LAURIE WILLIAMS
SOCCER
LVSL By LAURIE WILLIAMS AFTER a number of weeks where surprise results were as rare as hen’s teeth, Round 9 bucked the trend with Monash upsetting the high-flying Moe United, while Morwell Pegasus came from two goals down to extract a point against Sale. Churchill remain pointless after losing to Newborough/Yallourn and Traralgon Olympians registered their first win of the season against Tyers Lightning. Moe United v Monash Wolves (final score 0-2) WEEK-on-week this article has commented on Monash and how their performances have not translated into points, but that all changed on Sunday as their improvement on the park came to the fore by upsetting Moe on their home turf. Derby fixtures always bring about renewed vigour from the outsider, and with Moe missing star striker Connor O’Hanlon, Moe were a shadow of their recent form. Wolves striker Marcus Krznaric would be the grim reaper on the day as he scored a brace in the first half to give his side a shock 2-0 halftime lead. Try as they might, the Red Devils tried to get back into the game but Monash goalkeeper Logan Troughton would be the hero as time and time again he repelled the home sides overtures. Monash will be buoyed by the result and they will hope that such a performance can be replicated for the rest of the season. Moe on the other hand will be wondering where it all went wrong and must find ways to win when their talisman is unavailable. Sale United v Morwell Pegasus (2-2) AFTER a taxing two-all draw last weekend against Morwell rival Falcons 2000, Pegasus were banking on a comfortable days work down the Princes Highway against the ever-improving Sale United. Unfortunately, the Morwell side’s assumptions were proved incorrect as they were met by a ferocious United side who found themselves two goals up just after halftime. As is often accustomed with the Flying Horsemen, they have the ability to ramp up their efforts within a matter of moments, and they instantly came to life to score two quick goals. Traralgon Olympians v Tyers Lightning (2-1) THERE was joy for the home supporters at Davidson Street, Traralgon on Sunday as Olympians finally broke through for their first win, and points for that matter, of the campaign. Andre Antonopoulos opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 25th minute after Dylan Dunstall was brought down in the area. Flynn Mangion equalised for Tyers two minutes later, before Blues ‘keeper Roy Matthews made a string of important saves to keep scores level as the visitors finished the first half on top. Midway through the second half, Blues coach David Sykes made a tactical reshuffle, moving full back Oliver Saliba up front and it had the desired effect, with Saliba scoring the winner 16 minutes from full-time. After a hard slog in coming back to the senior and reserve men’s ranks, the win will give coach David Sykes and his troops renewed optimism that they can build on the result for the remainder of the season. The win saw the home side move off the bottom of the ladder. Newborough/Yallourn v Churchill Rams (5-0) NEWBOROUGH/YALLOURN were in cruise control at home against Churchill, registering a 5-0 victory that puts pressure on those above them. While the result was comforting, they will find out where they’re at when they face rival Moe United in a fortnight’s time. For Churchill, they continue to fight at all levels but they must wait a week longer to attempt to register their first points of the campaign. Round 10 Preview Morwell Pegasus v Fortuna 60 (Sunday 3pm) MATCH of the round is a tasty one as Fortuna travel to cross town rivals Pegasus. Local soccer fans will remember the last time the teams clashed there was an all out scuffle which resulted in Pegasus being sanctioned with the loss of three points this campaign. Both sets of players will be warned to be on their best behaviour in what is expected to be a thrilling game. Falcons 2000 v Sale United (Saturday 6pm) FRESH off the bye, Falcons will look to continue putting pressure on those clubs around them with a win against the high-flying Sale United after their brilliant performance last weekend. The home side will start the game as favourites, but rest assured Sale will not be travelling just for the sake of it. Monash Wolves v Traralgon Olympians (Sunday 3pm) MONASH will be expected to win comfortably after their outstanding win against Moe last weekend, however Olympians are also coming off a win and will hope to make it two in quick succession. Moe United v Churchill Rams (Sunday 3pm) MOE couldn’t have asked for a better fixture to rebound after last weeks disappointing result as they face bottom side Churchill at home. Churchill will be looking to fight tooth and nail to make it hard for their opposition to take all three points.
