Laurie Williams
SOCCER
LVSL
Monash proved the better side against Fortuna under lights on Saturday night, 2-1.
The Wolves adjusted better to the conditions with a crosswind making it difficult for both teams.
It took 21 minutes for Monash to break the usually strong Fortuna defence to score the opening goal through Jesse Davis.
It was tough going in the conditions but Monash weathered the storm as Fortuna tried to get an equaliser.
One minute into the red zone Monash were awarded a penalty and Shawn Lawrence made no mistake.
Fortuna, now 0-2 down, fought hard in the next few minutes and were rewarded with a goal three minutes into injury time from Oliver Spiteri.
Newborough/Yallourn v Sale
Newborough/Yallourn continued to show their dominance on top of the table with a clinical 3-0 win over Sale.
The league leaders were on the board within nine minutes from Hayden Tanti.
It was expected NYU would push Sale aside but the Swans were competitive, however, wasteful.
The home side was able to add another goal at 16 minutes from Alex Van Vliet and their third came from an own goal by Sale in a defensive ricochet at 54 minutes.
The Swans hung on and, to their credit, stopped Newborough/Yallourn from scoring again but the damage had been done.
Olympians v Moe
Olympians won their second in a row over Moe to strengthen their fourth position on the table, 2-0.
Olympians have been the quiet achievers so far and are confident of doing well come finals time.
The last time they played it was a 1-0 victory, but this time around, goals either side of half-time were their savior while keeping Moe to no score.
Goals by Tony Pardo at 31 minutes and Henri Scott at 89 minutes secured the three points for Olympians.
Traralgon City v Churchill
Traralgon City kept the pressure on the top team Newborough/Yallourn with a hard earned victory over Churchill, 3-1.
The Rams battled but it was Traralgon City who proved the better team at the finish.
It took nearly an hour for City tobreak through the Rams’ defence when Tommy Nguyen scored from a free kick.
Traralgon City added a further goal 10 minutes later from DJ Matar.
Churchill were down but not out and seven minutes later got on the board with a goal from former Traralgon City ace Liam Johnson.
City scored again right on 90 minutes from Jake Budija to run out 3-1 winners.
Falcons v Trafalgar
Falcons were untroubled during their big win over Trafalgar, 5-0.
Falcons took control of the game at the 11-minute mark through Nick D’Allesandro, then it was the Jamie Pistrin-show as he added four goals to his already impressive tally to get within two of the league leader Hayden Tanti (15) and give Falcons a big win.
LVSL women
Third-placed Monash and second-placed Fortuna fought out a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Other drawn games between Olympians and Moe (1-1) and Sale and Newborough/Yallourn (1-1) also featured in the round.
The only big winners were top team Traralgon City who had a 4-0 win over Churchill and Falcons got the points over Trafalgar, 4-2.
Round 13 previews
Falcons v Traralgon City
This weekend’s clash between Falcons and Traralgon City should be the match of the round as the visitors look to defend their second spot on the ladder.
Falcons are next in third but will be trying to bridge the four-point gap.
Traralgon City won the last meeting.
Played: 39, Falcons: 19, Traralgon City 16, drawn: 4. Last time: Traralgon City 3-1.
NYU v Trafalgar
Top plays bottom in a one-sided match up with Newborough/Yallourn expected to beat Trafalgar.
Played: 9, Newborough/Yallourn 9. Last time: Newborough/Yallourn 4-0.
Fortuna v Moe
Fortuna have a chance to pick up points over Moe but the two are matched, meaning the winner is all but assured a top-five position.
Played: 113, Fortuna 49, Moe 38, drawn 26. Last time: 2-2 draw.
Sale v Monash
Although Monash are only one place above Sale on the table they are separated by 12 points.
Monash has had an up and down season but need to win more in the second half.
Played: 91, Sale 28, Monash 43, drawn 20. Last time: Monash 2-1.
Churchill
Although there is only five points between Olympians and Churchill it is Olympians who are starting to put together some good performances.
Played: 79, Churchill 36, Olympians 35, drawn 8. Last time: Olympians 3-1.
