There was late drama in Western United’s NPL 3 meeting with North Sunshine Eagles while Calder United looked to move one step closer to the NPLW Premiership against Bayside United.
Western United NPL 3 Men’s Under 21’s
North Sunshine Eagles 1-3 Western United
Goal scorers: T.Pisani (8’), G.Siamoa (23’), R.Gomes (43’OG)
Western United’s Under 21’s side wrapped up third place on the table with a 3-1 win over North Sunshine on Saturday afternoon.
Vaughan Coveny’s men were on their way early when Thomas Pisani scored in the eighth minute before Greg Siamoa doubled the advantage 15 minutes later, taking his season tally to 23.
An own goal just before half-time had United in a comfortable position heading into the break, but the home side looked to strike back early in the second period.
Ajdin Nikaj emerged off the bench to score and breathe some life into the game for North Sunshine, but United managed the remainder of the contest to claim the three points, before Box Hill United’s loss to Melbourne City confirmed third spot would belong to the Green and Black.
Western United NPL 3 Men’s Senior’s
North Sunshine Eagles 3-3 Western United
Goal scorers: Y.Panakos (39’), O.Lavale (90+1), K.Kaddour (90+3)
There was late drama in the Senior’s clash later on Saturday as Western United continued its pursuit of a top four finish for a chance to earn promotion to NPL 2.
Yianni Panakos produced another big moment in the 39th minute when he bent in a superb free kick to give his side the lead, but the hosts equalised right before the break from the penalty spot.
North Sunshine themselves needed a win to have any sort of chance of making the playoffs and took the lead in the 69th minute through Akira Udagawa before Nicholas Epifano seemingly killed the game off .
But United has mounted some sensational comebacks this season and pulled another one out of the bag, with Oli Lavale and Khoder Kaddour both scoring in injury time to rescue a 3-3 draw.
The point means United remains in fourth and needs at least a draw in its final match to secure a playoff position, while a win could potentially see the side leapfrog Victory into third.
Calder United NPL Victoria Girls Under 19’s
Bayside United 1-4 Calder United
Goal scorers: O.Anderson (4’), N.Colosimo (14’), A.Ramel (45’), F.Iaria (52’)
Calder United’s Under 19’s kick started a fine day at Bayside United with a comfortable 4-1 win to remain in control of the Premiership heading into the final two weeks of the season.
Olivia Anderson struck early for her second goal in as many weeks before the lead was soon doubled by Natasha Colosimo.
Anastasia Ramel made it 3-0 before half-time and Fiorina Iaria struck just after the interval, taking her level at the top of the golden boot race with 18 goals for the season.
Bayside did pull one back shortly after but Calder was well in control of the contest, cruising to victory and ensuring it remains top of the table.
Calder United NPLW Victoria Senior’s
Bayside United 0-4 Calder United
Goal scorers: S.Fogarty (20’OG), M.Taranto (25’), E.Robers (37’), R.Deralas (57’)
After securing a fifth straight NIKE F.C. Cup Final crown last weekend, Calder picked up where it left off, scoring three times in the first half on route to a commanding 4-0 win over Bayside United.
The first was an own goal that flicked off Sienna Fogarty’s head after Alana Cerne floated a free-kick into the box, and five minutes later Melissa Taranto sent a curling effort into the roof of the net to make it 2-0.
Calder made good use of its set pieces as Emma Robers glanced home a header from a corner just before half-time, and the lead would be extended once more in the second half.
Latching onto Elle Talevski’s header after goalkeeper Alyssa Dall’Oste had sent the ball long from the back, Raquel Deralas got behind Bayside’s defence and superbly lifted a bobbling ball over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Despite a number of other chances going astray, it was a routine win for Calder who can clinch the Premiership with two wins this week – first against Box Hill United on Wednesday, and second against South Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.
