Mixed results in local soccer

By Glen Atwell
THE Football Federation Victoria State League Three South East division kicked into action on Saturday with a mixed bag of results for the local teams.
Endeavour United lost 1-0 against Frankston at Ballam Park, Berwick City were too strong for Morwell Pegasus, winning 3-1, Springvale City smashed Fitzroy 4-1, Doveton went down against Mooroolbark 1-2 and Southern Suburbs beat Nunawading 3-1.
Endeavour United’s loss to Frankston was the most surprising result of the game, but Springvale’s three-goal demolition of Fitzroy also turned a number of heads.
United coach Carlos Retre described the Ballam Park pitch as narrow and small, two attributes that led to the eventual demise of his side.
“It was a tough day, it was a junior-sized ground and the rain was pouring,” he said.
“Our ’keeper probably only had one real shot to save all day and that was the ball that got through.”
“It was a game of defence and it was one mistake that cost us the game.”
Jason Castel was the shining light for United, playing an impressive game in the back half.
United return to Reema Reserve this Saturday to tackle Springvale and Retre is expecting a big effort and a big crowd.
“From all reports, Springvale are flying, they have recruited well, it should be a great game,” he said.
But all the focus is on Waratah Reserve, where local rivals Doveton and Berwick City will square off in a highly anticipated cross-town derby.
Doveton coach Sam Elmazi was disappointed with his team’s loss against Mooroolbark, but was expecting to get back on the winner’s board against Berwick.
“The loss was tough, the pitch was terrible, we had all the play, probably had 30 chances to score, but only managed one goal,” he said.
“We scored in the first three minutes of the game, but made some silly errors and eventually ran out of time.”
Elmazi said he didn’t know much about Berwick, but didn’t really need to.
“I’ve heard all about the big local derby, but who the hell is Berwick?” he asked.
“It’s going to be a big game, but at the end of the day, I’m not fazed by all the hype.”
Berwick coach Tony Saunders said his side needed little motivation to play well against Doveton, but the weekend win against Morwell provided some great momentum.
“It was a very methodical performance and a hard-fought win, we’ll be right to go against Doveton,” he said.