Joeys down Singapore to top group

The Joeys have defeated Singapore 3-1 in their last Group G match to progress to next year’s AFC U-16 Championship 2014 as a group winner.

The Joeys have defeated Singapore 3-1 in their last Group G match to progress to next year-s AFC U-16 Championship 2014 as a group winner.

In the match played at the Hong Kong Football Club, the Australians were dominant throughout after going 1-0 ahead in the 13th minute through Charlie Devereux. The South Australian dribbled his way to the opposition's area and struck a curling effort from 20 yards out that went in off the post to give the Joeys a deserved lead.

Nicholas Panetta doubled Australia's advantage in the 16th minute after a poor clearance from Singapore meant the ball feel neatly to the attacker who struck an excellent first time shot past the goalkeeper.

Singapore tried their best to bounce back in the match after Haiqal Pashia reduced the deficit in the 39th minute but the Joeys sealed a convincing win to cement a place in the finals after Jackson Bandiera converted from the spot in the 52nd minute.

Australia won all their matches to claim top spot in the group with a maximum 12 points. Meanwhile hosts Hong Kong, who defeated Chinese Taipei, 3-1 will have to wait for all the group matches to finish as the best five runners-up from the 10 groups will progress to the finals to be held in Thailand next year.