The Falcons entered the game desperate to make amens for their poor performance against Sth Melbourne the previous week and had even resorted to spiritual guidance from a group of visiting Tibetan Monks in an attempt to get a much needed victory on the board. Newcastle on the other hand was looking to further consolidate on a solid start to their campaign.

The match began at a quick pace, with the conditions contributing to many passes going astray. The Falcons looked a much more balance side with their captain Mehmet Durakovic back from injury, martialling the backline and offering a creative option going forward. Jeff Hopkins had also included Peter Kakos up forward in his first start for the Falcons in an attempt to establish a striking partnership with the speedy Juan Nilo.

Newcastle looked their usual solid combination with Pryce, Roberts and McManus standing tall at the back and the experienced Andy Harper up forward complemented by the diminutive and skilful John Buonavoglia.

With neither side gaining any ascendancy the first real chance of the game feel to Juan Nilo after 15 minutes who snuck in behind the Newcastle defence after a penetrating clearance from Gotis, only to see Catlin save well on the edge of the box low to his right. Falcons had Newcastle on the back foot with the slippery conditions suiting the forward combination of Nilo and Kakos, who were being supported well by the in-form Vargas and hard running of Hutchinson and Bell in midfield.

This period of domination by the Falcons lead to what was to be the only goal of the game in the 26 minute. A penetrating run down the wing by Marcina lead to a free kick out on the right flank. Vargas delivered a trademark curling cross, taking Catlin out of the play and finding an unmarked Gotis at the far post with a powerful header. 1-0 Gippsland.

The Falcons continued to dominate the midfield through Vargas and in the 35 minute, Nilo again found himself one on one with Catlin, only to hit the ball straight at the Newcastle keeper. Newcastle hit back well towards the end of the half with Buonavoglia teasing the Falcons defence and Angievski hitting a powerful shot that just missed the target. Halftime 1-0 Gippsland Falcons.

The second half began much as the first half ended with Newcastle having the better of play with Wilson and Dodd taking control of the midfield. Lee Sterrey introduced a third striker in Tomich at the 55 minute mark, the move put the Falcons onto the back foot and Newcastle experienced their best period of the game, drawing several corners. Juchniewicz and Angievski were more involved in the game out wide for Newcastle, but the disciplined marking by the Falcons defenders prevented any clear cut goal scoring chance. Sterrey played his final hand with a double substitution in the 81 minute bringing on Tancheski for Buonavoglia and former Falcons player Trpcevski for the exhausted Angievski.

The Falcons managed to hold out Newcastle and with the introduction of the experienced Hastie into midfield regained control of the match. Hastie was introduced after Hutchinson was substituted following a heavy collision with Catlin outside the box. In the end Falcons were unlucky not to score late in the game after Nilo yet again found himself behind the defence, this time setting up Vargas whose shot from the edge of the box was brilliantly tipped away by big Bob Catlin.

Overall, the final score was a fair reflection of the game with the Falcons creating the best chances on the night and Newcastle, although having an equal share of the play failing to create any real chances.

The best player on the night was the in-form Andy Vargas of the Falcons, his ball control and distribution from midfield was the constant source of attacking moves by the Falcons. Manny Gotis as well as scoring the only goal of the game shut out the esperienced Andy Harper and dominated everything in the air. For Newcastle, Robert Angievski was impressive, his hard running and ability to find space showed he is a player to watch in the coming months.

Jevdjevic – Fak – Gotis – Durakovic – Marcina (Savage HT) - Vargas – Bell – Puca – Hutchinson ( Hastie 76 min) – Nilo - Kakos (MacNicol 86 min)

Catlin – Pryce – Roberts – McManus – Sprod (Tomich 55 min) – Dodd – Wilson – Angievski (Trpcevski 81 min) – Juchniewicz – Buonavoglial (Tancheski 81 min) – Harper

Cautions: Pryce (NB) 22 min, Nilo (GF) 45 min, Bell (GF) 47 min, Jevdjevic (GF) 60 min, Harper (NB) 65 min, Dodd (NB) 89 min

Votes: 3 Vargas (Gippsland Falcons); 2 Gotis (Gippsland Falcons); 1 Angievski (Newcastle Breakers)