Left: Doveton reserves goalie Jean Maciou flies for a save during the Doves’ 3-0 win over Nunawading City.By Paul Pickering
AN EXTRA-time goal from Leon Buhic saw Doveton take a vital three points from its clash with Nunawading City in Football Federation Victoria State League Three South East action at Waratah Reserve on Saturday.
The match-winning strike from a Ben Walsh cross handed the Doves a much-needed 1-0 victory and keeps them in contention for promotion.
In recent weeks, Doveton has been rocked by the retirement of veteran goalkeeper George Tsianakas and injuries to key players Glen Bristow, Teddy Totsidis and Garry Davidson.
Despite some patchy performances over the last month, the Doves will control their own destiny in the remaining six rounds, playing all three teams above them on the ladder during the run home.
Coach Sam Elmazi has been buoyed by the re-signing of ex-Southern Stars midfielder Reha Ulusoy and is confident his team can regain its early-season form.
“We’re back in it again and it’s in our hands because we’re not just hoping for other clubs to fall over,” Elmazi said.
On ladder positioning, this week’s match-up with cellar-dwelling Fitzroy City should be pencilled in as a win for the Doves, but Elmazi says he will be delighted to take any points way from Fairfield Park.
There were also promising signs from the Doveton reserves last Saturday, who recorded an impressive 3-0 win over their higher-ranked Nunawading City opponents – courtesy of a double from Tom Sutcliff and another goal from Mario Son.
Meanwhile, Springvale City’s seniors scored an impressive 1-1 draw with the top-of-the-table Eastern Lions at Ross Reserve.
Down by a goal at half-time, the Vales struck back through Fikret Korkaric in the second half to take one point from the contest.
Having challenged the league leaders, the Vales travel to Ballam Park to face second-placed Frankston Strikers this Saturday.
