Broadmeadow Magic didn't take long to quieten one of the better crowds in recent times when they played a through ball for Magic's Striker Peter Haynes to run onto in the 9th min. Haynes found the net and the Bears were down 0-1.
Broadmeadow should have put the Bears further behind but Bears keeper Tim Pratt was up to the job and pulled off a great save in the 19th min.
The 25th min saw Robbie Turnbull pounce on a Magic defensive mix up. Turnbull still had plenty of work to do but made no mistake and drilled the ball past the Magic keeper to get the Bears back on level terms at 1-1.
The 2nd half started just like the first with Magic taking the lead in the 52nd min. The goal came from a good switch of play to the right in the Magic Midfield they then played the ball to their Striker Murray Fletcher who appeared to be off side. The Bears defence stopped and appealed for off side, this allowed Fletcher to have a 1 on 1 with Tim Pratt and put the Bears behind on the score board again 1-2.
Magic almost stung the Bears again only 4 mins later but thankfully for the Bears the thumping header smashed against the crossbar and not the net.
The 57th min the Bears should have levelled after some strong work from Jamie Subat on the right. Subat's cross wasn't cleared by the defence at first but the Bears failed to capitalise on the goal mouth scramble.
Both sides were playing a good physical and entertaining style of football but both sets of players frustrations were growing with several decisions by the referee and in the 63rd min these frustration boiled over with his decision to send Bears striker Mick Ryan off with a 2nd yellow for a tackle that was simply a good strong challenge.
Tim Pratt stood tall again in the 74th min with a great 1 on 1 save to keep the Bears in the match.
The Bears pushed hard and attacked the Magic's goal for the remainder but were unable to break through and the match ended at 1-2 for the Bears to suffer their 1st defeat of the season.
Although the Bears lost the match they were unlucky not to draw the match as they showed what coach Mick Boogaard described as "plenty of Mongrel" to continue to compete with 10 men after the sending off of Mick Ryan mid way through the 2nd half. This character has proved that the Bears have what it takes to compete for a top 4 spot and hopefully even more come seasons end.
The U/23's undefeated season continued with a hard fought and entertaining 3-3 draw. The Bears lead 1-0 at the break only to fall behind 1-3 late in the 2nd half and then come back and score 2 late goals with the 3rd goal being a Kurt Tunicliffe screamer that wouldn't be out of place in the EPL highlights real. Goal scorers were Max Wallington x 2 and Kurt Tunicliffe.
U/18's are making many a supporter and official have a smile on their face with another good win, this time it was 2-0. The young Bears are starting to look very good on the pitch and things are looking bright for the future of the Bears. Scorers were Tim Gleeson and Jake Barner.
This season at home games the club are looking to promote the game to our local Juniors and hold events prior to the First Grade kick off and again at half time of the First Grade game for our local Junior football clubs. At this week's game we had the Abermain U/10's and Kurri Kurri Red U/11's compete in a Penalty Shoot Out against Bears U/18's keeper James Wand. The club would like to thank the young players and parents who competed and we would love to see you back at the game to support the Mighty Bears. If any side would be interested in participating in this please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange the date.
Next game is on Monday 26/4 with the Bears Traveling to Hamilton Olympic's Darling St Oval.
C'MON YOU BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
