Laurie Williams
SALE United will host Traralgon Olympians on Saturday night at the Latrobe Valley Soccer League season resumes after the Easter break.
The Swans will be keen to add a win to their credit, after going down to Moe United in their most recent league match and losing to Monash in the Battle of Britain Cup.
The Swans matched it for half a game against Moe, but fell away in the second half to give the Red Devils a big 7-1 win, their biggest over Sale since 2008.
The score line was an injustice to Sale, which played well enough without scoring more.
Olympians, back after a two week lay-off, will be keen to get into the action. The 2019 premiers are sitting 0-2 with a goal difference of -5, but are a better side than that.
This will be a make or break time for both teams. The seniors will kick-off at 7pm, with the women from 3pm.
ALSO on Saturday night, league leader Monash will have a tough match against Traralgon City.
Two of the Wolves’ important players, Kyle Jennings and Braydon Paulett, will be available as Yallourn-Yallourn North has a week off in the North Gippsland Football-Netball League.
The pair has scored the bulk of Monash’s goals this season and will be dangerous if let to play their natural game.
The Wolves shared the points with Fortuna in their previous match, but will meet a Roosters side which found some form against East Gippsland United. Jake Budija created havoc against the Eagles with four goals, and with back up striker DJ Matar already on the scoresheet, this season the Monash defenders will be in for a busy time.
MORWELL rivals Falcons and Fortuna will clash in the twilight meeting on Saturday for the right to hold the Italian-Australian Club Cup.
Fortuna has drawn its three matches this season, while Falcons has won two of its three league matches.
Falcons has a few new faces in the squad, notably James Mills, a recognised striker, and Harley Broadbent. Falcons has a steady defence line with Gianni Salvatore, Joe Auciello and Elias Yousif being strong up back.
Keeper Charles Simon will again be hard to pass after impressive matches so far.
Falcons will rely on Nick D’Alessandro, Jamie Pistrin and Tommy D’Alia to be their strike force, while wingers Kevin Carcellar and Shannon Whadcoat are skilful players. Nonda Lazaris is a versatile player capable at either end, and Ryan McAuley and Jordan Kennedy have already scored this season.
The Lions have a capable squad, and all they need is a win to build up confidence. Coach Jordan Campbell is leading by example and with the experienced Shayne Cassar and Heydan Cook backing him up, Fortuna has a good chance.
Damon Scott is a hard worker and with Oliver and Lachlan Spiteri, are in good form.
Striker Hayden Tanti has been unlucky not to have scored more goals and will be a danger man for the Falcon defence, Brandon Scott will also be a hard man to defend against and will give the Falcons a tough time.
CHURCHILL United will host Morwell Pegasus on Sunday.
With a win and a draw so far this season, the Horsemen are a fast combination, but have trouble getting the ball into the net with four goals from their three games, but Churchill hasn’t scored in its two games.
MOE United will host Newborough-Yallourn United in the match of the round.
Moe keeper Peter Albanese only allowing one goal so far, but will be under pressure from the NYU attack, which includes the Mark and Dylan Fairbrother, Ash Birrell and coach Clayton Bell.
The Red Devils have been well-served by Sam Litzau, who got a bag against Sale, and Matt Shearing, who is dangerous around the box. Ty Georgiou and Jobie Heusmann have been among their best so far.
Damien Gilbert is a class keeper, but the Combine has leaked four goals, and will need to tighten its defence if it’s to replicate its 2019 form and finish league champion.
EAST Gippsland United will have the bye.
