Churchill United has jumped five points clear of Fortuna at the top of the Gippsland Soccer League ladder after Traralgon City stunned the Lions 4-1 and the Rams edged out Monash 2-0 on Saturday night.
Playing for its season Traralgon City was electric from the kick off and just one minute City took the lead after John Koul’s initial strike was saved by Fortuna goalkeeper Dean Hamilton before pouncing on the rebound.
It was 2-0 before the five minute mark when Sandy Leckey headed home at the back post after a great run and cross from Mark Fairbrother.
City continued to dominate play and spurned several chances to increase its lead before it hit the net again to go ahead 3-0 five minutes before the break when Fairbrother headed home.
Fortuna threw everything at City in the second half to finally pull a goal back when Josh Tanti scored from a free kick to make it 3-1.
Not even the introduction of Andres Nilo and Hayden Tanti could change the game for the Lions as City scored again prior to the whistle when Dustin Moos finished a goal-mouth scramble to make it 4-1.
Churchill scored a goal in each half through coach Luke Cheney and substitute Stephen Riess to overhaul Monash 2-0 in a dour affair.
On Sunday the upsets continued when third-placed Moe United was defeated by Falcons 2000, 1-0.
After a demoralising defeat at the hands of bottom-placed Newborough-Yallourn last week no one gave the Birds a chance against the Red Devils, who had won six consecutive matches.
Falcons’ goal was scored after Sam Amaira cut the ball back for coach Mauro Deluca to clinically finish from just inside the penalty box.
Moe tried to equalise and had a goal disallowed for offside, but Falcons were able to hold out with Conor Clarke having a fantastic match as fill-in keeper.
Sale United ended Traralgon Olympians’ finals aspirations and broke a three-game losing streak with an away 2-1 victory on Sunday.
Sale opened the scoring when David Mayall delivered an inch-perfect cross to unmarked Sale striker Jon Piefke to head home.
In the second half the match turned into a dog fight.
Olympians coach Anthony Collins introduced Frank Albanese, who within minutes repaid the faith when he latched onto a good ball to beat Sale keeper Chris Richardson to equalise.
Fighting for their top four position the Swans found the winner when Jon Piefke scored from a goal mouth scramble to prevail 2-1.
Tyers scored a last minute penalty to snatch a point at Newborough-Yallourn in an exciting 3-3 draw.
The visitors took the lead midway through the first half as Josh Membrey headed home after some swift work down the right flank.
Tyers doubled its advantage when Luke Milstein scored from long range minutes later to lead 2-0.
NYU pulled a goal back in the shadows of half-time when a speculative Luke Buhagiar cross floated over the Tyers keeper and into the far corner of the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1 at the break.
The combine came out running in the second half and drew level 2-2 when youngster Matt Hasthorpe scored his first senior goal.
With 10 minutes remaining NYU took the lead for the first time in the match as substitute Heydan Cook made his way through traffic before scoring to send the home crowd into raptures.
However, Tyers drew level when it was awarded a penalty with a minute to play in the match.
Shayne Pavich’s initial attempt was retaken by Jake Budija, after the referee noted encroachment.
He made no mistake for a 3-3 draw.
Preview
Three matches postponed in round 10 due to floods will be played this weekend.
Falcons v Churchill United
On Saturday night Falcons will aim to upset ladder leaders Churchill as the Birds cling onto a faint hope of a finals berth.
Last time Churchill coasted to a 6-1 victory but Falcons have steadily improved since then and with no injuries from the Moe match should put up a much better performance.
The Rams will also be at full strength with the exception of midfield enforcer Mitch Jackson, who is still out with a leg injury.
Traralgon Olympians v Fortuna
Fortuna rarely loses two consecutive matches and will be extra wary against the Olympians who were narrowly defeated 2-1 the last time they met.
The Olympians have re-introduced striker Frank Albanese to the line-up and in tandem with Clayton Bell could prove difficult for the Lions to handle.
Fortuna has impressive attacking options of its own with cousins Josh and Hayden Tanti headlining.
Tyers v Traralgon City
Traralgon City is hitting its straps at the right time of the season, and after winning 6-0 the last time it played Tyers it will be determined to get another big score on the board on Sunday.
John Koul, Mark Fairbrother and Dustin Moos provide the edge for Traralgon City while Tyers will hope Jake Budija can continue his outstanding season and put a few in the net.
