Recap

The first match up of Round 3 saw an undefeated Balwyn pitted against Fitzroy who were still in search of their first win. With Balwyn finally having grouped together a full squad for the start of this season, they were looking a much stronger side than in previous seasons, with two convincing wins to open their campaign. Fitzroy, on the other hand, have had their squad chopped and changed in the off season and the new look list has yet to really find its feet in Series Futsal Victoria. It was a very close affair for the majority of the first half, as is custom on the big courts in Mt. Evelyn. Fitzroy, however, eventually broke the deadlock as Scott Rogan tore down the right side before squaring the ball to Cosimo Russo who volleyed home at the back post. Balwyn would rattle the frame of Aaron Yu’s goal before half time but could not break through, leaving Fitzroy with a slim advantage at the break.

The second half was a stark contrast to the first, as Balwyn really started to assert themselves on the game. Davide Iacovissi took a touch inside before finishing low into the bottom corner to level the scores early into the second period. Soon after Balwyn were in front as Iacovissi deftly dinked a volley over Yu from the edge of the area. Fitzroy were battling against the momentum that Balwyn had and they managed to carve out a couple of chances, but Balwyn shot stopper Omin Abdollahi was equal to the task. Iacovissi seemed to be everywhere and it wasnt long before he wrapped up his hatrick as he powered his shot hime after being set up from a side ball. In such a close game, a two goal lead was all Balwyn needed to get the win as they managed to hold out for the last 10 minutes of the match, despite Fitzroy’s efforts at playing fifth man late in the game.

Man of the Match: Davide Iacovissi (FC Balwyn)