SOCCER

LVSL

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT and JOE AUCIELLO

 

AND so it arrives.

The final round of action in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League took place over the weekend, and yet we still haven’t determined who will claim the trophy for 2024 in the senior men’s division.

 

Newborough/Yallourn United 2 def by Falcons 5

IN what ought to have been the final round of the regular season for both clubs (more on that later), Latrobe Valley Soccer League league title aspirants Falcons 2000 travelled to Burrage Reserve, Newborough to face an in-form Newborough/Yallourn side that had won three of its last four games and were looking to upset their more fancied opponents on a beautiful winter’s day for football last Sunday.

Although it was the home sides last game of the league campaign, their opponent had one eye on their rescheduled fixture against Moe United tomorrow (Thursday, August 8) evening that, with all going well in this fixture, would be a defining match for their league title chances.

And so it would transpire as the away side comfortably took the three points in 5-2 final score.

The Round 18 clash wasn’t without moments of frustration and angst though, as the Combine threw everything they could at their more fancied opponents.

Falcons started like a house on fire, quickly going two goals up as veteran Nick D’Alessandro and Kuku Mahmoud gave their side what seemed like an insurmountable lead.

But, to the home sides credit, they continued to play a risky brand of football that saw them at times have four up front and they fortuitously halved the deficit as a deflected Mark Fairbrother shot left Falcon’s goalkeeper Charles Simon wrong footed.

Just before halftime the game would change, as Newborough/Yallourn’s Ash Birrell was given his marching orders as a late tackle on Josh Patterson was deemed serious enough to warrant the harshest of penalties, although on first glance it seemed a harsh decision on the experienced Birrell.

At 2-1, Falcons were in control, but they knew they had to put the game to bed early in the second half. Whist the Birds came out firing, time and time again they failed to convert their chances.

Falcons finally got their third goal as D’Alessandro helped himself to a brace with a sumptuous left footed strike, and then unfortunately for the Combine, the wheels fell off as Adam Batt was the second player to be given his marching orders due to dissent.

From there it was all one-way traffic as Moni Eliaser scored two more goals to put the result beyond doubt.

The home side would get a consolation goal at the end as Tim Shaw found the Falcons defence napping and he duly finished with aplomb.

So, it comes down to this.

Falcons will host Moe on Thursday evening at 7pm with their league title fate in their own hands; win and they are champions.

The Birds must overcome a four-day turnaround whilst Moe will be the fresher of the two sides as their game against Tyers didn’t proceed due to the latter forfeiting.

Irrespective, the Morwell side seldom use excuses, and this is just another hurdle they must overcome in what has been a riveting season of Latrobe Valley soccer.

 

East Gippsland 1 def by Fortuna 8

FORTUNA smashed East Gippsland United, 8-1 to conclude the season on top of the ladder for now.

The Orangemen will have to hold off celebration as Falcons 2000 still await to play their final game against Moe United after it was called off in Round 17 due to an unplayable pitch.

That game has been rescheduled and will kick off at LC Sports Stadium tomorrow (August 8) with all sorts of stakes attached.

It’s simple. If Falcons win, they claim the league.

Fortuna will be barracking for Moe, in with the hopes of holding onto top spot and the league title.

However, in their final game, Fortuna’s Damon Scott added a goal to his total season tally to finish seven goals clear for the golden boot with 29.

 

Churchill 3 drew with Sale 3

BOTH Churchill United and Sale United finished their seasons with little to celebrate after finishing in a 3-all draw at Hazelwood South Reserve.

The Rams held a 1-nil lead after halftime but Sale responded with a huge three goals in the second half to collect some points by season’s end.

Both sides had two goals from Jayden Unmack (Churchill United) and Isaak Jondahl (Sale United).

Churchill (win-loss-draw record of 5-9-4) finished in sixth position whilst Sale (4-8-6) finish ahead of Newborough/Yallourn (5-10-3) in seventh.

 

Olympians 5 def Monash 1

NOTHING was on the line in the match between Traralgon Olympians and Monash except to finish their year on a high note.

Olympians did so, winning 5-1 on their home turf.

Alradi Ali concluded the year with a hat-trick along with goals from Guguei Malual and Andre Antonopoulos.

The Traralgon side (10-5-3) finished the season clear fourth on the table, which included a couple of scalps, with Monash (7-7-4) finishing behind them in fifth.

 

Women’s

Sale United was presented the women’s championship trophy, making it back-to-back triumphs for the Swans.

The LVSL is still calling on prospective referees looking ahead to next season and for the upcoming cup games.

Those interested are encouraged to visit: footballvictoria.com.au/become-a-ref