Tough day for United seniors
Gippsland United's senior men's team were staring down the barrel of a third consecutive defeat of the Men's State League One season as match week four rolled round.
They traveled to face Springvale White Eagles at the Serbian Sports Centre in Keysborough on Saturday 20 April.
Gippsland's hosts added another blow to their difficult start to the season as Springvale continued their unbeaten streak, the scoreline reading 4-1 at the final whistle with the home side three goals to the good.
After a promising fight back early in the second half, Gippsland weren't able to overcome Springvale who won their fourth straight game.
Gippsland's seniors now haven't tasted victory since match week one against Old Scotch at home.
The game began quite evenly, neither side seeming the more dominant, but as the saying goes "the first goal will be pivotal" and it certainly was.
Both outfits had chances to etch their name on the scoresheet first, but the goal wouldn't come with any immediacy in the game as it arrived later in the first half.
It was Springvale who opened the scoring and to add to Gippsland's woes, before doubling their advantage with a second goal just before half time.
Gippsland weren't without chances in the first half, as Sammy Gatpan and Bryson Tanti both had presentable opportunities to score when it was still tied at 0-0.
But Springvale were the team in the first half that found their clinical edge and for that, found themselves two to the good.
A fast start was needed for Gippsland in the second period of play.
The next goal had to be theirs to have any chance of getting a foothold in the game.
Gippsland had their foot right on the throat of Springvale from the first minute of the second half, winning corner after corner and forcing many fouls out of their opponents.
This sustained pressure on Springvale's defense finally paid off as Jobie Heusmann delivered a dangerous cross into the box.
It wasn't the prettiest goal a football match has ever seen, but the resilient attitude Gippsland showed to keep attacking their opponents should not be discredited, nor should Thomas Ahmadzai's determination to prod the ball over the line.
Always extremely reliable in midfield, Ahmadzai came up trumps for Gippsland, showing why he provides a threat from corners.
They'd found a way back into the game, but two more Springvale goals would dash any hopes of a comeback for Gippsland.
White Eagles' third goal came straight after Ahmadzai's and their final conversion was later in the game, sealing the three points for the home side.
Another disappointing result for Gippsland, but they can take positives from the fact they created chances in front of goal.
They'll aim to take this confidence back to Baxter Park as they welcome two home games in a row over the next two weeks.
Reserves
Before the senior game, Gippsland's reserves experienced a parallel result, defeating Springvale 4-0 and extending their perfect start to the season.
With four wins on the bounce now, confidence is sky high amongst the squad.
After not playing the previous week due to a forfeit, a goal within two minutes of the match kicking off was just what the doctor ordered from Gippsland's perspective.
Paul Cooper was the player who got on the scoresheet first, squeezing Springvale who coughed up the ball in possession.
In a flash, the ball was in the back of their net and Gippsland were in front.
Julian Colantuono would soon add a second. Colantuono timed his run into the box perfectly, meeting a cut back from Daniel Edey to strike the ball first time past Springvale's keeper.
Gippsland then had to soak up some incessant pressure from White Eagles, who threw players forward at will, looking to rectify their poor start to the match.
Gippsland managed to weather this storm, showing tremendous togetherness and defensive discipline in the process.
Much the same as the senior game, the next goal would be crucial.
If Springvale found it first, they would have the momentum to then mount a comeback.
If Gippsland scored a third goal without reply, the game would be all but theirs.
The home side didn't end up registering a goal on the day, as it was Gippsland who scored that next all-important goal.
Brody Demagistris was the beneficiary of some great team pressing as Springvale handed their visitors possession in a dangerous position yet again.
Demagistris capitalised, scoring with a well placed side footed volley from the edge of the box.
Gippsland then topped off their fourth win and first clean sheet of the season, with a magnificent solo goal from Alexnadru Pop.
Starting his foray from left full back, Pop beat multiple players on his way to chipping the keeper, removing any hopes Springvale had of a comeback.
Gippsland's reserves showed no signs of letting up as they remained top of the league, two points clear of the chasing pack.
Gippsland's men's teams now have two home games in consecutive weeks, the first of which will be against Collingwood City FC on Saturday 27 April.
Reserves start the action at Baxter Park from 1pm onwards, before seniors kick off at 3pm.