First win for under 12s
Gippsland United enjoyed solid results over the weekend, highlighted by the under 12s side’s first win of the season.
Pre-NPL U12s: GUFC defeated Casey Panthers 3-0
Gippsland travelled to face Casey Panthers. United were fast out of the blocks, dominating early possession and setting up a number of shots, keeping Casey’s keeper busy.
Sid Box drove the midfield forward, assisted by Blake Breheny, with Dino Grbic and Hudson Reiss combining well up forward.
The game truly begun in the second half, with Sid Box opening the scoring.
Oliver Lee, Lewis Manzo, Beckham Bremner and Ryan Ogg were solid in defence, starving Casey of scoring opportunities.
Both Romeo Vitale and Quinn Asmussen were solid in goals.
Harry Lee made an impact, running hard down the right side and connecting passes with Lucas O’Dowd. Dino Grbic put United up 2-0 with a great strike.
Isaac Sharp got on the end of a great string of passes to put the boys 3-0.
Pre-NPL U13s: GUFC defeated by Bentleigh Greens 0-3
Gippsland’s under 13s faced league leaders Bentleigh Greens. With two players out, it was looking like a challenge for United.
Ultimately, the game was decided by a few defensive errors and missed opportunities.
United hit the pitch hard in the first half, keeping up with the Greens. However, the boys struggled to convert control of the play into a goal. A quick turnover sent the ball forward into the path of the Greens’ striker who slotted the ball home.
The second half saw United create chances. The defence held firm, but an unanticipated couple of chaos balls resulted in a 0-3 loss.
JBNPL U14s GUFC defeated Kingston City FC 2-0
Gippsland eased into a 2-0 win over home side Kingston City on Sunday.
Fraser Smith was a seemingly unstoppable in defence. A well-timed pass from Mitch Dastey found striker Jett Koppen, who sent the ball flying past the keeper for Gippsland’s first goal in the sixth minute.
Declan Ryan continued his strong form in the midfield, setting up several chances.
Kingston City were met with composed saves from Harrison Ritchie every time.
Henry Knight capitalised on a pass to the right from Jett, sending the ball flying into the box where Bill Prior finished it off.
This was Gippsland’s second win.
JBNPL U18s GUFC defeated by Kingston City 0-4
Gippsland travelled to take on second placed Kingston City.
Despite the loss, Levi Colantuono took control in the midfield, with defensive efforts from Ben McCartney and Lucus Vick.