SOCCER
LVSL
Round seven review
Although they went down to Falcons 3-1 on Sunday, Sale United showed passages of good play only to be thwarted by a strong home side defence.
The Falcons were on the board after eight minutes when Jamie Pistrin evaded the Sale defence and sent a pile driver through Damon Stevens.
Big John Piefke at centre back was good for Sale and continually drove back the Falcons’ swarm.
Sale had plenty of shots, albeit some too wide, over the top or saved by Falcons’ keeper Charles Simon.
Falcons derived plenty of midfield work through coach Nick D’Alessandro while winger Kevin Carcella was busy.
Falcons scored again at 25 minutes after a succession of corners when the second saw Tom D’Alia knocked over and resulted in a free curled into the top right corner.
Sale tried to bridge the gap without success and at half-time the Falcons led 2-0.
Sale tall Nick Buckhoreelall was a danger for the Falcons as he picked up possession in the striker’s role.
Twenty-four minutes into the half Sale almost goaled when a Jeremy Allred shot hit the bar.
After repeated attacks the gate finally opened when John Piefke drove a bomb from 30 metres out and it went through.
It was only the second goal conceded by Charles Simon this season.
Falcons were stung into action and were finally rewarded when Tommy D’Alia scored his second with five minutes to play to give his side the win.
Traralgon City v Monash
Traralgon City surprised a more highly fancied Monash with a 2-1 victory in round seven.
Traralgon went in as underdogs but took the game from Monash who lacked fire-power when it was needed.
It was an arm-wrestle up to the 41st minute when Traralgon broke loose and scored through DJ Matar to go to half-time with a 1-0 lead.
Seventy-five minutes into the game and the Roosters were well in command on the scoreboard and fired their second goal through Jake Budija.
Monash clawed back a consolation goal with two minutes to play through Ethan Lawrence.
Churchill v Trafalgar
Trafalgar broke through for their first win of the season condemning Churchill to nil and seven for the season, 4-2.
With the Parades brothers back in action, the Victory were on board after four minutes resulting from a penalty with Josh scoring from the spot kick.
Churchill responded at 37 minutes when defender Ray Myers scored but loose defence allowed Trafalgar to reply just two minutes later through Nathan Parades.
Parades scored again just on half-time to go 3-1 up to the break. Trafalgar assured victory at 75 minutes with their fourth ace and a hat-trick to Nathan Parades to score their fourth straight victory over Churchill.
Moe v Fortuna
Moe and Fortuna fought out a draw in round seven, 2-2.
Fortuna were first to score at 39 minutes from a Brandon Scott bolter, then Moe replied nine minutes later through Lachlan McKenzie.
The Red Devils went two up at 79 minutes when McKenzie scored his second.
A Fortuna free kick allowed Harvey Bates to score the equaliser and time ran out with the scores locked at 2-2.
Olympians v East Gippsland
Olympians came back from Bairnsdale with three points after a solid game against the East, 3-0.
Although never in trouble, Olympians had to fight hard against a feisty East Gippsland team led by former Olympian Tolly Apostoleros.
Olympians managed just one goal before the break through Stephan Sbaglia at 22 minutes.
The experience and skill of Olympians shone through after half-time and they were able to take the match 3-0 after two more goals from Jayden Steele and Ivan Vekic.
Morwell Pegasus
Morwell Pegasus had to come to terms with a scoreless draw against Richmond at the weekend in State League Division 1 South East (men).
For Pegasus, it was the third draw from five matches and they find themselves in fifth position with seven points. This Saturday they are at home to Mornington.
Pegasus’ women’s team return to action in State League Division 3 South East against top team Harrisfield Hurricanes on Sunday after having the bye.
Round eight preview
Third-placed Monash are home against top team Falcons in round eight action this weekend.
Falcons have the edge over Monash and have beaten them in six of the last eight matches.
It’s a big game for Falcons and one they won’t take lightly. They could be without defender Andrew Carbone who suffered a shoulder injury last week but tall Isaac Abas could be back to strengthen the defence.
Sale v Newborough/Yallourn
The Newborough/Yallourn combination will be back in action after their bye against Sale this weekend.
Newborough/Yallourn are sitting just behind Falcons in second position and are enjoying a stellar season so far.
Sale haven’t beaten Newborough/Yallourn since 2014 but last year’s game resulted in 2-2 draw.
Olympians v Traralgon City
Cross-town rivals Olympians and Traralgon City will meet in the highly anticipated local derby this weekend.
Although Olympians are two spots higher on the ladder the match promises to be a closely fought one. Both were winners last week but Traralgon City were impressive and knocked off third-placed Monash.
Moe v Trafalgar
Trafalgar broke through for their first win last weekend and will be keen to follow it up against Moe on Sunday.
The Victory have shown they are capable of putting a solid game together and their perseverance was finally rewarded in round seven.
Moe drew with Fortuna in a game they should have won but will be a tough ask for Trafalgar.
Trafalgar did, however, manage to beat Moe twice last season.
Churchill v East Gippsland
In a do or die match for the two bottom sides, Churchill and East Gippsland will fight to avoid the wooden spoon this weekend.
Neither team has won or drawn a match this season but one will walk away with their first points of 2018 on Sunday. Churchill scored for the first time last week and have a 2-18 record while East Gippsland’s is less impressive with 1-22.
