Leeton 'not good enough' in defeat to Hanwood

Leeton United lost 3-0 to Hanwood in Griffith on Sunday afternoon, with a poor-second half showing dooming the Leeton side to defeat.

Leeton were the stronger side to start the game, with quick strikers Henri and Fred Gardner sending a few half-chances wide after getting the best of the Hanwood defense.

But the Griffith side grew into the game and around the 20^th minute mark a Leeton defender handballed in the box, gifting Hanwood striker Daniel Johnson a chance to put his side ahead from the spot.

Leeton keeper Jake Shelton saved the initial penalty but could only send the ball back into Johnson's path, who finished with ease to make it 1-0.

Leeton hit back on the front foot but couldn't manage to turn possession into any clear-cut chances for the rest of the half.

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In the second half, Hanwood quickly put their first-half struggles behind them, with Daniel Rogato dancing past two defenders on the right wing to flash a ball across goal just a minute after kick off.

Hanwood's tricky feet proved impactful when a free kick was won on the right hand side of the field around the 55 minute mark.

Joe Schirripa whipped the free kick into the box and left winger Chaise Donetto rose highest, heading the ball back across goal and into the net to put Hanwood 2-0 up.

Leeton pushed for a way back into the game for the next ten minutes, but Hanwood's victory was secured when midfielder Christopher Zappala picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and put a long range effort into the bottom corner.

Speaking after the game, Leeton coach Frank Alampi said it was a disappointing result after a decent first-half.

"It was a tough result but they deserved it so we've just gotta go home and get back into it and keep working hard," Alampi said.

"I thought we played alright first half, they only got a penalty which we thought was a bit soft and they didn't have any other opportunities really."

Alampi said the Leeton side was feeling confident at half-time despite the 1-0 deficit but they couldn't translate that confidence onto the field.

"We talked about a few things and we just didn't execute like we should have," he said.

"Their second goal came away from a free kick from us giving away a foul which was something we talked about not doing, but it's alright and we'll learn."

Leeton will be back home next weekend as they take on Wagga United and look to get their season back on track.

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