Cringila's Knockout Blow Just Dandy

Illawarra Mercury

Monday March 3, 2008

By PAUL ZALUNARDO

SECURING a spot in the quarter-finals of the Corrimal Leagues Club Knockout wasn't the only good news to emerge for Cringila Lions at Tarrawanna Oval yesterday afternoon.

Beating three-time Illawarra Premier League champions Dandaloo 1-0 served as a warning to the rest of the competition that the Lions are in for a good season.

Dandaloo weren't at their best and it was only a pre-season game, but Cringila still did enough to suggest they will at least challenge for a top-four finish in the season proper.

Blake Coates scored the only goal in a match played in warm conditions.

His first-half strike came after he shrugged off new Dandaloo signing Michael Clare and rolled the ball through the legs of Dandy keeper Scott Whalan.

Whalan pulled off three superb one-on-one saves in the second half to keep his team in the match.

Dandaloo had chances to score, but Cringila were able to manufacture a lot more over the 90 minutes.

Cringila coach Icko Atanasoski said the match served as a great pre-season test.

"They are the competition games we want, a good quality opponent and a good game," he said.

"I am happy with the result, but there are still a lot of things to work on.

"A win is a win at the end of the day, but we need to keep working."

With young midfielder David Polidoro a stand-out, Cringila were able to match it with a Dandaloo midfield that included the likes of Steve Krishna, Matt O'Shea, Paul Gaffney and Clare.

The winners of the knockout's seven groups were determined over the weekend, with Highlands United the only non-Premier League club to advance.

Highlands' win over fellow District League side Helensburgh yesterday was enough to take out Group Six. Premier League newcomers Fernhill advanced to the knockout stage of the tournament with a 3-1 win over Port Kembla.

Bulli, Tarrawanna, Albion Park and South Coast United complete the list of group winners.

Picton Rangers were last night selected as the wild card team that completed the quarter-final draw.

Meantime, Cringila will play their second match in as many days when they take on Wollongong United tonight in the Cringila Cup decider.

Corrimal Leagues quarter-final draw: Wednesday at Ray Robinson Field: Sth Coast Utd v Fernhill (6.30pm), Highlands Utd v Picton Rangers (8.15pm). Thursday at Ray Robinson Field: Tarrawanna v Cringila (6.30pm), Bulli v Albion Park (8.15pm).

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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