Round five – review
IN a match underscored by screamers at both ends, Monash rescued a result in the dying moments against Traralgon Olympians in Gippsland Soccer League.
Monash took the lead when captain Ash Birrell scored in the 10th minute.
Twin headers from George Fkiaris and Frank Albanese saw Olympians go up at the break 2-1.
At the 60 minute mark, Albanese turned his Monash defender on the edge of box and rifled the ball into the bottom corner to collect a brace.
Monash turned it up but was unable to capitalise on its chances until late in the game when Birrell converted from the spot.
With the clock running on stoppage time, Olympians failed to clear their area and the ball fell to Birrell who volleyed home from 20 yards for his ninth of the season and a hat-trick on the day.
Final result, 3-3.
Falcons 2000 v Sale United
HIGH flying Sale travelled to Falcons on Saturday looking to continue its undefeated run.
Gianni Romano made his Falcons senior debut and Elias Yousif returned from suspension.
The first half saw Falcons dominate with a high tempo defensive mindset nullifying Sale’s potent attacking threats.
Falcons’ pressure was rewarded when they took the lead through a deflected shot from coach Mauro Deluca.
The second half continued in the same vein and Falcons missed a glorious opportunity to double their advantage when Nick D’Alessandro fired wide with only the keeper to beat.
The miss proved costly as Sale equalised through John Piefke.
Both sides continued to press but the game finished in a 1-1 draw which sent Falcons into fourth position ahead of arch rivals Fortuna 60.
Churchill United v Tyers Lightning
CHURCHILL continued its winning run in 2013 with a 4-0 win over Tyers.
Two goals in each half handed the Rams the victory with four individual goal scorers: Taylor Jackson, Tim Dawson, Paul Riess and Ray Meyers all saluting.
Churchill will look forward to this week’s Cup bye to recharge before a tough away trip to Sale in a fortnight.
Traralgon City v NYU
Newborough Yallourn United got off to the worst start possible against Traralgon City.
It lost Jamie Dunn to injury in the first five minutes then went a goal down moments later when Dylan Fairbrother netted for the home side.
The Combine worked themselves into the game and won a free kick just outside the area 10 minutes before half-time.
Chad Shelley stepped up and stuck his shot around the wall to draw all square 1-1 at the break.
Traralgon City held the balance of possession for the second half, with NYU proving dangerous on the counterattack.
The home side had the best chance to claim the points in the shadows of the final whistle when a corner nearly beat all NYU defenders only to be cleared off the line.
Traralgon City regathered the clearance and slammed a shot into the crossbar from 20 yards.
Final score, 1-1.
Fortuna 60 V Moe United
THE Moe United team song rang loud and clear when the side registered its fourth win of the season and first over Fortuna in more than five years.
The 2-1 victory didn’t come easily against a defiant Fortuna.
The Lions entered the break with a 1-0 lead but the Red Devils returned to the field fired up in the second half.
Adrian Savige added another to his season tally before Lee Dastey buried a brilliant free kick to take three points home to Olympic Park and remain second on the ladder.
Battle of Britton preview
THE central division takes a break from its regular home and away season this weekend for the first round of the cups competition.
Victoria’s oldest continual football trophy, the Battle of Brittan, will see two games played before the 16 June quarter-finals.
Falcons 2000 v Tyers Lightning
FALCONS are looking to continue their three-match unbeaten run with a win against Tyers at home on Sunday.
They will be desperate to keep their good form going and a hit out with Tyers should help them.
Falcons’ only injury concern is Stefan Baccega who will be given until game day to prove his fitness after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Monash v NYU
IN a local derby, Monash is at home to the young Combine on Sunday.
Buoyed by a late comeback against Olympians on the weekend, Monash will expect to take it right up to NYU who will also be confident after its away draw to the Roosters on Sunday.
