STAFF WRITERS
SOCCER
GIPPSLAND FC
GIPPSLAND FC took on Dandenong Thunder at the weekend.
Under-15
AFTER an even start, Dandenong pinched an early goal to gain the ascendency.
The match then became a dour struggle before a number of defensive lapses near the end of the first-half would see Gippsland go into the main break down 4-0.
The second-half was tightly contested with both sides attacking well again before Dandenong would add another two goals to put the game beyond doubt.
Final scoreline, Dandenong 6 defeated Gippsland FC 1.
Henry Wynne topped off a good game with a well-worked consolation goal for Gippsland FC.
For Gippsland, goalkeeper Jedd Foster and midfielders Hamish Gleeson and Siya Mapiye also fought hard.
They are looking forward to rounding up the qualification round and getting into the season proper which kicks off in May.
Under-18
GIPPSLAND FC’s Under-18 boys took on a strong Dandenong Thunder side with both teams looking for a much-needed win.
With steady drizzle falling, Gippsland started the better of the two teams and created several good chances.
Both Tana Betera and Hayden Berton were dangerous up front and with Dylan Dunstall in a more attacking role Gippsland FC looked to be getting on top.
Midway through the first-half, Dandenong Thunder started to get more of the play with several great shots saved or blocked by a resolute Gippsland defence.
Late in the first-half, Dandenong scored a well-worked team goal, giving Gippsland all to play for in the second-half.
The home team came out hard in after the break, desperately trying to get a goal back.
Brodyn Taylor created chances as too Harry Bettridge.
With the rest of the Gippsland FC team lifting it seemed like a matter of when, not if they scored.
But Dandenong Thunder held on though, handing Gippsland FC a 1-0 loss.
