Another win for United
Gippsland United enjoyed a memorable day at Baxter Park on Saturday, claiming victories in both senior men's matches against Peninsula Strikers while celebrating the club's Past Players and Supporters' Day.
Gippsland United enjoyed a memorable day at Baxter Park on Saturday, claiming victories in both senior men's matches against Peninsula Strikers while celebrating the club's Past Players and Supporters' Day.
The eniors produced another impressive home performance, defeating Peninsula Strikers 4-1 to remain within touching distance of third place.
Bayden Heusmann was the standout, scoring all four goals, including two spectacular strikes in the space of just two minutes to put the match beyond doubt.
The victory made it six consecutive home wins for the seniors, who now enjoy a bye before a crucial final month of the season.
The reserves produced a superb comeback, recovering from a two-goal deficit to secure a gritty and well-deserved 3-2 victory.
David Pop scored a brilliant goal, while Brody Demogistris netted a brace to complete the turnaround and earn Gippsland all three points.
Off the field, the club was thrilled with the outstanding turnout for its Past Players and Supporters' Day, with past players, supporters and families creating a fantastic atmosphere throughout Baxter Park.
The day also showcased the strong family culture that continues to define Gippsland United, with brothers from the Colantuono, Nardone, Dastey, Pop, Hili, Heusmann and Jones families featuring across the senior and reserve squads.
The club extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a success.
Celebrating those who have helped shape Gippsland United's history while supporting the current generation of players is something the club is incredibly proud of.
Boys Youth State League
The Boys Youth State League sides hosted Ashburton United, producing several impressive performances across the age groups.
Under 18s
The under 18s produced an outstanding result, securing a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Ashburton United SC, with goals from Mitchell Dastey, Patrick Frayne, Max Wookey, Nick Gafa and Declan Ryan.
Under 16s
Gippsland went down 4-1, with Avan Macdonald scoring Gippsland's lone goal.
Under 15s
The under 15s produced a dominant display to record a 5-0 victory, with five
different players finding the scoresheet: Arlo Court, Beliu Belieu, Jack Marino, Sidney Box and Isaac Sharp.
Under 14s
The under 14s secured a convincing 3-0 win.
Alexander Olijnyk delivered an early corner that found Ryder McGregor, who powered home a header to open the scoring.
Shortly after coming on as a substitute, Brody Sherburn made a strong run down the left before finishing brilliantly from a difficult angle to double Gippsland's advantage.
The third goal came from a Logan Scott free kick, with Yen Ruey heading home to complete the victory.
Under 13s
Despite controlling much of the match and creating the better chances, Gippsland found it difficult to convert their opportunities.
Ashburton struck first before Riley Nankervis produced a composed finish to level the scores.
Ashburton defended well in the second half, preventing Gippsland from finding a winner as the points were shared.
Pre-Boys Youth State League
Gippsland's under 12 boys went down 5-3 to Dandenong City in a hard-fought contest.
Across the club, it was another positive weekend, with strong performances, plenty of goals and a fantastic celebration of Gippsland United's proud history and bright future.
Metro Development Squads
Under 10 boys
Gippsland United vs Pakenham
This was a very one sided affair against a Pakenham team who, although unable to field a full squad, gave a very good account of themselves and played as well as they could given the circumstances.
As usual, Gippsland started very strongly and took a three-goal lead into half time thanks to two goals from Freddy McFarlane and a special strike by George Hunt. Everything the boys did on the day was very much team-orientated.
Early in the second half, Freddy completed his hat-trick in what was a stellar performance on the wing.
Harvey Kerrigan continued his fine form in front of goal, scoring two well-taken goals.
In what will be a massive boost to confidence, Alfie Hunt also found himself back among the goals with two of his own. The scoring was rounded out by goals from Deakin O'Dea and Beau Tomlinson.
Assists: Beau T, Deakin O, Alfie H, Sasha W, George H, Freddy M.
Under 11 mixed
Unfortunately, opposition side Keysborough were unable to field a team, so the match did not proceed.
Under 12 boys
The Gippsland boys travelled to face Endeavour United and came away with a well earned 3-1 victory.
Under 13 girls
The Gippsland United under 13 girls put on an amazing performance against ladder leaders Seaford United.
Billie Wedrowicz was outstanding, working tirelessly and making a big difference across the pitch, even coming agonisingly close to scoring with a header.
Mary Burke showed great determination and never stopped fighting for every ball.
Goalkeeper Leona Petrie was exceptional, saving a series of brilliant shots throughout the match, including three outstanding stops on the edge of the box.
The score remained 0-0 at the break after a determined first half from the entire team.
With a positive team chat and some half time lollies, the girls were ready to take on the second half.
Although Seaford managed to score two goals, Gippsland never stopped fighting. They kept their heads up and continued to encourage one another, coming off the pitch with a 2-0 loss, but smiling as though they had won.
It was a wonderful morning with fantastic support and encouragement from the parents on the sidelines, and with the girls performing a celebratory dance routine, showing the incredible team spirit that makes this group so special.
Under 15 girls
The Gippsland girls played away against Mount Eliza, showing great determination and teamwork in a competitive 1-1 draw.