Cobras throw away the 3 points vs Skye Utd
The Cobras conceded two goals in the last 10 minutes to lose 3-4 against third placed Skye Utd in a controversial match, while the Reserves were dominant in a 2-0 win. The Thirds were winning 1-0 but the game was called off when a Beaumaris player suffered convulsions on the ground.

The Cobras are kicking themselves as they let slip an opportunity to beat a higher placed opponent and close the gap between the top 4. For once the team started on fire and Peter Alissaphos blasted a shot leaving the keeper with no chance to open the score at the 10 minute mark. Within five minutes, Skye had scored the equaliser as Declan Frey punched the ball away from goal only to land at the feet of their striker who cleverly just kicked the ball over the defence and keeper and into the goal.

Skye scored their second in a controversial manner as a forward play was deemed offside by the linesman and referee and the ball landed in the keeper's hands but the referee called play on in which few players heard and the ball was rolled out waiting for the free kick to be taken. In the confusion the Skye player kicked the ball into the back of the net and the goal was allowed. The referee made an error as the ball had to be kicked for play to restart but the players appeals fell on deaf ears. This was the first of many bewildering decisions made by the match official. The side was down 1-2 at the break and seething in regards to the terrible decision.

In the second half the side came out and dominated play as John Tzifrakos harassed the Skye defenders and scored two wonderful goals and the travelling team were on the ropes. The Cobras were leading 3-2 and looking comfortable. Nick Talidis injured his hamstring with 20 minutes remaining and the referee would not allow a substitution until he was ready even though the ball went out, a corner was taken, free kicks were given. When the ball was eventually kicked out by Onur Tufan the referee flashed the yellow card and took out the red for a second offence for deliberately kicking the ball out and asking whether a sub can be made! Luckily the linesman stepped in and after 10 minutes of discussion with players and officials the decision was reversed.

This stoppage in play affected the team's momentum and Skye was soon on top as a soft free kick was well taken and headed by an ex-player Chaz Di Petta to equalise while Peter Alissaphos could have restored the lead with another wonder strike that smashed into the upright and bounced just inside the goal line and out to safety. In the last minute another soft free kick was given and Skye scored the dramatic winner and stole the three points but their endeavour and never say die attitude was to be commended.

The Cobras' players were wondering how did it all go wrong and should have secured the victory and are now still in 5th spot but the gap between 4th placed Riversdale is now four points. This Saturday the team travels to Dendy Park to play against Old Brighton.

The Reserves were brilliant in the first half as a new structure enabled players to run from deep and cause panic in the Skye defence as many chances were created. The first goal was scored by Ben Rigby who cleverly trapped the ball and beat his marker and his shot went wide of the keeper. The second goal was a beautifully struck shot by Tim Akhounov from out wide which deceived the keeper and made it 2-0. The addition of John Tselekidis and Ari Mamalis bolstered the team's strength while Rigby was on fire. It was also a great display by Paul Camargo ion his battle against the giant Skye defender.

Tim Akhounov was once again making cheeky runs on the right while the defence of Merenda, Arabatsis, Mamalis, Hrambains was solid. The two central midfielders, Thomaidis and Arthur Mamalis directed traffic and were briiliant in their short passing game. Vamvoukos is also back to his best in goals.

The second half was a case of brilliant defending as Skye were playing 4 upfront and exposing themselves in defence but the Cobras failed to capitalise on a couple of chances. Steve Merenda was injured by a menacing Vamvoukos thrust as Andrew Sirianos was comfortable slotting into the defence as his replacement. It was great to see George Niaros back in the side and busy upfront while Andrew Georgiades made his debut from the Under 16s and made a couple of timely runs on the right. The team finds itself still in 3rd spot on the ladder.

The Thirds were leading 1-0 against 2nd placed Beaumaris after a great goal by Jim Azanas who is also the top scorer in the Masters team. His goal came after a well taken free kick. Great to see Giora Lichtenstein in goals for the Cobras. Unfortunately the game was called off in the first half as a Beaumaris player suffered convulsions while on the ground. This Sunday the team is at home against Old Scotch.

The Masters are playing against Bueamaris also at home and both games starting at 11am
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Whitehorse Utd
vs
Caulfield Cobras
1:00/3:00PM
Sat 11th September 2010
Terrara Park
Mel: 62 J7
Lyndale Utd 34
Ashburton 31
Riversdale 29
Skye Utd 29
Cobras 22
Endeavour Utd 21
Berwick 20
Argonauts 19
Melb Uni 19
Old Carey 18
Old Brighton 13
Whitehorse 11
Mens Thirds League Div 4 South-East
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