News 
 Local News 
 Sport 
 Football - Soccer 
 Hamilton put hopes in big Benn's hands 

Hamilton put hopes in big Benn's hands

01 Sep, 2010 05:00 AM
HAMILTON Olympic coach Mick Bolch has put his grand final hopes in the quick hands of 25-year-old goalkeeper Benn Kelly.

A clean sheet in Saturday's semi-final second leg against Edgeworth is key to Olympic's finals chances after a 1-0 loss to the Eagles last week.

"If he's on his game, he could be the difference for us," Bolch said.

"A clean sheet makes our job so much easier because if they score, we need to score three."

Hamilton have conceded one goal in their past three games and boast the league's second-best defensive record, letting in 26 goals this year.

Weston conceded 24.

Kelly has spent the past month training with Jets and All Whites goalkeeping coach Clint Gosling.

"He taught me to demand my area and be 100 per cent confident," Kelly said.

"I went for everything on the weekend, no hesitation."

Kelly trained with the Jets in 2007, and in 2008 attracted the interest of Sydney clubs Manly, Olympic and Marconi, but nothing eventuated.

He has re-signed with Hamilton and intends to stay at the "passionate and supportive" club.

Bolch said his side's creativity needed a jump-start for this weekend's clash.

Edgeworth will be without key players Troy Halpin and Luke Walker, who are both serving suspensions.

Walker was sent off last week for acquiring two yellow cards.

Former Socceroo Halpin has one game left on his two-match ban for yellow card accumulation.

Olympic's Andrew Swan will also miss the game after gaining a straight red for a tackle on Damien Zane.

In the other semi-final, Valentine Phoenix coach Darrel McAllister has warned Weston it would be "game on" in Sunday's second leg at Weston Park.

The two sides played a scoreless draw on Saturday at Cahill Oval.

Phoenix welcome the return of Shane Paul, who was rested last week on the bench.

"We're not going in with the disadvantage of an away goal," McAllister said. "If we score, they need two."

Phoenix players Keegan Wolfenden, Cameron Salini and Chris Gazzard sit on one yellow card each after last week's clash.

"They'll have to be a bit careful, but hopefully put it to the back of their mind and play their normal game," McAllister said.

"We're pretty confident, but they've got the best side they could on the park."

Minor premiers Weston are full-strength.

Print
Increase Text Size
Decrease Text Size

comments


Date: Newest first | Oldest first
edgeworth to choke. they have been doing it for 10-15 years. olympic to progress in front of their home fans on saturday. too easy!
Posted by warrior, 1/09/2010 8:11:38 AM, on The Herald
Being 1-0 down before a ball is kicked, surely Mick Bolch should be pinning his hopes on his strikers rather than keeper?? Haven't seen a keeper in the local league score for a long time. He makes no mention of who he is looking to, that will score goals to get them through. As for Benn, pity the Jets don't sign him to a short term contract to cover injuries.
Posted by Floyd, 1/09/2010 2:47:04 PM, on The Herald
The Jets need to hurry up and sign this kid!!
Posted by Timmo, 2/09/2010 2:25:16 AM, on The Herald

post a comment


Screen name  *
Email address  *
Remember me?
Comment  *
 
We invite and encourage our readers to post comments. Comments are moderated and will appear as soon as our editor has approved them. When posting comments you agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions.
IN FULL FLIGHT: Benn Kelly will be a key man for Hamilton on Saturday. - Picture by Jonathan Carroll
IN FULL FLIGHT: Benn Kelly will be a key man for Hamilton on Saturday. - Picture by Jonathan Carroll

Most popular articles


 
Balance Health Club-Wests Tower
 
Bounce
 
Landcom Sanctuary


Newcastle Herald







Weather brought to you by:

Weatherzone

Classifieds

Front Page

Current Issue
Privacy Policy | Conditions of Use | Advertising Terms | Copyright © 2012. Fairfax Media.
 SEND...
 SAVE...
 SHARE...