NYU breaks the ice

Newborough Yallourn United defeated Tyers Lightning 4-2 on the road on Sunday to record its first win of the season.

It was a good start for Tyers as they took the lead early on through Josh Cahill who poked home a corner at the near post 1-0.

The game was back on level terms shortly after as Heydan Cook held off his defender to neatly slot home from inside the penalty area 1-1.

 

Luke Buhagiar then put NYU in front 2-1 after a cross from the left was initially blocked by the ‘keeper, however the ball didn’t clear the defensive area and Luke Buhagiar bundled home from close range.

NYU were constantly getting behind the Tyers defence and their advantage was doubled in the shadows of half time as Jon Davey powered home to see his side take a 3-1 lead into the break.

The second half started the same way as the first ended with NYU creating multiple chances but proving wasteful in front of goal. They did find the back of the net again though as Cook bagged his brace from 12 yards following some good work on the right flank by Jeremy Dunn.

Tyers had also wasted good chances throughout the contest but got reward for effort midway through the second half as a long ball forward from Tyers coach Mark Pavich found brother Shayne who beat the NYU defenders and onrushing keeper Damian Gilbert to reduce the deficit to 4-2.

Shayne Pavich had another golden chance in the closing stages but couldn’t find the target as NYU hung on for a 4-2 victory to lift the club off the bottom of the ladder.

Sale vs Traralgon Olympians

After a disappointing performance against ladder leaders Churchill last round Sale United made amends with a 2-1 win over Traralgon Olympians. 

Sale dominated the Traralgon outfit before a Dave Myall far post cross found utility Ray Allred unmarked to put the Swans ahead 1-0. 

Moments later some neat team play saw Allred beat his marker and advancing Olympians keeper Ben Johnstone only to be denied by the cross bar. 

In the second half the game continued in the same manner, Johnstone making a string of saves as well as clearances off the line. Soon after a near miss by Sale youngster Tommy Nguyen clipped the wrong side of the upright in a frustrating passage of play. 

Against the run of play Olympians scored an equaliser through Aaron Daniels setting up an interesting finish 1-1.

The large Sale crowd urged their team to victory and they weren’t disappointed when the Olympians defence succumbed to pressure an allowed a deflected ball into the back of the net for the Swans to prevail 2-1.

Sale dedicated the win to the memory of club stalwart Ben Piefke who passed away during the week.

Monash vs Churchill

Churchill United defeated Monash 3-1 at Torres Street on Sunday in a scrappy affair.

Monash were without attacking guns Coen Slaughter and Eric Sostak and battened down the hatches over the league leaders with a defensive structure.

In the opening minutes Churchill ‘keeper Jason Sands made a spectacular diving save to deny Daryn Cummings before Luke Van Lambart cleared the Churchill goal line.

The Wolves were content to sit deep and soak up pressure, trying to hit on the counter attack as Churchill dominated possession. 

Rams midfielder Nathan Lugton was twice denied with efforts from outside the box by returning ‘keeper Russell Musgrove.

Churchill broke the deadlock from a set piece as Van Lambart’s kick found Dean Pyle unmarked to side-foot home at the back post.

Churchill controlled the tempo and introduced Luke Cheney off the bench in an effort to double its lead.

Fifteen minutes into the second half Taylor Jackson appeared to be chasing down a lost cause ball before collecting and crossing to Cheney who headed into the far corner 2-0.

Monash hit back ten minutes later as Cummings lashed home after the ball spilled free following a free kick to trail 2-1.

Monash pushed for an equaliser and opened up play which allowed Taylor Jackson a chance in the shadows of full time as his tame shot slipped through Musgrove’s grasp for Churchill to win 3-1.

Falcons vs Moe

Falcons and Moe played out an entertaining 3-3 draw on Saturday night highlighted by a hat trick from Falcons coach Mauro Deluca and a brace from Red Devils coach Lee Dastey.

Falcons started with purpose from the kick off and were duly rewarded with a great run and cross from Sam Amaira allowing De Luca to score his first with a neat finish from ten yards out.

 Moe were undeterred and equalized from a corner to Dastey 1-1.

The birds once again took the lead with Nick D’Alessandro crossing beautifully for De Luca to head home for his second 2-1.

With minutes to go until the half time whistle, Moe were able to equalize with Falcons pleading for an offside call that never came as Kevin O’Farrell finished.

The second half was an even affair and Moe took the lead for the first time in the match with a tight finish at the back post to lead 3-2 through Dastey.

All seemed lost for a Falcons side but they managed to equalise when Amaira was fouled in the box. De Luca calmly slotted home his third and the game ran out even 3-3.

Traralgon City vs Fortuna 

Fortuna defeated Traralgon City 2-1 in a top of the table clash on Sunday with a goal either side of the break.

Andres Nilo and George Fkaris were on song for the Orangemen scoring the two goals.

It was too little too late for City who managed a consolation goal through Dick Bosma medalist Mark Fairbrother to go down 2-1 in only its second loss for the season.

Round 7 Preview

Churchill United (1^st) hosts Traralgon City (3^rd) in a Saturday night special this weekend.  Both sides are full of run and this will be an open attacking match for the neutral observer.

Also on Saturday night Fortuna (2^nd) faces Moe United (7^th) and then on Sunday Newborough Yallourn (8^th) will have its work cut out for it if it is to collect another win when they face the inconsistent Sale (4^th) at Burrage Reserve.

In other Sunday matches Monash (5^th) travel to bottom place Olympians (10^th) and Tyers (9^th) host Falcons (6^th).