STAFF WRITERS
SOCCER
GIPPSLAND FC
GIPPSLAND FC welcomed Melbourne City to Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Stadium in Morwell on Sunday.
UNDER-15
A CHALLENGING match up for the Under-15s against a Melbourne City FC development squad.
Gippsland had their moments however the weight of MCFC possession eventually told, running out winners 0-5.
Gippsland challenged early in the first-half, taking the match up to their more fancied rivals early on.
City managed three goals in the middle of the first-half which saw the Gippsland boys lose confidence and go back into their shells.
Reinvigorated after half-time, the home team was able to mount more of a challenge throughout the second half.
Goal scoring opportunities would elude them though, as City was able to snag a couple of late shots to put the result beyond doubt.
Gippsland keeper Jedd Foster was massive throughout this game; defensively, Angus Dempsey was creative and Lucas Halden was stoic all day.
Up front Cadel Weston and Spencer Boughton ran all day to develop scoring opportunities.
UNDER-16
The “Melbourne City round” is always a difficult match for Gippsland – both mentally and physically.
Playing against a true powerhouse like Melbourne City is both an inspiring and challenging ask for the boys but they worked hard this week to improve their game play ensuring they achieved the goals and aims set by their coach.
The Under-16 teams continues to improve week upon week with this week seeing a lot more of the ball in our forward line, presenting more shots on goal.
One of these attempts certainly found its place in the net.
A corner from Brody Demagistris that crossed the front of goals and found the head of Ronald Kong at the back post, who headed it in comfortably.
Although some players stood out in patches, it was a consistent team effort.
Unfortunately, Gippsland FC was beaten by a more skilled team on the day with Melbourne City winning 9-1.
UNDER-18
The Under-18s took on an unbeaten Melbourne City side at a wet and miserable Morwell.
With the home team themselves looking to continue their own good form Melbourne City knew they wouldn’t have the game their own way.
The slick Melbourne City outfit were handling the conditions better and looked the more likely to score with only some great defense from Dylan Dunstall and Harry Bettridge keeping them goalless.
The pressure was immense from the visitors and eventually they would score their first and second in quick succession the latter being an unstoppable thunderbolt.
Another goal to Melbourne City just before the break would see Gippsland FC three goals down at half-time.
Gippsland FC held their own against the dominant Melbourne City team for almost the entire second half with new Gippsland recruits Connor McGivern and Cain Leyland showing why they were selected in the squad with both of them being involved in some promising moments throughout the second-half.
Gippsland FC would however concede a goal late in the game, giving Melbourne City a 4-0 win.
THIS WEEK
Gippsland FC plays Bentleigh Greens on Saturday and backs up two days later at home to Oakleigh Cannons on the Monday public holiday (March 14).
