By Stuart Teather
NOBLE Park United had a tough day out in State League Three South East competition, going down to local rival Berwick City 3-1 on Saturday.
United was on the back foot from kick-off as Berwick City pressured its defence and the defenders could not hold out.
Berwick City’s Daniel Walsh got the breakthrough and his side held the lead heading into the break.
It was more of the same in the second half, with Jusuf Pekmezovic and Jonathan Ash both converting, before Ljubisa Medic provided some relief for United fans with a late goal.
Despite the result, Berwick City coach Joe Carrol was full of praise for his opponent.
“They’ve got some quality players; ability-wise they’re excellent,” he said.
In other results, Springvale City picked up a 2-1 win against Nunawading City at Ross Reserve.
Springvale went ahead 2-0 in the first half and held on for the win, allowing the side to keep its one-game buffer over Southern Suburbs at the top of the ladder.
In State League One, Southern Stars went down 1-0 to Pascoe Vale at Hosken Reserve.
Springvale White Eagles also went down, losing 3-2 to Langwarrin at Lawton Park Reserve.
Both sides are in the bottom third of the ladder, with five points each from the season, but that will change this week when the two teams face off in a local derby, at Springvale’s White Eagles Stadium.
In State League Two South East, South Springvale drew 3-3 with Kingston in a high-scoring affair, Dandenong City went 2-2 with Eastern Lions and Heatherton United went down 2-1 to Port Melbourne.
