Tough week for juniors

It was a tough week for Warragul United's junior metro teams on Sunday.

Under 11 boys

United had a tough challenge against a very strong Dandenong City team.

The boys started well, surprising Dandenong with their attack on the ball and it was Warragul that scored first through a good finish by Sidney Box.

Unfortunately, this seemed to wake Dandenong up and a relentless stream of attacks rattled the young United team, conceding four goals in a short stretch of time.

Goalkeeper Jake Vu was under constant attack and did well to save some attempts on goal. Sidney Box worked hard in attacking midfield, linking well with wingers Hudson Riess and Isaac Sharp. However, they couldn't make any substantial impact.

The usually calm Oliver Lee and Jesse Davis tried to repel the Dandenong machine but made uncharacteristic errors in turning the ball over under severe pressure, resulting in goals.

After half-time, coach Stuart Davis made some changes hoping to add some spark. Zach Wilson and Harry Lee came on and worked hard to try and shut their opponents down.

A comprehensive 1-12 loss to the boys was a lesson well learned as they aim to bounce back next week.

Awards: Sidney Box, Jake Vu and Zach Wilson.

Under 13 girls

Warragul faced a tough game playing short with only eight on the field against Mooroolbark.

Mooroolbark came out firing and were strong in the first half. They were kept to six goals by Alana Wilson as keeper, with a single goal scored in the first by Summer Spencer.

Taleah Webb was good in defence with lots of run, multiple defensive efforts and clearances.

Warragul were back in the game after the break, keeping Mooroobark to one goal and Alana teaming well with Summer for the second half together as forwards, with Alana scoring twice.

Asha Earwicker played solidly as always at centre back. The tiny defender was a force to be reckoned in the second half, winning the defensive plays.

Anika Nair was great through the midfield in the first half and got lots of the ball despite pressure from Mooroobark. She was again solid in goals during the second half with a one particularly brave save bringing a round of applause from both sides.

Amelie Williams and Amelia Freeth did their best to stop the run on of the opposition throughout the match with good passes in the middle and pressured defence. Jennifer Coveney had a cracker of a game with smart positioning, great pressure and passes out of the middle.

It was a hard fought game with United scoring first goals for the season in the 3-7 loss.

Under 13 boys

United travelled to Mt Eliza buoyed by last week's big win.

They soon realised this week was going to be different as they came up against a much more competitive team.

Despite dominating large parts of the game, the two goals to Mt Eliza was enough to secure their win and United travelled home empty handed. The result was a 0-2 loss.

The under 10 boys had a bye.