Disappointing defeat for United

The weekend saw Gippsland United take on Dandenong South at Baxter Park, Warragul, while the Boys Youth State League sides faced Port Melbourne at Ronald Reserve, Morwell.
Senior men
Gippsland United's hopes of promotion and a third-place final standing are now all but diminished, following a disappointing 1-0 loss to Dandenong South.
The loss saw Dandenong South become the first side to defeat United at home in seven matches and more than 100 days.
Despite the setback, the young United side has plenty to be proud of after a 2026 season that has provided valuable experience.
With just two matches remaining, United will look to finish the season with the momentum they have built throughout the year.
Reserve men
The reserve men bounced back in style after a tough loss last week, securing a convincing 4-2 victory.
Brody Demagistris led the charge with a brilliant hat-trick, while Ethan Biljna also found the back of the net.
Dandenong South managed two goals of their own, but United controlled the match from start to finish. A dominant performance saw United deservedly claim all three points.
Boys Youth State League
Under 18s
The under 18s played out a tight and competitive contest, with neither side able to find a breakthrough.
Both teams defended well and created a closely fought match, but the deadlock remained intact through to the final whistle, with the points shared in a 0-0 draw.
Under 16s
The first half was an even contest, with neither side able to gain the advantage.
Port Melbourne stepped up the pressure after the break, scoring three goals.
Clay McCann-Diston pulled one back for United, but no further goals followed, with Port Melbourne claiming a 3-1 win.
Under 15s
After a scoreless first half, Blake Breheny broke the deadlock early in the second.
Neither side could add another goal, allowing United to claim a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Under 14s
United opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Brody Sherburn won possession in his own half before working the ball forward to Jayden Ryan.
Ryan then drove forward under pressure before finding the back of the net.
The second goal came from an outstanding corner by Alexander Olijnyk, whose delivery found Ryder McGregor in prime position to head home.
United held firm from there to secure a well-earned 2-0 win.
Under 13s
United got off to a flying start, with Cruz Pavich scoring inside the opening minute.
Port Melbourne equalised just before half time, but after the break, United lifted the intensity and took control of the match.
Tayt Talerico and Riley Nankervis both scored as United secured a convincing 3-1 win and all three points.
Pre-Boys Youth State League
The under 12 boys travelled to Elwood and claimed an impressive 5-0 victory.
Noah Haddock bagged a brace, while Asher Gilbert, Jonah Bennett and Jake Kaminski each added a goal in a convincing team performance.
Metro Development Squads
Under 10 boys
The under 10 boys continued their winning streak at a home game at Baxter Park against the Clyde Stallions.
With their coaches' unwavering support and leadership, the team supported each other throughout the game, showcasing outstanding teamwork and strategy.
They displayed excellent tactical awareness and passing accuracy, rewarding them with six goals in the first half.
Continuing to work like a well-oiled machine in the second half, the boys were able to steal the game with an impressive 9-4 win.
Goal scorers: Harvey Mac 2, Harvey Kerrigan 2, Alfie Hunt, Fred Macfarlane, Deakin O'Dea, Beau Tomlinson, Ollie Gorton.
Under 11 mixed
The under 11s played alongside the under 10 boys at a home game at Baxter Park against the Casey Comets.
With an injury and no sub, the team were down a player but were determined to keep fighting, and in true team spirit, they were helped out by one of the under 10 boys in the second half.
Despite their efforts and a great goal by Bastian, Gippsland were defeated by the Comets 5-1.
Under 12 boys
The under 12s were back in winning form this week, taking on Dandenong Thunder at Baxter Park and bringing home an impressive 5-1 victory.
Under 13 girls
The under 13 girls also played at Baxter Park on Sunday and, in true Gippsland United spirit, were joined by one of the under 11 players who stepped up to help the team out.
Facing second-placed Mount Eliza, the girls may have gone down 2-0, but they never gave up and made their opposition work hard for every goal.
Under 15 girls
In the last but not least junior game at Baxter Park on Sunday, the under 15 girls took on Mount Martha and claimed a 2-0 victory.