LAURIE WILLIAMS
SOCCER
LVSL
By LAURIE WILLIAMS
IN the first of two catch-up games, Fortuna got three points without even travelling to East Gippsland, as the Bairnsdale side forfeited their reserve and senior matches on Sunday giving Fortuna much-needed points without any effort.
The Lions leapfrogged Moe to go into third position on the table while Moe drop back to fifth after Newborough/Yallourn’s stunning win over Traralgon City.
Newborough/Yallourn created their own history with a 7-0 victory over Traralgon City in the only match played on Sunday.
It was the highest score by United against the Roosters since their first match back in 1997.
Newborough/Yallourn had to defer the first meeting this season against the Roosters due to COVID health and safety protocols.
Sunday’s match was played in ideal conditions and Traralgon City would’ve been looking to continue their good run of form after holding Fortuna to a draw last week.
However, the Combine has rediscovered their 2019 league title winning form as was evident on the weekend.
The home side didn’t take long to start proceedings when they hit the scoreboard after only seven minutes when Mark Fairbrother cut across the defence to drill the ball into the corner of the net.
Some Dylan Fairbrother magic saw him score twice within five minutes to put the home side 3-0 up.
Traralgon City were working hard, but with little reward as the United defenders kept the Roosters comfortably at bay.
A further goal by Alex Van Vliet put a smile on the coach’s face as they raced away to a 4-0 lead by the main break.
Ryan McCluskey and Jake Budija were valiant in their efforts for the Roosters, but Newborough/Yallourn were simply too strong in all areas of the pitch.
Veteran Van Vliet made it a brace after a deft cross from Tristan Zimora, who then followed up with a goal for his team’s sixth.
Van Vliet rounded out the scoring with a clever finish to give him his hat-trick and seal a commanding victory.
WEEKEND PREVIEW
CHURCHILL v TRARALGON CITY (Sunday, 3pm)
IT’S the big 100 games up between Churchill and Traralgon City, two fierce competitors over the years.
But both sides are struggling towards the bottom end of the table, with Churchill (5 points) only one spot higher than Traralgon City (4 points).
The Roosters have the potential to cause a few headaches for the Rams which points to a
competitive game where the honours could be shared.
RECORD: Played 99, Churchill 43, Traralgon City 37, Drawn 19: Last time: Traralgon City 3-1.
FALCONS v MONASH (Saturday, 7pm)
THE feature Saturday night fixture sees second placed Falcons 2000 host Monash.
Falcons are looking to rediscover their winning form after last week’s loss to Pegasus.
Monash, sitting sixth on the table, are traditionally a bogey side for the Birds.
RECORD: Played: 61, Falcons 31, Monash 20, Drawn 10. Last time: Falcons 4-0.
SALE v FORTUNA (Sunday, 3pm)
FORTUNA has had the wood over Sale throughout the years and this should continue.
The Lions weren’t allowed to play their usual brand of football against Traralgon City a fortnight ago, sharing the points with the Roosters.
Sale need to be wary of the deadly Fortuna strike force and the Morwell side will be looking to keep pace with those around them at the top of the table.
RECORD: Played 88, Fortuna 60, Sale 18, Drawn 10. Last time: Fortuna 8-2.
PEGASUS v NEWBOROUGH/YALLOURN (Sunday, 3pm)
THE match of the round is undoubtedly this one as first plays fourth in a match that will have significant repercussions for the league title.
The Flying Horsemen leapfrogged Falcons last time out to reclaim top position on the ladder, but they will need to be equally as strong when they host the in-form Newborough/Yallourn outfit.
RECORD: Played 7, Pegasus 5, Newborough/Yallourn 2, Last time: Pegasus 2-1
EAST GIPPSLAND v MOE (Sunday, 3pm)
EAST Gippsland will face a tough ask against Moe.
The tyranny of distance has been an issue for East Gippsland, who is finding it difficult to field teams, particularly on the road.
Moe is yet to have drawn or lost to East Gippsland, a record which should remain intact.
RECORD: Played 9, Moe 9, East Gippsland 0. Last time: Moe 7-0.
