LARA, DUCKS MISS DERBY CHANCES
LARA United and Deakin Ducks shared the spoils in the State League 5 derby after an eventful 1-1 draw at Lara Recreation Reserve.
Prior to kick-off on Saturday, Lara received a major boost when star striker Ben Houston was able to get out of work commitments and take his spot in the starting line-up.
Fittingly, it was Houston who was responsible for breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute after he took the ball the long way and ended up “A goal early would ruin their game plan and they’ll be forced to come out and try and score, and that will help us.” — MASSIMO LUONGO forecasts an early assault as the Socceroos attempt to unlock a stodgy Saudi Arabia in Thursday’s vital World Cup qualifier in Adelaide. beating his defender and Deakin keeper Brenton Walker to walk it in to the back of the net.
Houston’s 11th goal of the season was a superb start and ensured both teams would come out and play, as opposed to sitting back and absorbing the pressure from their opponents.
Recruit Gareth Manson equalised for the Ducks soon after, heading the ball in at the back post from a cross from captain Troy Harrison.
Despite both sides having several chances to score what would have proved the ultimate winner, neither team could do so.
After the game, Lara coach Lindsay Falzon was reasonably happy with the outcome.
“It was a fair result. Both teams pushed for the winner. I think neither team deserved to lose,” Falzon said.
“The game was played in good spirits, even though there were a heap of yellow cards given for simple appealing. I’m happy with the result.
His Deakin counterpart, on the other hand, was rather dis- appointed with his team’s inability to take their chances.
“I’m definitely disappointed because we created enough chances to win,” lamented Deakin coach Colin Raj. “They had a free header at the death that they should have scored so we could have been left with nothing.”
With the season reaching the halfway point next week, Lara’s focus will be on its away trip to 9th placed Melbourne Lions, while Deakin is hosting third last-placed Maribyrnong Greens next Saturday night at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds.