High intensity start to the game with fast ball movement and strong defending from both sides
The first real chance fell to MAGIC captain, Chris Gaitatzis – his powerful strike, on target, was beautifully saved by the Bankstown United FC keeper.
With the speed of the game, some of the passes lacked accuracy.
On the 33rd minute mark, Chris Gaitatzis creates space for himself, shoots with his right foot, which is blocked by the Bankstown United FC defenders – the ball rebounds to Gaitatzis who slots his left foot strike into the back of the net.
Magic lead 1-0.
Five minutes later, 18 year old Stefan Baker slots his 30 metre strike into the back of the net to give Magic a 2-0 lead.
In the final minutes of the first half, Bankstown United FC are awarded a penalty, confidently converted by Mitchell Cross.
Magic now lead 2-1.
Straight away, Magic reply with a sensational goal scored by Kokhi Hiyaoka, after a wonderful run and cross by Yusuf Amini.
The attacking movement, by Amini, brought a big round of applause from the large crowd.
Magic now lead 3-1 as we are in time added for injuries.
At the half time break, Magic lead 3-1.
The second half starts with the same intensity as the first, with both teams trying to target their speedy players.
Early in the second half, Bankstown United FC make a replacement, bringing on Sunny Cheng, in order to provide extra impetus on the left.
As soon as the change is made, Bankstown United FC hit back, with Mitchell Cross’ second goal of the evening to reduce Magic’s lead to 3-2.
Magic react by bringing David Ustimenko onto the field, looking to use his speed to create further chances for the home team.
On the 30th minute of the second half a sensational diagonal ball by James Tsokos, is controlled by Ustimenko who unleashes Kohni Hiyaoka to score his second goal of the match to increase Magic’s lead to 4-2
In the final minutes of the game, Bankstown United score, with a goal to Corey Freeman to make the score 4-3
In the end, MAGIC wins 4-3 in one of the most exciting games, in a long time, at Christie Park
The home team deserved the win and both teams are to be congratulated for the spectacle that they provided the large crowd.
MVP, as voted by Lachlan, Dion & Jordan – Magic Under 15 youth squad members – CHRIS GAITATZIS
Thank you to everyone for your attendance and wonderful support of this initiative – we are making a difference to people’s lives.
