Gippsland Falcons 1 (Osman 89th)
Newcastle Breakers 1 (Zane 84th)
Referee: Jeremy Blaney
Yellow cards: Tony Sekulic (at the 56th minute), Lev Osman (at the 70th)
In a game which could be described as entertaining due to the vigorous contest, however, of a poor technical quality, the Gippsland Falcons and the Newcastle Breakers played a 1 =961 draw at Falcons Park today.
Both teams went into the game full of confidence, as both, as underdogs, scored convincing wins in round 1.
Both goals were scored in the second half
Breakers Striker Clayton Zane, who scored a "hat trick" last week against the Adelaide Sharks put his team in front at the 84th minute.
Following a throw in, Jason Bennett flicked the ball on to the near post and Zane deflected it into the net.
Five minutes later, Claudio Canosa collected a long ball coming from the defence, drove it along the touch line sent a great cross in the direction of goal, the ball was contested and fell invitingly to the feet of Lev Osman, who sent it home for the equaliser.
The opening minutes of the game were a rather lackluster affair, with both teams playing with caution. The home side, however, gradually gained confidence and stepped up a notch. They looked good in defence and began making some promising moves forward. Their finishing, however, was lacking. The absence of a "natural" striker with some height was evident.
Both sides contested well and both had some opportunities and provided some excitement for the crowd with breakthroughs and shots at goal.
Jason Bennett broke through for Newcastle at the seventh minute, however, Falcons=92 Keeper Jim Kourtis made a routine save. Several minutes later, Brian McNicoll following a patch of clever play, sent the ball over the bar.
Convincing charges at goal without the ultimate results came about in the 25th minute by Nick Palamaras, but a fumble in front of goal allowed a chance to go begging. Two minutes later Doug West set up a chance for Newcastle when from the right sent a cross directed towards Clayton Zane, but they Falcon defenders, in numbers pounced on the ball.
The best chance of the half came about at the 31st. Doug Marcina won the ball in the midfield, dribbled it past two opponents and sent a "rocket" type shot which forced Newcastle keeper Liam Baker to save in spectacular fashion.
Toward the end of the first half and in the opening minutes of the second, the visitors looked the goods. They were playing better football and looked dangerous.
Jason Bennett almost scored in the 64th minute after receiving a cross from Troy Halpin.
One of Frank Arok's young brigade, Archie Thompson made an immediate impact upon entry on the ground as a substitute and at the 69th minute in a solo effort beat two opponents was disposed of the ball, regained it, sent a solid shot, but again "no cigar".
The Falcons had two excellent chances one by Joe Tricarico and one by Nick Palamaras to seal the game following the equalising goal however, the game was destined to be a Draw.
Following the game, Falcons coach Frank Arok stated that the game was well contested from both sides. "They were better towards the end of the first half and at the beginning of the second. We had two good chances to win after the equalising goal. Arok was happy with the efforts of his players.
Breakers coach, former Socceroo John Kosmina felt that his side played well enough to warrant a win.