Doves run rampant over Vales

DOVETON humiliated Springvale City 9-0 in the final round of Football Federation Victoria State League Three South-East action on Saturday, condemning the hapless Vales to an off-season of soul searching.
Striker Leon Buhic ran rampant for the Doves, netting five goals to take his season tally to 24 – second only to Frankston’s Simon O’Donnell.
Three of Buhic’s goals were scored from supremely taken free kicks, complemented nicely by a double from Brian Murphy and singles to Reha Ulusoy and Gary Davidson.
The Doves’ late-season rally, however, was only enough to elevate the team to third place on the ladder – four points shy of promotion.
For Springvale City, the embarrassing loss summed up a disappointing season in which the Vales recorded the worst goal difference of any side in the division at minus 24.
Meanwhile, Endeavour United’s fall from grace became complete on Saturday as it suffered a 3-2 loss at home to Sandringham City and fell five points short of promotion.
United, which led the league at the midway point of the season, was a shadow of its former self in the final round, with three defensive errors costing as many goals.
Hardeep Garcha was United’s only shining light, scoring a pair of impressive headers.
At Jack Thomas Reserve on Saturday, Berwick ground out a 0-0 draw with Southern Suburbs to finish in ninth place.