Alun Webb scored South Melbourne FCs opening goal of the 2023 season on the way to defeating Moreland City 2-1 in the season opener at Lakeside Stadium.
After the match he spoke with David Henning sharing his thoughts on the win.
David Henning:
Well, I’ve got Alan Webb here with me. He scored the final Lakeside goal in 2022 in that semi-final and he scored the first South Melbourne Lakeside goal in 2023. Webbie, a pretty important goal there because we’re up against it, against Moreland.
Alun Webb:
Yeah. it was a bit of a bit of a scrappy first half really. You know, when we got in at halftime, I think it was just about regrouping and just really like putting our best foot forward at the start of the second half. Cause we knew that if we start quickly and we can get a goal then, you know, then possibly get another one. So yeah, I was, you know, delighted to get on the score sheet as quickly as we did and then yeah, go from there. And Pat’s got a great goal as well. We held out and you know, we’ve become good at, holding firm when we get a lead and look, I’m glad that we can take that into this year too.
David Henning:
Let’s talk about the buildup to your goal because it was a new signing, the big centre forward. AJ Riak pretty nice flick on. He actually timed that perfectly. And look you’ve, you’ve gone pretty casual about this, but that was a beautiful control and finish.
Alun Webb:
Yeah, AJ’s brilliant. He’s he’s so, so hard to deal with for defenders and you know, he’s a constant like thorn in their side really. And it was a great header and yeah, it was a little bit behind me and I was really, really happy with the touch I was be able to pull it in front of me and get in front of the defender and then I thought keep it low. And yeah, when hit found the bottom corner, I was, you like really, really happy to get to get on the score sheet and make a difference for the team today.
David Henning:
You’re a Welsh native and we love the Welshman for some fantastic footballers. Not many of them probably play in this heat. How are you adapting to the hot weather?
Alun Webb:
I think doing the stuff that we do in pre-season in Shepparton and like makes a really big difference in adapting to the heat. But it’s tough for everyone. I think both sides kind of dealt with it well today. We are doing a lot of fitness, the lads have been working really, really hard and I think that showed in the second half and we, you know, we sort of went from strength to strength in the second half and yeah.
Dave Henning:
Well it’s a good start to the season making congratulations on your goal and the winner as well. Alan Webb score sheet first winner.
Alun Webb:
That’s very much mate. Cheers. Nice.
Photo’s of Alun Webb in Round 1 of the 2023 season thanks to Behind the Lens
