailed by 2-3 at halftime. In the second half, he secured his hat-trick, but late goals to the Pioneers gave them a tough victory.
McRoberts said it was a tough match.
"It was a hard slog for them all day, and we had a couple of small niggles, but the players got back on and fought it out," McRoberts said.
The Falcons under-14s and seniors have a bye next week, but the under-12s will play the Warrnambool Rangers at Ararat.