soccer
GIPPSLAND SOCCER
Review – round four
Moe was too strong for Newborough-Yallourn United in the Gippsland Soccer League’s hotly contested local derby at the weekend.
In the round four match, Moe entered the break 1-0 up through an Adrian Savige finish, but this was only the beginning as Moe added four more to record a convincing 5-0 victory. Savige collected a brace, Lee Dastey smoked another penalty and Matt Shearing and Sam Lietzau both scored.
Churchill United v T’gon City
Churchill United continued its undefeated start to the season with a 3-1 victory over fellow title aspirants Traralgon City.
City was dealt a blow early when gun striker Mark Fairbrother was substituted with a suspected broken cheek bone. The Rams made the most of limited opportunities with wingman Taylor Jackson scoring two run on goals in the first half to go to the break 2-0 ahead.
Churchill extended its lead to 3-0 when Dean Pyle’s corner kick found its way into the net with City keeper Mark Heatherington caught napping.
The Roosters managed a consolation goal when Sandy Leckey finished from a corner but it was too little too late with City now three matches adrift of the championship title.
Falcons v Tyers
There were two late changes to Falcons’ lineup with Stefan Baccega and Paul Storey not passing late fitness tests as the side searched for its second win of the season.
In a cagey start Falcons had the upper hand and took the lead with a tidy finish from Jesse Kennedy.
Tyers began to come into the game but could only fashion one decent chance which saw Shayne Pavich hit the post as Falcons held a 1-0 lead at half-time.
Falcons dominated the entire second half but could not convert chances into goals until Kennedy scored his second with five minutes remaining to put the result beyond doubt on a difficult pitch. The final score was 2-0.
Fortuna 60 v Olympians
In a game of two disparate halves, Fortuna was well on top in the first, making the most of its opportunities going into the half time break 4-0 up.
In the second half, Olympians came out firing and took the game up to Fortuna.
Olympians secured an early goal before getting a sneaky one with 10 minutes remaining in the game.
This galvanized the Lions and they regrouped to hold on 4-2.
Sale v Monash
Sale was worried coming into this match after Monash recorded a big win last week over Tyers Lightning.
There were few chances in the first half before Sale managed to put two in the net before half-time. In the second half, Sale managed another goal before comfortably closing the game out 3-0.
Preview – round five
Falcons will look to continue its solid start to the season against high flying Sale United.
In recent years, Falcons has tended to play well against Sale but this will no doubt be a solid test as the Swans improve this season.
Falcons will be missing leading goal scorer Kennedy for the all-important clash that saw them win in the corresponding fixture last year, 2-1.
Churchill v Tyers
First meets last on the ladder when Churchill hosts Tyers on Sunday. Tyers showed signs of improvement last week with a narrow 2-0 loss to Falcons, but after suffering big losses to Moe, Fortuna and Monash in previous weeks Churchill should also be far too good for the Lightning.
Fortuna v Moe
With both teams travelling well this year, this is expected to be a big game. In last year’s encounters nothing could seperate the teams who went on to record a 3-all and 2-all draw.
Moe will be full of confidence that it can take it well up to Fortuna, who will be playing at home.
Monash v Olympians
Both teams will be looking to get their season back on track after losses last week.
Last year saw a nil-all draw between the two, with Olympians taking the honours in the return leg.
T’gon City v NYU
Traralgon City has not had the start to the season it was hoping for and this weekend’s clash against the young Newborough-Yallourn United team should get its season back on track when they host the Combine on Sunday.
