SOCCER
LVSL
Two goals in the final three minutes by Olympians saved their skin against Churchill and took them to a 2-0 win.
The Rams took it up to the more experienced Olympians for most of the match but cold blustery wind made conditions difficult and both teams went wide shooting for goal.
Play was mostly on the eastern side of the pitch which made it hard to see under the lights.
With only three minutes to play Olympians were able to grab the first goal of the match and added a further at the 90th minute to condemn Churchill to another loss.
Newborough/Yallourn v Traralgon City
Newborough/Yallourn continued on their winning way with another victory, this time over Traralgon City, 2-0.
In a game marred by strong winds and cold weather, Traralgon City were expected to be a lot closer at the finish but the manpower of Newborough/Yallourn was a dominant factor.
It was Newborough/Yallourn’s sixth successive victory over City.
Fortuna v Falcons
It was a big night for Falcons pair Jesse Kennedy and Joey Auciello who both played their 200th game for the club and were rewarded with a 3-1 win over Fortuna.
Falcons again proved a powerhouse but it wasn’t all smooth sailing as Fortuna battled bravely throughout to level scores at 1-1 at half-time.
Jamie Pistrin scored for Falcons in the 20th minute then Fortuna replied through Kuku Mahmoud seven minutes later.
Fortuna came out pumped at half-time and continually attacked, forcing Falcons keeper Charles Simon to save again and again.
Fortuna lost Dylan Cramer midway through the term when he received his second yellow card.
Falcons took the advantage and Jesse Kennedy scored after a good cross from Kevin Carcella.
Fortuna lost Liam McCluskey with a straight red when the last man was brought down which left the Lions with only nine players with 15 minutes to play.
Falcons didn’t take the advantage and repeatedly lost possession.
However, more manpower resulted in their third goal when substitute Gianni Salvatore snuck one through the legs of Andrew Hayden.
Fortuna continually plugged on and two near misses towards the end could have made a big difference.
The reserves match was a goalfest with Fortuna winning 6-5 after leading 4-0.
Sale v Trafalgar
As expected, Sale were big winners over Trafalgar, 5-1.
Sale were too good in the conditions and put together many set plays to bamboozle Trafalgar.
The game could have resulted in an even bigger blowout if not for the many good saves by the Trafalgar keeper.
Monash v Moe
In the local derby Monash disposed of neighbours Moe on the tiny Monash ground, 3-1.
The victory was hard-earned with both sides attacking throughout, but the windy conditions meant play was error-riddled.
State League South East Three
Morwell Pegasus had to be content with a draw against Malvern City in terrible conditions on Saturday, 2-2.
Pegasus led 2-0 at half-time with goals to Paul Kuol and Alpha Turay but Malvern City fought back to score twice and level the contest at 2-2.
The draw is Pegasus’ second in three matches.
Round five preview
Falcons v NYU
In the match of the round, the two unbeaten teams face off in what is crucial match for both.
Newborough/Yallourn haven’t beaten Falcons in league matches since 2014.
The defence of both teams has been their redeeming factor so far this season.
Newborough/Yallourn guardian Damien Gilbert has yet to concede a goal while Simon Charles has let just one past against Falcons.
Both teams boast strong strikers with Jesse Kennedy, Jamie Pistrin and coach Nick D’Alessandro all capable of scoring for Falcons while Newborough/Yallourn are reliant on Dylan and Mark Fairbrother, Shayne Pavich and Steve Birrell.
Newborough/Yallourn have scored 17 goals for the season to date while Falcons have netted 12.
Coach Clayton Bell is back on deck for the visitors and his on-field presence has led Newborough/Yallourn to the top of the table.
Moe v Olympians
Olympians, winners of their last two against Moe, are confident of victory this weekend.
Olympians were pushed by a feisty Churchill outfit last week but came away with the 2-0 win.
Moe went down to Monash last week but could bounce back and be competitive against Olympians.
Trafalgar v Monash
Trafalgar are at home to a rampaging Monash, who squashed Moe last week and are on track for three in a row.
Trafalgar have yet to settle this season after a great effort last year and the loss of prominent players has weakened the structures. They have the capacity to topple Monash but whether they do or not is anyone’s guess.
East Gippsland v Sale
Sale travel to Bairnsdale this weekend to take on East Gippsland.
The Swans have a good record over the Eagles and have won five of the six played. Sale have scored big so far this season and there is no reason why they can’t expect to score again against the Easterners.
Churchill v Fortuna
Churchill and Fortuna will play off in a special Anzac Day fixture on Wednesday and will vie for the Anzac Trophy.
Churchill clinched the 3-2 win in their 100th competition match on the same day last year.
Fortuna are looking a top side while Churchill is among the stragglers.
Fortuna coach David O’Dowd has enjoyed a superb season to date and the club’s new recruits have showed plenty.
They played well against Falcons on Saturday night with only nine players and will need to reshuffle the team to replace the loss of two experienced players.
Churchill came within three minutes of a drawn match against Olympians at the weekend. The match between Churchill and Fortuna will be broadcast on Gippsland FM.
