Above: Doveton midfielder Gary Davidson controls the ball with precise touch as he is stalked by a United defender.By Glen Atwell
DOVETON has strengthened its stranglehold on the Football Federation Victoria State League Three ladder after beating cross-town rival Endeavour United 2-1 at Reema Reserve on Saturday.
Doveton affirmed its position on the top of the ladder, but the predominantly United-based crowd did not leave disheartened.
It was clear Endeavour was outclassed by the finishing touch of Doveton, but United dominated possession for most of the game.
Endeavour was fielding four 17-year-old players, an impressive feat on its own, made even more remarkable by the number of chances the team had on goal.
Doveton striker Marc Davidson scored the only goal of the first half, but Endeavour struck back after the break to equalise the local derby and spark life into the boisterous crowd.
But Davidson’s second goal in the 80th minute sealed victory for Doveton and left United coach Carlos Retre to rue lost opportunities.
“We had so much ball in the first half and the closest we got was hitting the crossbar,” he said.
“To Doveton’s credit they forced their way back into the match and took their chances when they presented.”
Despite the loss, it is clear that United is only one player, or a finishing touch, away from success this season.
Endeavour occupies fourth on the State League Three ladder after four wins and two losses while Doveton remain on top with six wins and one loss.
Retre said United’s away game against Nunawading this Saturday would give his young side another chance to improve.
“We’re playing good soccer,” he said.
“With time and patience we’ll be there at the end of the season, there’s no doubt about it.”
Saturday’s reserves game was marred by a serious injury to United player Wajid Baryalai, who broke both the bones in one of his legs after a ferocious tackle from an opposition player.
An ambulance was called and transported Baryalai from the pitch to hospital.
Doveton is on the road again this Saturday, travelling to Sandringham.
In other State League Three matches, Springvale City lost to Morwell Pegasus 2-0.
Springvale has won just one game from six starts this season and has slumped to second-last on the ladder.
Berwick City lost 2-1 against Sandringham City, Matthew Nitz scoring for Berwick.
