Sale United Football Club made the trip to Bairnsdale last Sunday for round eight of the Latrobe Valley Soccer League, and proved too good for East Gippsland United in another tough and bruising encounter.
It’s always a tight match when the traditional rivals face off and this clash was no different.
The Eagles went in with a third of the squad unavailable due to injury and illness, but still focused and keen to take the game right up to their foe.
Sale made a strong start and an early penalty goal spurred it on, scoring its second goal after just 12 minutes.
The Eagles’ midfield worked hard to send the ball forward but found it difficult to get anything past the Sale defenders with any balls that made it through deftly saved by the Sale keeper.
Sale scored again at 24 minutes, flicking a loose ball into the net, before play levelled out with neither side able to gain much advantage as the fight for possession continued.
An opportunity finally opened up for the Eagles deep into the first half (42 minutes), Oscar Bury putting the Eagles on the board after the Sale keeper came out to intercept the ball.
Bury was able to flick the ball over the keeper’s head and put it into the net off the bounce to score.
A couple of close attempts followed for the Eagles but there was no further score before half time.
As in previous weeks the Eagles found better playing rhythm after the break and lifted the intensity of the game.
While the Eagles defenders worked hard to block the Sale attack, Lachlan Dare was consistent in the midfield working with his teammates to send the ball forward with Bury and Josh West putting pressure on the Sale defenders.
Dare came close to scoring on two occasions but sent the ball over the top of the goal, but he finally broke through after 87 minutes, his perseverance finally rewarded.
With the clock ticking the Eagles continued to attack but another penalty for Sale at 89 minutes sealed the win for the visitors 4–2.
Player unavailability also had an impact on the reserves with some players having to take on different positions to fill in the gaps.
At the start of play, Sale was able to take control of the game and scored in the first 10 minutes.
The Eagles settled into the game slowly, but were hindered by their tentative passing which was consistently cut off by the opposition.
With play mostly in Sale’s half, the Eagles defenders had to work hard to block the Sale attacks.
Scoring opportunities were on target for the Eagles but were stopped by the Sale keeper.
The Eagles started the second half with a goal from Harry Padula, this lifted the Eagles’ spirits and there was nearly a second goal moments later among the scrambling in front the net but the ball was kicked clear by a Sale defender.
The Eagles’ confidence grew as they increased their possession of the ball, creating opportunities for Padula and Lachlan Feather but they were unable to convert from their chances.
Other loose shots at goal led to easy turnovers and keeper Jason Steele was kept busy by the Sale attack at the other end.
Sale scored its second goal at 76 minutes when the ball skimmed Steele’s outstretched hand to find the bottom right hand corner of the net.
The Eagles tried valiantly to level the score in the remaining minutes but Sale was able to hold on to win 2–1.
In a thrilling encounter against the Falcons in Morwell, the under 13s emerged victorious with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
The match showcased the skill and determination of both teams, making it an excellent spectacle for spectators.
Throughout the first half, both teams battled fiercely for possession, with the Eagles enjoying more goal-scoring opportunities.
However, they were unable to break through the defence, thanks in part to the talented Falcons goalkeeper.
The second half saw the Eagles maintain their dominance, increasing their possession and shots on goal.
Finally they found success netting a crucial goal late in the second half.
In the closing minutes Falcons mounted a strong attack, but the Eagles’ goalkeeper made a crucial save, preserving their lead and ensuring victory.
Rhys Rodriguez emerged as the standout performer for the Eagles, earning the player of the match award.
His relentless work ethic and exceptional midfield play were instrumental in the team’s success, with his movement both on and off the ball setting him apart.
The under 15s went on their winning way, scoring an emphatic 13-0 victory over Traralgon City Black at home.
The Eagles scored seven first half goals, with Rayner Bonifacio and Jesse Williams opening the scoring early.
Both players scored multiple goals in the first half, ably assisted by the hard-working Eagles team.
Before the half time whistle Dion Strydis beautifully positioned in front of the net scored yet another goal for the Eagles.
During half time the coach Aaron Williams swapped the midfield Eagles players to defence.
Traralgon City Black’s defence and their goalie fought hard, however, they were no match for the Eagles midfield players who were determined to score goals.
Creative goal scoring appeared to be the theme in the second half with a header into the goal by Bonifacio and not long after a header pass by Williams to Bonifacio resulted in a further goal.
Hirahni Hudson was triumphant scoring her first goal of the season, her efforts seeing her awarded the player of match award for consistent play and hard work on and off the ball.
In this week’s matches, the seniors and reserves make the trek to Morwell to tackle Fortuna on Sunday, while on Saturday the under 13s are at home to Churchill United and the under 15s are away to Fortuna.
