Cobram has got its first division one win of the new Albury Wodonga Football Association season on the board after thumping St Pats 7-1 on Saturday.
Star English recruit Kieran O'Donnell opened his account for the Roar, finishing the day with five goals in a stellar display.
The home side Cobram led 2-0 early before St Pats pulled one back at the 10-minute mark, with the Roar adding another goal to take a 3-1 advantage into the sheds.
A further four goals came in the second half, with O’Donnell the star of the show in the comfortable victory.
“It was a game that Kieran needed to have,” Cobram coach Vince Iannucci said.
“It was good to see him get on the score sheet, and once he finally hit his straps, he was banging them in from everywhere.
“A goal that was worked between Anthony Corso and Kieran for a tap-in at the far post was a really good, well-constructed goal. Kieran also hit a free kick which was a bullet too.”
Following a humbling 5-1 defeat to Wangaratta City in round one, Iannucci said it was good for the Roar to get a positive result on the board.
“Team morale was boosted, which was good. It was good to see smiles on the faces of the boys,” he said.
“We didn’t score more than five goals at any point last season, so to knock seven in, it was good to see the front third start to fire.
“Onwards and upwards. We have Myrtleford this week which is another test for us, so we will see how we go.”
The gaffer also praised teenager Jake Kalz for his performance, scoring in his senior starting debut for the Roar.
“Jake debuted for the first time, he made his starting debut for the seniors. He got on the score sheet which was good to see, and he played well too,” Iannucci said.
Below are other match reports contributed by Cobrams coaches.
Division 1 women: Cobram 0 - 5 Melrose
The Roarettes travelled to Melrose Park to take on league contenders Melrose FC in what were extremely uncomfortable conditions with the heat topping 36°C.
The ladies put up a fight from the first whistle to the very end. Despite the ladies having nine unavailable players and one on the bench, they gave it everything they had. Melrose FC proved its class to walk away with a 5-0 victory.
Despite the loss, as a coach, I was very proud of the 12 players that played and represented their club and played the 90 minutes without giving up. We suffered multiple injuries throughout the game and ladies struggling with the heat and not having a rotation on the bench was probably what hurt us more then the loss itself.
Melrose was in front 4-0 at half-time.
The second half was the half that the ladies from Cobram really showed the Roar in them, keeping Melrose to just one goal. And despite being battered injured and bruised and heat-stressed, the Roar ladies created countless chances in the last half of the game to be as competitive as possible.
It just wasn't to be for them. Standout players for the Roar were Kim Collins, best on ground, followed by Bella Pardy, the second best on ground.
In round three we take on Hotspurs FC for our first home game.
Division two men: Cobram 6-1 St Pats
The Roar picked up their second win of the season in an impressive 6-1 win over St Pats.
The visitors, St Pats, struck first and had the early lead, but Cobram responded in dominant fashion.
Goals to Luke Goodin and Rocky Perri had the Roar in front inside 20 minutes, with Cobram adding two more goals before the end of the half.
Perri and Goodin then scored their second goals of the day in the second half, with Cobram running out 6-1 victors.
The Roar sit atop the division two ladder with two games played.
Goals: Luke Goodin 2, Rocky Perri 2, Samuel Hurlston, New Suphun
Over-35s: Cobram 1-2 St Pats
The over-35s took on last season's runners-up in what turned out to be a very competitive and physical game throughout.
Cobram took the lead midway through the first half with James McMaster finishing off a great move from down the right-hand side of the pitch.
A lapse in concentration on a set piece saw St Pats draw level, and then with eight minutes to go, St Pats were awarded a controversial penalty which they slotted home to take a 2-1 lead.
Cobram was unable to find a late equaliser and the game ended 2-1 in favour of the visitors.
Best: James McMaster, Mario Mete
U14 boys: Cobram 1-4 St Pats FC
The Roar came up against a strong St Pats team, who were the first to score. A fantastic play by the Roar got the ball to the forward line, with Tyler passing to Jake to score an equaliser.
Alex did a tremendous job as goalkeeper, making some fantastic saves with his confidence in reading the ball and quick decision making shining through. Unfortunately St Pats managed to score another two goals before the half-time break.
The second half saw Roar players applying a lot of pressure to the opposition. Will in defence worked especially hard at keeping St Pats at bay but they managed to score one more goal before the final whistle to win 4-1.
Goals: Jake Kauta
Awards: Xavier Gooderham, Lukas Stewart
U14 girls: Cobram 10-0 Boomers FC
Roar came out firing against Boomers FC, pressuring their defensive line. Alexis Iddles scored the first goal at the two-minute mark, and at the five-minute mark she converted a penalty.
Despite the heat impacting play, Matilda Iddles and Ella Janssens scored a goal each within the 15-minute mark.
Roar’s experienced backline expertly anticipated the Boomers’ offensive tactics and the team was able to successfully move the ball to set Alexis Iddles up for two more goals.
Boomers changed tactics in the second half and successfully shut down Roar’s offensive line a number of times. However, Ella Janssens scored her second goal with Gemma Janssens following up and scoring her first goal for the season. Alissa Mete finished off the 10-0 score with two goals.
It was a great team effort with Roar’s seasoned players supporting and guiding the new players.
Coaches award: Pippa Kerr debuted on the soccer field with great foresight, reading the play.
U12 boys: Cobram 2-1 St Pats
A determined St Pats challenged Cobram from the outset. Lachlan Pardy was outstanding in defence, with fellow defenders Ben Padman, Banjo Boake and Dominic Siciliano working hard all game to counter the St Pats attack.
Some great linked team play led to brilliant goals by both Blake Miller and Harvey Boake. Congratulations to Claudia Powell, Alexis Stewart and Dominic Siciliano on making their club debuts.
Goals: Harvey Boake and Blake Miller