Qantas Young Socceroos Draw With Sydney Fc

[Captain Howdy]

Wednesday 27 April 2005


The Qantas Young Socceroos (Under 20’s) recorded a solid 1-1 draw with Sydney FC tonight at Marconi Stadium, as their preparations continue for the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championships in the Netherlands in June.

Coming off the back of a strong 4-0 win over Newcastle last Sunday, the Qantas Young Socceroos faced a determined Sydney side, not wanting to suffer to same fate as its fellow Hyundai A-League club.

With new Perth Glory signing Billy Celeski (pictured right) leading the way, the young Australian side looked the better early on and the attacking midfielder almost supplied the first goal for Vince Lia with a beautiful diagonal ball in behind the defence. Lia’s first touch though let him down and Qantas Socceroo goalkeeper Clint Bolton was able to save.

Both sides continued to show great commitment and it was Sydney FC that managed to open the scoring after 25 minutes. Qantas Young Socceroo keeper Danny Vukovic committed himself to a challenge outside the box, and while he won the ball, the clearance went only as far as former Everton midfielder David Carney.

Carney put the ball onto his preferred left foot and curled a shot from 30 metres that looked headed for the top corner until defender Mark Milligan touch the ball over the bar. Normally that would have earned him a red card, but being a training game, Milligan stayed on and Ufuk Talay stepped up to convert the penalty kick for Sydney.

The start of the second half, saw the Qantas Young Socceroos storm out of the blocks and after Chris Tadrosse was foiled by a desperate block after just 30 seconds, the game was level a minute later.

Lia was given space down the right and although he mi**** his cross, Celeski stormed onto the ball and took to the by-line and somehow slipped his shot from the narrowest of angles, past a stunned Bolton. It was just reward for Celeski, who had looked dangerous throughout.

Vukovic then nearly handed the lead back to Sydney minutes later, when Middleby was through. Middleby hit his shot straight at Vukovic, but it slipped through his legs and luckily for him, Jacob Timpano was on hand to clear desperately off the line.

Sydney looked dangerous from several long throws in the area, but in general play it was the Qantas Young Socceroos creating the better chances.

Tadrosse missed two good chances in the final 10 minutes with both shots going over the bar from around 10 yards out.

The Qantas Young Socceroos now move onto South Australia to play Hyundai A-League side Adelaide United on Saturday night at Hindmarsh Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.

Match Details

Australian U/20’s 1 (Billy Celeski 47’)

Sydney FC 1 (Ufuk Talay 25’ pen)

[Rex]

Originally Posted by Diddimz

Lia was given space down the right and although he mi**** his cross...

Huh?

Good to see the Glory boy got the goal. This either means our A-League is really bad or our next nation crop is really good!

[Captain Howdy]

i didnt get the **** either but it was written like that in the article. hopefully it means our next cropm of youth is good though

[Rex]

I heard it was - exciting times in Aussie football!

[Captain Howdy]

i agree, very exciting times