SOCCER
STATE LEAGUE
By ALLAN ROBERTS
ROUND 1 of the Veto Men’s State League commenced last Saturday.
Reigning State League South champions and local club Fortuna ’60 started the new season with a promising 3-1 win.
The first assignment was a trip down to the Peninsula to face off against Somerville Eagles.
With a new coaching team, eight to 10 players missing across the squad due to weddings, cricket finals etc, it was going to be a big test of depth for the travelling Fortuna against an unknown team.
Somerville was fired up after taking the three points in the reserves match against a very undermanned Fortuna squad, but as pundits know, it is not the entrée that determines the end of season standings around promotion and relegation – but the main course.
At the end of the 90 minutes of senior football, Fortuna continued its unbeaten way, quietening the Somerville team and spectator base in the process.
The game kicked off at the picturesque Westernport Athletics ground in beautiful autumn conditions.
It didn’t take long for the visiting Lions to start dining out on some Eagle for dinner.
Damon Scott continued with last year’s leading goal scorer form, smashing a ball into the top left of the Eagles goal in the 15th minute after some great build up play.
New recruit Rory Wagner scored on debut in the 23rd minute after get onto a squared ball from best on ground DJ Matar.
Matar was paid close attention all game by the Eagles, but along with Nonda Lazaris, the duo carved up the park all match.
The hard work of Lazaris was rewarded with a goal in the 26th minute, with the assist going to Scott, giving the visiting Lions a 3-nil lead.
Fortuna was 3-nil up at the halftime break, showing why they will be a challenger for promotion at the end of the season.
In the second half, Devin Lee from Somerville gave the home side some hope, scoring a goal from a defensive mix up in the six yard box. The Eagles, to their credit, put in a solid 20 minutes of football and pushed Fortuna hard by creating several chances – but the Lions managed to wrestle the game back and finish it off with no further damage to the scorecard.
Fortuna coaches, Ash Ross and Robbie Stephen had the following to say about the game:
“Wagner was very strong and skilful for his first start for the club. Scott’s left foot was very dangerous. DJ Matar played extremely well and was excellent all game.
“Very impressed with the front three who played very well and put the game to bed in the first half, with great support from Lazaris. Spiteri played well coming back from injury along with Cassar-Cummings who controlled the midfield. Dontae Marino had a solid defensive game in his first senior start at left back. Amazed at Joel Palermo and how he got through the 90 minutes when he was cramping and in trouble after 25 minutes.
“We were both very impressed with the fight and resolve the boys put in for the second half considering the conditions, no subs and boys being underdone with several returning from injuries. Positive signs ahead for the rest of the season.”
EARLIER in the day, an undermanned Fortuna reserves lost 6-nil.
With plenty of players to come back in, it is hoped the side will hit it’s straps in coming weeks.
This Saturday (March 28), Fortuna ’60 are at home versus the Yarra Jets and should welcome back at least six players to the squad.
Ressies kick off at 1pm and seniors at 3pm at the Den (Crinigan Road, Morwell). Entry is free.
