Top clash ends in draw

By Stuart Teather
IT was a clash that lived up to expectations, with the Southern Stars/Dandenong Thunder State League Division One battle for promotion ending in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
While Dandenong has held second position all season, the Stars came into the match on the back of a hot streak, with six wins in a row making them the form side of the competition.
The Stars had the Thunder on the back foot throughout the first half, but were unable to convert their domination into goals.
The Stars upper echelon was firing, with Colin Quirk looking dangerous every time he touched the ball, and leading striker Sercan Doganay creating a number of chances up forward.
But the Thunder held firm to half-time, and the sides went into the break locked at 0-0.
Stars coach Dean Hennessy said he gave the players a positive talk at the break.
But it was the Thunder that came out the better side early in the second half, as the team found some fire and stepped up its attack, eventually resulting in a Veton Korcarevski goal, which was deflected in off a Stars defender.
Down 1-0, Hennessy said he was concerned his players would throw in the towel, but was impressed the side kept fighting it out.
The momentum swung away from the Thunder, and with less than 15 minutes to go, Doganay stepped up for his team.
Receiving the ball 30 metres out, Doganay took off on a run, beat two defenders and found himself one-out with the keeper.
He drew the Dandenong keeper, waited, and slotted the ball past him to level the scores at 1-1, which would be the final result.
With two games remaining, the draw means as long as Dandenong does not lose, it will be promoted to the Premier League, along with ladder leaders the Sunshine Georgies.
In that case the Stars would be resigned to third place, just out of promotion contention.
Hennessy said he had mixed feelings after the game. “We were outstanding, it was certainly the best we’ve played all season. I think on the night we were the better side, apart from a 15 minute period in the second half.”
Springvale White Eagles fell to FC Clifton Hill 2-1, and need to win another game to ensure they are clear of the relegation zone.
In Division Three South East, Heatherton United ensured it will move up a division next season with a 3-2 win over Springvale City, with Jusuf Pekmezovic scoring two and Alija Karic one for United, while Adis Lolic and Ivan Susnjar both scored for City. Doveton moved into the relegation zone after taking a 6-1 beating from Sandringham City. In Division Two South East, South Springvale put up a strong fight against topside Northcote City, but went down 2-1.