SOCCER
LVSL
Monash were all fired up for the important clash with ladder leader Falcons and proved a worthy opponent, but went down at the final whistle, 2-1.
The first half was an arm wrestle with neither team able to gain an advantage.
After half-time, the match changed direction as Monash did a lot of the attacking with Braden Paulett, Chris Oulton and Jonathon Cook in the thick of the action.
Two shots over the top and two near misses were concerning for the Falcons’ defence led by Joe Auciello, Jordan Kennedy and keeper Charles Simon.
Monash got a big break 50 minutes in when captain Brendan Ruddell latched on to a loose ball and found Jonathon Cook who shot it past the keeper.
Falcon winger Gianni Salvatore continued to push forward as the visitors started to take control.
Monash held the lead for 20 minutes before a good cross from Elias Yousef found Jesse Kennedy onside and the striker made it number eight for the season.
Falcons scored a vital goal with just two minutes to go when Jesse Kennedy found super sub Sam Amaira sealed the win, 2-1.
Sale v Newborough/Yallourn
The game petered out to a draw with all four goals coming in the first half to seal a 2-2 stalemate.
Sale hit the board at seven minutes but Newborough/Yallourn kept plugging away and equalised at the 18-minute mark.
Newborough/Yallourn broke the shackles and went 2-1 up at 27 minutes.
Sale responded soon after and posted their second two minutes later to level it at 2-2.
Olympians v Traralgon City
The Traralgon derby produced eight goals – the highest ever aggregate in derby matches – during a 4-4 draw in round eight.
Traralgon City broke through at 10 minutes and went two up 10 minutes later.
Olympians needed a boost to get back into the match and a goal provided a spark just before half-time.
The score stood at 2-1 at the break but City came out fighting in the second half and banged through early.
Olympians replied a minute later then City scored again to go 4-2 up.
Chasing down a two-goal deficit, Olympians fought hard and clawed back two goals at 70 and a last gasp effort at 89 minutes to split the points.
Moe v Trafalgar
Moe drew their second successive match this time drawing with Trafalgar, 2-2.
Moe got away from Trafalgar with two goals in as many minutes at 18 and 19 minutes.
Trafalgar worked hard to get back into the contest but Moe were too strong across the back and went in to half-time with a 2-0 lead.
Trafalgar kept plugging away and fired one past the keeper at 82 minutes.
Moe went heavy on defence but Trafalgar pressed forward and scored the equaliser with only two minutes to play.
Churchill v East Gippsland
East Gippsland broke through for their maiden win for the season over Churchill, 1-0.
The Rams had most of the play but could not break the East Gippsland defence.
East Gippsland on the break managed to get into position to score the only goal of the game.
Morwell Pegasus
Morwell Pegasus lost to Mornington, 4-2.
Pegs fought back in the second half and goals to Paul Kuol and Bailey Row helped them draw level, but Mornington replied and belted two quick goals to finish with the win.
Pegasus women
Pegasus women’s team faced top team Harrisfield Hurricanes, who lived up to their name and gave the Pegs a drubbing, 5-0.
Round nine preview
Falcons and Olympians will kick off the round with a Saturday clash at Falcons Park from 5.30pm.
Both were saved last weekend by last gasp kicks – Falcons got over a persistent Monash while Olympians had to dig deep to score late in the game to force a draw with Traralgon City.
Falcons have some serious injury problems and it’s a chance for some reserve players to stand up and be noticed. Olympians lost valuable players to Pegasus earlier in the season but are gradually building in confidence and will be a competitive opponent for ladder leader Falcons.
Newborough/Yallourn v Monash
There is no love lost between Newborough/Yallourn and Monash who will meet in the local derby this weekend.
Ladder positions suggest the home side are favourites but Monash won’t be lying down.
Monash put up a fight against Falcons last weekend while Newborough/Yallourn had to be content with a 2-2 draw with Sale.
Traralgon City v Churchill
Traralgon City Coach Tommy Leckie will be in familiar territory when he coaches the Roosters against former side Churchill this weekend.
Last week Traralgon City managed to tie with rivals Olympians after leading by two goals.
Churchill are yet to win a match in what has been a difficult season so far.
Trafalgar v Fortuna
Trafalgar are yet to beat Fortuna in league matches, giving them a handy six-from-six record.
Trafalgar have notched up four points in the last two matches and will be keen to add more to their tally this weekend.
Fortuna will be a lot fresher after their bye and will give Trafalgar a real challenge.
East Gippsland v Moe
East Gippsland would have been pleased with their win against Churchill last weekend.
The Eagles snared a breakthrough win over Churchill in round eight to get their season off the mark.
