They are clear.
With results going their way over the weekend the Cobram Roar are officially clear on top of the Albury Wodonga Football Association Men’s Division One ladder.
The side did things the hard way on Sunday afternoon at the Apex Reserve, with the home side coming back from a goal down to defeat Albury City 2-1.
A first-half goal to Albury saw the side take a one-goal lead into half-time. However, second-half strikes to Anthony Corso and Florian Dambricourt got the home side ahead.
Roar coach Vince Iannucci said most of the game was played in City’s defensive half.
“We sort of worked hard for it,” Iannucci said.
“It was just a matter of us finally getting the goals we needed and easing the pressure and taking it from there.
“We were all over them from the start of the game.
“We had just a couple of lapses of concentration here and there and one of them cost us a goal.”
Iannucci described Corso’s goal as an “absolute cracker” with Nathan Thomas coming off the bench to help set up Dambricourt’s winner.
He said the whole side played well, with everyone doing their job.
“The good thing about it is Albury United lost on the weekend so we are now outright first,” he said.
“That was a pleasant surprise at the end of the game.
“The next four games are crucial, they are all going to be championship games.
“If we win those four games we’ll win the title.”
Cobram will be missing its French duo for three of these crucial games, with Dambricourt and Martin Louchet set to be away.
The ever-reliable Bill Puckett is also carrying a bit of a niggle, however Iannucci was confident the side would be ready to go, with a number of former players also returning to training.
“With some of the guys we’ve got coming back and the team still being pretty fit, they’re (Dambricourt and Louchet) going to be a big loss but I think we can cover it.”
— Daniel Webb
Division two men
Cobram Roar 1 lost to Albury City 3
A strong start from the young Roar team up against the top team in Albury City saw the home side create some good chances. Cobram earned a penalty mid-way through the first half through some great Layne Haley footwork but was unable to convert with Albury City taking the lead not long after.
After going into the break 0-1 a Nazz Corso strike from outside the box saw the two teams level before the experience of the away team saw them take a 3-1 win. Experience will continue to be gained from these tough losses as they look for a finals berth where anything can happen.
Goals: Nazz Corso 1
Division two women
Cobram Roar 3 def Albury City 0
The Roarettes took on seventh-placed Albury City after a forfeit from Hotspurs last week. Our ladies were a bit scrappy with their structure and ball movement but it didn't stop them bringing home a 3-0 win and keeping another clean sheet.
Goals scored by Ella Lissington and Marlie Noonan were both class strikes. Helen Zito was able to find herself on the scoresheet for the first time this season.
The women take on third-placed Wangaratta this weekend which will be a great contest.
Under-16
Cobram Roar 7 def Albury City 0
The under-16 boys did battle with an undermanned Albury City at home and quickly poured on the goals in the first half. The boys continued strongly throughout the game with a very even performance to come away with a convincing 7-0 win
Goals: Jake Kalz 2, Jackson Koopman 2, Jake Brincat 2, Luke Goodin 1.
Under-13
Cobram Roar 11 def Albury City 0
A strong performance from the under-13 team resulted in an 11-0 win.
Goals: Lenny Power 2, Samuel Osborne 2, Xavier Gooderham 2, Dante Zito 2, Lachlan Pardy 1, Alex Hawke 1, Reegan Hawke 1.
Under-12
Cobram Roar 9 def Albury City 0
The young Roar side arrived at the scene feeling exited, ready and pumped to face Wodonga Diamonds.
The game kicked off and the young roar boys were having shots within five minutes, wanting to get on scoreboard early. Fifteen minutes into the game and they were up 3-0 with goals from Harvey Boake, Jeremy Egan and Sam Osborne.
The second half started with great work ethic from Henry Watmore, Will Hutchinson and Jack woods creating chances for boys. A long-range shot from Andre Corso found the back of the net, getting him on the scoreboard. Super dribbler Harvey Boake got three more goals to take them to a 7-0 lead.
Great defending from Will Young, Lachlan Pardy, and Blaize Dahlenburg kept the opposition goalless.
With only 10 minutes left of the match Cobram Roar midfielder Owen Stubbs and forward Sam Osborne scored a goal each making it a 9-0 victory. A massive win for the young Roar side which is looking very sharp as the season progresses. Well done boys.