SOCCER
GIPPSLAND SOCCER
NYU v Sale United
NEWBOROUGH Yallourn United hosted high fliers Sale United at Burrage Reserve on Sunday, and both teams created chances in a fast paced start to the match.
NYU was first to find the net 15 minutes in when Chad Shelley beat his defender to cross for Heydan Cook who poked home from 10 yards.
Sale equalised soon after from a headed corner and took the lead when Tommy Nguyen was gifted a clear path through on goal and duly buried his shot in the bottom corner to give his side a 2-1 lead at half-time.
The second half saw more attacking play from both sides however shots on goal were mostly limited to attempts from distance.
Midway through the half Nguyen was once again given too much space in midfield and unleashed a screamer from 25 yards that smashed into the top corner.
While NYU held the majority of possession in the closing stages of the match, the Sale defence held up under the pressure to maintain the 3-1 lead and second spot on the table.
Churchill v Fortuna 60
IN a clash that lived up to the pre-match billing, Churchill found a last minute goal to break arch rival Fortuna’s heart on Saturday night and win 2-1.
Fortuna took an early lead when Cranbourne recruit John McEvoy laid the perfect ball on for his captain Josh Tanti to coolly finish on the run.
Churchill was controlling possession but lacked penetration in the attacking third and looked most dangerous from set pieces.
Midfielder Matthew Maselli drew scores level just prior to the break when his long range free kick evaded Fortuna’s defence and keeper Justin Kosakiewicz despairingly watched the ball hit the back of the net.
Another free kick was almost converted by Churchill when striker Paul Riess’ shot rattled the Fortuna cross bar.
The Lions regrouped at the half-time break and began to threaten Churchill’s goal before Kenny Higgins was given his marching orders for striking Churchill keeper Jason Sands.
Churchill pressed for a goal and despite the numerical advantage struggled to find any holes in the Fortuna defence.
Fortuna looked dangerous on the counter attack and missed a number of half chances to regain the lead.
With the match headed for a draw, Churchill won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area with a minute to play.
First half scorer Maselli stepped up with another great free kick to win the match 2-1 and send the home crowd into raptures.
Traralgon City v Moe United
MOE travelled to Traralgon City looking to push further into the top four and title race for 2013.
After falling behind early, Moe looked to pressure City and broke through with a Lee Dastey penalty to go to half-time 1-1.
Moe came out firing after the break.
Adrian Savage claimed brace and Lee Dastey found the net again to finish the game at 4-2 with three valuable points going the way of the Devils.
Falcons 2000 V Monash
MONASH squandered three gilt edged chances to take the lead in the opening half.
Jesse Kennedy was prominent for the Falcons on his return, as both sides were held scoreless in the first half.
Monash took the lead five minutes after the break when Ethan Lawrence was felled in the box and Ash Birrell converted from the spot for his 12th of the season.
The lead was doubled two minutes later when Lawrence delivered a dangerous ball into the box and Ty Christy guided it into the far corner. Falcons were reduced to 10 men when Isaac Abbas saw red for remonstrating the goal.
Falcons’ best chance of the half saw Nick D’Alessandro’s free kick tipped onto the bar.
Christy grabbed his second midway through the half, heading home a pinpoint Jamie Green cross to continue the Wolves’ recent impressive form.
Tyers V Traralgon Olympians
TYERS woes continued when Traralgon Olympians put six past them.
The win lifted City to within a point of seventh-placed Falcons.
Round 10 preview
Churchill United v Monash
IN the battle between first and fourth Monash will be desperate to avenge its 4-3 loss in the first round of the season when it travels to Churchill on Sunday.
Boasting the league’s top goal scorer in Ash Birrell, the Generals will be confident of defeating the Rams on their own patch.
The Rams are experts at grinding out results and look a much sounder defensive unit with Jamie Robson marshalling play down back.
The difference between these two sides may come from a piece of individual brilliance and both have players to fill that role.
Other Fixtures
Newborough Yallourn United v Falcons 2000
Traralgon City v Fortuna 60
Moe United v Tyers
Sale United v Traralgon Olympians
