SWAN Hill’s champion men’s soccer team returned to the park for the first time in 2023 in a practice match against NPL club Oakleigh Cannons’ under 20s side at Ken Harrison Reserve on Sunday.
In a high-quality match that had a bit of spice in it for a pre-season contest, the Swans led for the majority before a late goal ensured both sides went home relatively pleased with a 1-1 result.
Golden boot winner Conner Brown opened the scoring in the first 10 minutes and Swan Hill had the better of the majority of the first half.
However, the Cannons turned it around after half-time, creating a litany of chances.
The visitors should have equalised well before they did, but some excellent last-ditch defending and good keeping from Riley McCosh kept the Swans’ slim lead intact.
With only minutes to go, an errant back pass gave the Cannons the opening they had been searching all game for and deservedly equalised.
It was the first time the Swans had played in a practice match in a few years and Swan Hill Soccer League president Sue Fox said the day’s success meant we’ll be seeing more in the future.
“Oakleigh were absolutely amazing – they’ve supported us all the way – and we’re looking forward to doing another gala day with our juniors included as well,” Fox said.
“A couple of our women watched the game and they showed an interest in having a practice game, which we’ll try to organise soon.”
The Swans’ under 16s youth side took on the Cannons’ under 15 boys development team in a curtain raiser to the main contest, with the Cannons proving too strong.
But the young Swans can hold their heads high, according to Fox.
“For some of our boys, it was the first time they had played on a full-sized pitch in a competitive game, and we are all very proud of the boys,” she said.
An exciting year beckons for the Swans after their premiership-winning season and the new clubroom was in tip-top shape.
“We are all very excited to see what transpires this season and at this stage, our pre-season is going very well – including our women’s and junior boys and girls teams,” Fox said.
