SOCCER
LVSL
By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT and JOHN CARDONA
THE Battle of Britain Cup moved into semi-final round at the weekend.
It is now down to Fortuna and Moe for the Latrobe Valley Soccer League senior men’s cup title.
Fortuna 7 def East Gippsland 3
FORTUNA 60 downed East Gippsland United 7-3, bringing the Eagles surprise run to an end.
In a high-scoring affair at Sale’s Godfrey Baldwin Reserve, the Orangemen booted five goals in the opening 45 minutes, but also conceded three goals themselves.
While East Gippsland couldn’t managed another one through the back of the net, Fortuna added an extra two, stamping their ticket into cup final.
Jake Budija finished with a hat-trick, along with Damon Scott (two goals), Dj Matar and Daniel Cooper rounding out Fortuna’s scoring load.
East Gippsland United were headed by Brandon Ginty (two goals) and Jaydon Steele.
Moe 4 def Newborough/Yallourn 0
MOE United advanced to their third successive Battle of Britain Cup Final at the weekend.
The Red Devils qualified after beating Newborough/Yallourn 4-nil at Traralgon’s Harold Preston Reserve on Sunday.
The win sets up a 2022 rematch against Fortuna, where Moe United will be out to complete a hat-trick of cup victories.
Speaking of hat-tricks, Red Devils youngster Bayden Heusmann has had a stellar fortnight, netting consecutive hat-tricks against Monash and the Combine.
Moe United were firm favourites to advance to the cup final, but failed to convert some early opportunities on Sunday.
The Red Devils had as many as three shots in the first 10 minutes, before getting on the board when a ball from Noah Kane found Connor O’Hanlon, who’s strong run up the right flank saw him cut inside the defender and send a perfect pass to the back post, where Heusmann was on hand to place the ball past the keeper.
Moe United continued to create chances without scoring, thanks to some good work by Newborough/Yallourn’s defence.
Combine keeper Justin Allman pulled off a number of saves, while the defence stopped what looked to be a certain goal after a rebound at the 25-minute mark was denied right on the line.
Newborough/Yallourn midfielder Ash Birrell came closest to scoring when he unleashed a superb drive, only to see Moe keeper Peter Albanese make a great reflex diving save.
Moe United took a crucial 2-nil lead at halftime after a perfectly long timed through ball from Tom Portelli sent Heusmann through. His shot was partially saved by Allman, only for the deflection to find its way into the vacant goal.
The second half saw a complete domination from Moe United.
Heusmann kicked another goal at the 70-minute mark, after Oscar Sceney sent a long ball his way and the former chipped it in.
Moe United’s fourth goal had to be seen to be believed when Chad Shelley unleashed a brilliant hit strike from the halfway line which found the top corner of the net.
Heusmann, at just 17-years-of-age, was best for Moe, followed by Kane and Matt Shearing.
Best for the Combine was Birrell, Allman and Mark Fairbrother.
It now sets up a cup final of the Morwell and Moe clubs who finished second and third by the end of the LVSL season.
Moe United will have three titles on the line, after its reserves and second division sides also progressed to their respective cup final.
