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Maldon making their mark
October 13, 2025
Maldon High School are on the tip of the tongue of schoolboy football lovers as they are on a mission to create more history in the ISSA WATA daCosta Cup this season.
After securing their first ever win in the round of 32 on Saturday, head coach Dillon Thelwell said it important to maintain discipline and a positive mindset among the players as they look to continue making their mark.
Maldon clipped Ferncourt High 2-0 at Irwin High's playing field to start on a positive campaign in ISSA daCosta Cup second round. Late goals courtesy of Javaughn Anglin helped to secure the win and keep the team in high spirits.
"As a coach, one thing I struggle with is to get their minds together and show respect for each other. I know once their mindset is right to play, they will go into games and execute. I will have a meeting with them, keep them focused and just get their minds right for the game on Wednesday."
Fourth-year coach Thelwell mentioned that the team struggled in the last few minutes before the first half, but found their footing in the second half.
"We created chances in the first 15 to 20 minutes but then we broke down. I think in the second half we adjusted our game plan based on how we wanted to attack this team. They were having three-on-three at the back and exposing the width of the field," said Thelwell, who urged the wingers to get the ball as quickly as possible.
"I told them just to attack through those spaces and that we could use those channels they gave us to play. I think that played out for us to get the two goals," Thelwell analysed.
Last season, Maldon High finished the second round on a point. Today, they already have three, in Group 4 with St Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS), Ferncourt and Knox College.
Maldon are tied with STETHS, who are ahead on goal difference after their 4-0 win over Knox College.
In the first round, Maldon finished Zone A on 19 points, second behind zone winners Cornwall College (28).
Feeling happy about the team's first win in the second round, Thelwell said the team prepared well for their opponents.
"We understood a little bit about our opponents, to start the game. It was based on a tactical situation of how the opponents set up. I think we planned as the game started because we never had a video to go through, so I guess we started the game really bright," said Thelwell.
When the second round resumes on Wednesday, Maldon will face Knox College at Irwin High playing field at 3 p.m.
